Gemini George is an Armenian-born guitarist, singer-songwriter most known for his dreamy acoustic ballads, multi-genre guitar solos and energetic performances. George is a classically trained guitarist who uses variety of techniques including finger-style, slides and various picking techniques.
Gemini George started writing songs from the age of 17 and has compiled albums-worth of unrecorded material which he considers his mission to produce them. He likes to consider himself a Rock’n’Roll artist. “Genres never should limit the songwriting as feelings are the catalyst of the process” – in his own words. Speaking of genres though George’s songs can be categorized from acoustic folk songs to heavier blues-driven Garage Rock anthems.
Gemini George was the frontman of Joker, Thief & Knight with whom he toured and recorded music in China. George is currently based in the US and is working on his debut album called “Gems”.
*Photo credits to Evan Finn – http://www.finnlarge.com/
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
I can definitely pin on a few major life events that shaped my mindset.
1. Seeing Elvis on TV at the age of 9 and deciding that I want to play the guitar.
2. Appearing in the US as an exchange student at the age of 16 and getting immediately hooked on to the music scene. I was playing in local venues, busking on the streets, actually earning money and realizing that I could make it happen here.
3. Writing my first song at the age of 17… it became my soul food… I shifted my attention from playing sheet music to more inwards – my feelings, and finding ways to express them through original music.
4. While in China I formed a band called Joker, Thief & Knight which rose to a relative popularity in the scene. We were touring, recording and just having the time of our lives.
5. So finally I decided to make my second try to coming back to the US and starting everything all over again… But this time it was going to be full commitment to music, prioritizing it over anything, basing any decision off of it and just delving into it on a more professional level.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
I’m not sure if it’s right to compare myself to established musicians who are my heroes, but it’s definitely fine for me to cite them as influences. In terms of guitar-playing, my idols are Jimmy Hendrix, Jimmy Paige, Ritchie Blackmore, Jack White, David Gilmour, Paco De Lucia and many other guitar masters. In terms of songwriting I’ve been fascinated by John Lennon from early ages, later on Elliott Smith became influential. I’ve also been really interested in Kurt Vile more recently. Among others I’d like to list Bob Dylan, Kurt Cobain, Oasis, Arcade Fire, Muse, and RHCP.
What separates me from everybody else are my experiences and cultural background. I’ve lived abroad for the past 7 years. I speak 5 languages at different levels of fluency. I’ve taken a lot of ethnic and folk influences through my travels. My story and my journey I guess is what sets me apart.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
Up until now I’ve been living in countries with a limited Rock’n’Roll audience, limited recording opportunities and markets where you would never make it. On top of that, due to poor economic conditions in my country and mandatory army duties, I was obliged to continue my education to the level of PhD to get exempt. I couldn’t take a gap year or even a gap month. Parallel to studies, always had my daytime professional job too. As many of my friends and family would say these hardships made me stronger and let me see the world. However, honestly I wish I could have jumped into the music scene earlier. But so was my life.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
The beauty of this process is that it’s never the same. Sometimes it comes so quick that you just grab the nearest piece of paper – a lecture or electricity bill doesnt matter, you gotta be quick, inspiration doesn’t always just linger in the air for you to get all that comfy. When you look back at the process you’re sometimes astonished how it was possible to write a whole song with lyrics in less than 5 or 10 minutes. I consider these songs the most magical ones.
Other times though the process can be a lot more moderated. I usually go through cycles. If I’m in the songwriting mood or phase of life I will pour many songs in a week or two. So the first ones would be more impulsive, then when I’m still not emptied out I will create the environment around me to write more lyrics or songs.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
I believe it’s fairly simple in theory… work hard! And smart! Have an active blog and social channel to share content on daily basis.. You gotta be inventive with your content, so good videos, catchy material, and the right targeting. Finding your own niche target although there is more competition now, there are definitely a lot more tools for us aspiring musicians to connect with audiences. I wanna say “network, network and network” however I don’t like that word, so I’m just gonna say make friends! Getting out there and playing shows is another thing too. Being a recording artist is amazing, but nothing compares to performing live… in short, work hard and never give up! Execution is key! Perfection should be in moderation!
6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
There are pros and cons to both scenarios… and I’m not too principal. It’s more about being in music and continuing to grow as a musician and playing more shows. The business side of it comes second.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
I’ve had my own share of love and hate relationship with social media. I even took a complete break from posting anything for 11 months. As of now I’d like to consider it as a great way to connect with like-minded people and fans. It would be completely ignorant to avoid the usefulness of social media as a marketing tool.
What I’m more worried about in the current music industry is monetization. It’s getting harder and harder for musicians to earn a living by just being a recording artist. I still have to learn the rules of the game better. But I do think that there is a shift for musicians to better monetize on their creations.
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
I don’t want to call anyone a “sell-out”. When you put any creation out there, you’re showing your very own self. So if singing about booties is your thing, go for it. Of course, we’re all dreaming of a hit single that’s gonna blow the charts. To me, it’s more important to be myself in the whole process. But I’m human and prone to changes too. As much as I believe I’m not following trends, subconsciously I do and am trying to find ways to be relevant for this generation but not sacrificing my values.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Well well… this may sound like the dream come true or my wishlist, but it is what I’d like to be… being an established recording and touring artist with an awesome entourage! Did I miss anything? You know, you gotta be careful when you make those wishes cause they do come true and then you’re like “why didn’t I ask for more? Damnit!”