Interview with Gary Murray.

This week I interviewed Velvet Blue Music recording artist Gary Murray. Gary may be more well known as the main creative force behind the band LN, also on the Velvet Blue roster.
I've had the privilege of interviewing some great bands, but this week's interview is special to me. I've listened to LN since their first release many years ago. I am the proud owner of everything Mr. Murray has ever released, including CD's, EP's, seven inch records, and even his compilation appearances. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan.
Gary's music is something special. Most of his songs are beautifully slow, and almost always melancholy, yet somehow there is a romance to everything he's released. His distinctive voice combined with the mellow musical arrangement is so soothing that I confess I've often drifted into a peaceful sleep as I listen to an LN album. I highly recommend that you listen for yourself. Enjoy the interview, and don't forget to visit Gary Murray at the links below.
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Brax: As a long time fan of LN, I've always wondered what those two mysterious letters stand for. Any chance you'd reveal that meaning now?

Gary Murray: The blame for that one goes to Velvet Blue Music chief, Jeff Cloud. When I sent the original recordings for the early records, I was using the name "Love Neptune." Somehow the whole thing was shortened to LN before our first appearance on a Velvet Blue sampler. I think the response from that track sort of solidified my place in the VBM family, so we continued to use it. I wish there were some elaborate tale behind the name, but it was simply a choice made by someone else. I'm still rather fond of it though. It is quite mysterious.

Brax: What music project are you currently working on?

Gary Murray: The new LN record is nearly complete. A noisy, sweeping, steampunk opus. I'm quite excited about it. We're taking a bit of a break right now for various reasons, but I'm hoping it will be done by winter. I'm also working on a solo country record which I hope will be out sometime in 2010. I use the term "country" very loosely there.

Brax: What sets a Gary Murray solo album apart from an LN album?

Gary Murray: Right now, nothing. The whole split was, for me, a way to separate the folk and country stuff I do from the dreamy side that LN is known for. I think the line will be more distinct with the future releases.

Brax: What planet, other than Earth, would you most like to visit, and why?

Gary Murray: Wow, I haven't really thought about that. I still haven't explored as much of this planet as I want to. I guess, perhaps, Jupiter. Possibly not Jupiter proper, but the Galilean moons. I really don't have an answer to the why part. I find it quite interesting that the first rocky exo-planet was confirmed the day I did this interview. Perhaps you should ask that question again after October 2nd when the final report on that is published.

Brax: When are you coming to play a show in California?

Gary Murray: No plans.

Brax: Well, I'll have to do something about that! What's your favorite album or EP you've ever released, and why?

Gary Murray: No favorites. They all have strong points and weak points. I try not to dwell on that sort of stuff. I just make the record, and move on to the next project.

Brax: iPod, CD, Vinyl, or other? Why?

Gary Murray: I guess I use CD's more than anything. I love vinyl, but records are rather hard to control in the car. I freely admit that I'm not a fan of the whole downloadable music and the MP3 format. I avoid computers and all the gadgets as much as possible. iPods and the like just annoy me.

Brax: What was your best live show ever?

Gary Murray: I haven't played many shows, so I can't really say.

Brax: How do you feel about robots?

Gary Murray: They're not very good conversationalists. But then again, neither are emu. So, my theory is that until someone creates a robotic emu with great oratorical skills, I'm reserving any opinion.

Brax: Any advice for others trying to “make it” in music?

Gary Murray: Just make music for the sake of music. If you make a living at it, good for you. I never counted on that though. I just wanted to make music the way I wanted. Unless you have tons of cash to blow, I would recommend having a decent job that allows you time to make music. Its tough out there. Thousands of people scrambling for the same dime. Just believe in what you do and hold that as the only necessary reward. I would have loved to "make it" in the industry and I wish I had the secrets to share. Hell, I've been doing LN for over a decade now and I may have made a thousand dollars or so over that time... but I can honestly say that I have no regrets.

Brax: Anything else you’d like to add?

Gary Murray: Cephalopods!

Visit Gary Murray:
www.myspace.com/gemurray
www.cdbaby.com/Artist/LN
Tell him Brax sent you!
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Thanks to Gary Murray.
Check back next Wednesday for my exciting interview with Writ on Water.

Brax.