Interview with Gavin Hayes of Dredg

by Rebecca Clark and Diana Kou contributing
Static Noise
http://www.staticnoise.net

“I hope our listeners are inspired to create and to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and the human conscience.  That is our message as well.” ~ Gavin Hayes

In my world of music there are only a handful of bands that truly inspire me through their lyrics, passion and dedication to their craft, and Dredg is high up on my beloved band list. “I hope our listeners are inspired to create and to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and the human conscience,” Gavin Hayes singer/guitarist/lyricist said.

Yes, I am one of their listeners that turns to their music for inspiration. Listening to one of their albums is food for my soul.

Dredg’s music is simply amazing to the core. It’s effortless, artistic, different and refreshing compared to all the bands that get continuous airplay on the radio. Dredg released their fourth studio album in June called The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion and I must say that ever since I got my hands on a copy I simply can’t get enough.

I wasn’t sure how to take “Ireland” until Gavin said that “Ireland” was one of his favorite songs on the record “because I am a fan of sarcasm.” Gavin's humor and love of sarcasm all makes sense after learning that George Carlin was one of Gavin’s heroes!

On October 1st in NYC you can witness Dredg history in the making by attending the Book Club event that Spin Magazine will be presenting to Raise Money for HIV/AIDS. Gavin said “It hasn't happened yet but I feel that our collaboration with the author Salman Rushdie this October will be our biggest achievement to date.”

Even though I have only had the opportunity to see Dredg perform a few times live, I am a big fan. If you don’t take the time to check them out you will be truly missing out on one of the music industries’ precious resources, or should I say under appreciated resources? (and this advice is coming from “music snob” ME!)  Dredg is a rare breed of music that keeps rising above and beyond mainstream music.

Be sure to check out Dredg on tour with the RX Bandits and tickets go on sale for their collaboration with Salman Rusdie on August 24th!

Myspace -Official Site -Twitter

Q&A with singer/guitarist/lyricist Gavin Hayes:

Static Noise: What made you want to become a musician? Was there a defining moment?
Gavin: I think it was the desire to be able to play metal riffs on a guitar.

SN: What was your first instrument, how old were you, and how did you get it?
Gavin: Guitar.  I was in 5th grade.  It (Yamaha SE110 with a tiny Fender combo) was a gift from my parents.

SN: How did you guys learn to play were you self-taught or did you take lessons?
Gavin: Dino was a trained pianist, Mark and Drew were self taught, and I taught myself at first, but took lessons later on.

SN: Most artists have goals of being played on the radio and hopping on big tours, but since your band is a little different what goals do you have for your band and music? (Have your goals as an artist changed since you first started performing?)
Gavin: I believe our main goal now is to sustain this lifestyle and to continue to be able to write records that we are proud of.

SN: How do you think you have grown as a performer and musician since first started playing?
Gavin: I was terrible at first and I would like to believe now that I am at least a little above average.

SN: Since your music is more creative and “artistic” rather than mainstream, what do you want your fans or people to take away from your music?  Any certain message that you’re trying to send out?
Gavin: I hope our listeners are inspired to create and to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and the human conscience.  That is our message as well.

SN: Is there anything you know now about the music business that you wished you would have known when you first started out?  (Any lessons learned the hard way).
Gavin: I wish I knew how difficult it is to monetize a product in this industry.

SN: What has been your biggest achievement so far?  (it can be personal or career related)
Gavin: It hasn't happened yet but I feel that our collaboration (http://www.housingworks.org/events/detail/spin-presents-liner-notes-with-salman-rushdie-and-dredg/) with the author Salman Rushdie this October will be our biggest achievement to date.

SN: Who is your hero/inspiration?
Gavin: George Carlin

SN: Where do you want to be 5 years from now?
Gavin: Fishing on a beach in Portugal.

SN: Take me back to the first time you performed on stage together…where was it? What were you feeling? And how did it go?
Gavin: It was in high school at a talent show.  We performed a Sepultura cover that actually went over really well.  We rehearsed the song to death.

 
SN: What can fans do to help spread the word about you guys? Are you planning on anything special with your hardcore fans to get them more involved in helping you?
Gavin: Drew, our bassist, is conducting a scavenger hunt for our fans at the moment.  Regarding how they can help?  We can only hope that our fans will spread our music to their friends and family as I feel that word of mouth is the strongest and most loyal promotion.

SN: Your first night touring with RX bandits, you pulled out a song from years back: zebra skin. How was that performance for you, as a band, and can fans look forward to more songs you haven't played in years / rarities / b-sides, etc. somewhere down the line?
Gavin: It felt refreshing to play that song again and, so far, the reaction has been positive.  We are trying our best to offer new and rare material this tour since we were just through a lot of these markets a few months ago.

SN: Which song on the album means the most to you? Why?
Gavin: “Ireland,” because I am a fan of sarcasm.

SN: It's indisputable among concert-goers, fans and newbies alike, that your live performance is flawless -- each member seems to being their own, incredible vibe to the stage in a like, expressive form between vocals and instruments. What do you do to prepare for shows?
Gavin: We have a few drinks, then I have a tea with honey.  No group prayer or chants.  We are all over the place.  Very scattered and unorganized, but it works.

SN: What have been the most exciting, personally rewarding moments of creating?
Gavin: Seeing progress and growth in our career, musicianship, and creativity. 

SN: Which one of you twitters the most? What is your opinion of it, do you think it helps keep in touch with fans?
Gavin: On a personal level, Drew.  As dredg, Drew and I Tweet the most.  I feel like any connection even if distant is beneficial to the band and appreciated by fans.

SN: Do any of you have a cause that you believe in/are involved with (like ASPCA for example?) and why?
Gavin: The Market Street Revival project in San Francisco, because I am on the board.  Its goal is to use advertising and corporate dollars to help create a new arts district along a blighted 3-block stretch of Market Street in downtown San Francisco.  It will use digital billboards similar to those seen in Times Square to help fund new art galleries, clubs, and educational art/music programs and schooling for inner city children...mainly from the Tenderloin.

SN: What is your favorite color? Tell me about it.
Gavin: Green.  It is calming and organic.