I Am

I began writing the lyrics for the album the summer of 2014. After the success of my first project “Eyes Wide” in 2013, I wanted to write new songs about where my life was now taking me and then share them with the world.

I first wrote Face Front as a goodbye to my old life. It’s probably the “toughest” sounding on the album – recording it at least 5 different times. I then wrote the lyrics for I AM – a tribal chant, of sorts, to remind me of my value in life (I needed the reminder, and still do). I AM was originally going to be a 12 minute pulsating dance beat with just the 2 words “I AM” sung over and over. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy this version better – and there are more words.

My writing process always started with a song title. Then I’d write lyrics to fit the story behind the title. I found a different approach half way through the album when I met Harriet Schock, legendary singer/songwriter. I loved learning Harriet’s method to write meaningful songs – she’s simply brilliant. Memories That Time Forgot was my “final project” receiving her enthusiastic approval. Afterwards, I went back and rewrote most of the songs. Lyric revisions were heavy for Unlike You and So Long Mr. Nice Guy – both songs hitting close to home which were about the break up with my long time partner.

Throughout, I also wanted to write inspirational songs telling stories about making your dreams come true. Bouffants & Beehives is about a young drag queen in West Hollywood trying to figure out if she wants to settle for her comfortable life that she knows, or does she go after the grand prize? With Sweat & Testify, the brilliantly talented Debra Wilson (Mad TV) and award wining singer/songwriter Kelly Fitzgerald lent their vocals on this song about making “it” happen for yourself, instead of waiting for others to come and help you when all you do is whine and complain all the time.

Numbers Game is a cute little country ditty and the shortest song on the album. Witch Sisters Halloween features 3 crazy castaways I meet on a beach and their story about life in Hollywood. Kelly Fitzgerald and Laura Fipps-Speth were my guest “witches” for the chorus and background vocals, and, frankly, scared me to death! (Thank you ladies, you were great!)

Gay Wedding came to me late one night after finishing Rated G Radio, my wildly popular weeknight talk radio platform. I was in the middle of reading an article on Marriage Equality when White Wedding came on the radio. I thought to myself, “Self… someone should write a fun song about gay marriage like White Wedding.” The light bulb went off. I got out my pen and paper to began rewriting the lyrics for my LGBT friends. “It’s A Nice Day For A Gay Wedding..” Thankfully, Billy Idol’s publisher approved my adaptation to his classic 1982 hit. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Billy Idol! Billy, if you’re reading this, it was great to meet you at the LA Times Book Fair. I hope we’ll share the stage soon to sing a mash up of the song – the Grammy’s or MTV Music Video Awards are coming up…

Finally, Blond Jesus. Why Blond Jesus?!?! Why!?!?! “You can’t write a song with Jesus in the title!” (yes, I can) “You’re gay!” (thanks for noticing) “You’re making a mockery of Jesus!” (no, I’m not) People will talk! (good –let’s get some dialogue going). So here it is folks… I’d wrapped up Gay Wedding and the album was “done” in December 2014. I was attending a celebrity’s Christmas party in Hollywood. My blond hair was flowing and a fresh George Michael 5 o’clock shadow causing a stir. Several of the guests I was yet acquainted with kept asking, “Where’s the Blond Jesus guy?” It left an impression and by the time I got home – the song was practically written. News stories at the time shared ridiculous claims like “God hates you because you at a cheese sandwich!” “God hates you because you’re not the right color!” “God hates you because you don’t love the right person!” “God hates you because…. (fill in the blank).” What they spewed wasn’t the God I know. My God loves me. If Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and we are all children of God, aren’t we all, in our own way, God’s messengers? So here’s my message: Let’s be messengers for good. That’s Blond Jesus. That’s this album. Regardless of who you are – I hope you will enjoy each of these songs. I hope you’ll find them fun, uplifting, motivating, reflective and something you’ll enjoy listening to for many years to come.
Thank you Thank you Thank you
Garrett

Extra Special Thanks to:
Billy Idol – Iconic Rock Superstar, for the permission to record my adaption of your classic White Wedding for the LGBT community. Brian Pothier – one of the most talented guitar players ever, for expertly producing this project with the patience of a saint. Bill Cinque – vocal coach and master bass player, for gently shaping this diamond in the rough and always giving me sound business advice. Athena Murphy – vocal coach, for giving me new tools to work my instrument with. Kelly Fitzgerald – amazing singer and songwriter, for your encouragement and always bringing your fans to their feet. Debra Wilson – beautiful soul and powerful voice, for eagerly shining your light.

Chip– For being a mentor and trusted friend. David– For the freedom to fly away to pursue my dreams. Marcus– For keeping me accounted for. Rebecca– For telling me it’s going to great, long before I was ready to believe it myself. You must be psychic. Eric, Bill, Sookie, Jenny & Angie – For loving me more than even I can believe. I am one lucky puppy papa. Gary Miller – you are my World’s #1 Dad for believing in me without question. You are a great man and I continue to learn by your example.

Special thanks to Lori Rapone and Anita Lanning for being strong, amazing women.
Special thanks to RJ Tolson and Nolan Kabrich for showing me many ways to be hip and cool.

For everyone who has offered a kind word during the creation of this album, please know your encouragement helped me to leap forward and begin living the life of my dreams. I am grateful to each of you.

Believe and Receive. Attract and Allow.

Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Garrett