The fact that all bars, restaurants, clubs etc have been closed down since the middle of March hasn’t stopped the fantastic musicians on Lanzarote doing their very best to continue to share their music with you.
We wanted to find out more about the people who’ve entertained you over the years, so we’ve asked questions such as how they’re managing to keep music alive, if they’ve got a lockdown song, and what messages they have for family, friends and fans. We’ve also included their social media details so you can check out any videos you might have missed.
First published in Gazette Life, May 1st 2020.
What type of music do you perform?
Everything – my gig depends on audience requests.
How are you keeping going with your music?
Writing and recording songs. Doing live shows on Facebook on Wednesdays at 5pm and Sundays at 4pm. Making guitar lesson videos.
What message do you have for your friends, family and fans?
Stay safe in these hard times and if you need me, I’m here.
Which artists inspire you the most?
People I know inspire me most:. David Byrne from Mescalito, Chapman society, a few bands like that from my past. On Lanzarote, it’s Rory and The Island, Jon Gold & Mick Bennett in the Craic n Ceol, Albert, Pedro & Conor in the Electric Island and many more artists.
How did you start out in music?
As a child, it was always there. Stories told to me of my father, and Don Baker, the great blues artist was played to me in my buggy to get me to sleep.
Do you have any tips for beginners?
Take your time and enjoy it. If you play what you don’t like just to learn it, it will be a struggle. There is no wrong way to play a song – just your version of the song.
What are you missing about not playing live gigs?
The excitement when you pick a song at a particular time and it just works and becomes an amazing night.
Is there any venue in particular that you miss playing in?
All of them at certain times. I love the afternoon gigs – it’s a different vibe and more interactive.
What’s your lockdown song?
I wrote one that I have given to Conor Sloane to work on about our situation – a bit more uplifting.
How do people watch or contact you?
Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: mickgarrymusic.
Email: mgmusic15@gmail.com.
