Crimson Moon: How did you get started?
Greg: I started playing guitar right before I turned 12 back in 1982. It was on an acoustic guitar but after a year I saved up my allowance and was able to buy an electric guitar. It was a Les Paul copy, I’ve been hooked ever since.
Crimson Moon: What kind of music do you play?
Greg: I mainly play rock/metal but also perform as a classical guitar player as well. As I say that, when I have time, I like to sit in and play jazz and blues with other musicians as well.
Crimson Moon: How has the fan response been?
Greg: Social media has been great for this during the pandemic. I’ve been able to reach and talk with so many people around the globe and it’s been so awesome. The response has been great so far.
Crimson Moon: How many albums/CD’s have you released?
Greg: To date I have around 25 under my name Greg C. Brown, which includes blues, rock, metal, jazz and even classical, I’ve also been hired to play on other CDs as well, then of course there is my metal band Age of Fire which keeps me very busy as well.
Crimson Moon: Tell me about some of the songs on the latest CD?
Greg: So my latest CD, GCB, is a retrospective disc covering tunes from the 80s until today. It is over an hour’s worth of music. All original instrumental tunes. The big single from that is Building 7 which is inspired by the structure on 9/11 that fell much later in the day. Lots of theories as to why.
Crimson Moon: Who writes the music? Lyrics?
Greg: I do both, music and words. I find inspiration so many places. Usually, I’ll have a picture of topic that resonates with me and then I start flushing out ideas, lyrics. No two songs are ever written the same way.
Crimson Moon: And where do the lyric ideas come from?
Greg: Recently, they’ve been coming from literature, history and current affairs. I like that with a lot of bands growing up, songs that make you think and learn. So much to choose from.
Crimson Moon: Has the Covid Pandemic impacted you at all?
Greg: Yes, there was a while where we weren’t allowed to play. I have written a ton of music during this time and working on getting it all out into the world, very excited about things coming up. My band Age of Fire had its last full length disc Shades of Shadow come out in February 2020, which was probably the worst time to release a disc unknowingly. Who knew what happened was coming? We are currently working on an EP called Through the Tempest which will be out in the Spring.
Crimson Moon: Do you have any side projects?
Greg: I’m currently finishing up my Masters in Music Composition and graduate this August. That’s been my pandemic side project and it has been great creatively speaking. Right now, I’m writing a string trio which should premiere this Summer and a piece for electric guitar and string quartet which will premiere in August. I’m not sure which is my side project, I like to stay busy and push myself in different directions. I feel it helps me overall as a composer and songwriter.
Crimson Moon: What is the music scene like where you are from?
Greg: Originally, I lived in South Florida which has an amazing scene. I was so grateful to grow up there. So many genres were celebrated equally in the community and people came from everywhere to see live music. Where I live in Central Virginia, there is no real infrastructure for heavy music so I’m pushing hard on the web and after graduation I plan on playing shows in the outskirts.
Crimson Moon: Who are some of your musical influences?
Greg: So many. AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Dio, Savatage, Van Halen, Nevermore, Black Sabbath, Queensryche, Overkill, just to name a few. But beyond the metal/rock world I love Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Stevie Ray, B.B. King, Beethoven, Paganini, Sor, Bach, I just love music that resonates with me.
Crimson Moon: What is the mood when you play live?
Greg: My mood is excitement not sure I can speak on behalf of the audience. As a songwriter/composer there is no bigger thrill to perform your music in front of other people. I can be scary. You are vulnerable and open about what is on your mind but to have that well received by a crowd is the greatest feeling in the world to me.
Crimson Moon: Have you ever played in another country?
Greg: Yes, some of my favorite times as a performer. I’ve played across Europe, and Canada. Can’t wait to get back at it soon.
Crimson Moon: Do you do anything special warm-ups you do before you play live?
Greg: When I’m playing my electric not too much. If I’m playing a classical/flamenco gig I will definitely try to warm up some. Scales and maybe some difficult passages in the program coming up.
Crimson Moon: What made you want to be a musician?
Greg: I could never sit at a 9 to 5 job. I was moved by music more than anything, I couldn’t not do it. Even a bad day as a musician is still a pretty good day. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Crimson Moon: As a musician what advice can you give to fellow musicians just starting out?
Greg: Practice and get familiar with the business side of things. It will help you go a long way. There is so much to being an artist today beyond the music. It’s a marathon, you have to be committed to the long haul. You have to love it and be happy with what comes your way. Things don’t usually happen as you think they would have and that’s ok 😊
Crimson Moon: What does the future hold for you?
Greg: More music. I’m not sure exactly what in the long run but I can guarantee you more music and love shows.
Thank you so much for the interview and I hope to talk to people over social media or in person. Cheers!
Contact him at:
https://gregbrownguitar.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/GCBguitar
https://gregcbrown.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3veNlLwU7oktfWCbxTd05w
