A Chat with Gary Liverakos (18.03.23)
Bringing a dose of old-school blues-rock to modern-day audiences, singer-songwriter Gary Liverakos is turning heads with his hard-hitting music. We speak with Liverakos about his debut album Gary, future plans, what he does in his spare time, and more!
OSR: What made you decide to pursue a career in music?
Liverakos: I think music is a drug. No one makes you do it. You’re hooked for life once you try it. Music has always been a powerful force in my life. The soulful melodies and captivating rhythms from a young age enchanted me. As I grew older, turning to music became an escape from life’s struggles and difficulties. When it came time to pursue a career, there was no question – music was my only path. After years of practice and dedication, I can now share my passion with the world. There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to make music that resonates with others.
OSR: What inspires you to make music?
Liverakos: Music has always been a way for me to express emotions that I can’t put into words. Creating music helps me channel my innermost thoughts and experiences whenever I feel overwhelmed by pain and suffering. It’s a form of therapy allowing me the freedom to explore myself and discover something new with each song. Through music, I’m able to convert hurt into hope and suffering into strength – an opportunity that nothing else could provide. In short, it’s a pain inside of me that inspires me to make music.
OSR: What can you tell us about your album Gary?
Liverakos: Gary is a story of resilience and hope. It chronicles the journey of someone who has been deeply hurt by betrayal but finds a way to rise and rebuild. Through this album, I’m hoping to help others realise that even in our darkest moments we have the capacity to find the light within ourselves and keep moving forward. Each song is designed to capture these feelings and deliver an uplifting message about finding strength in adversity.
OSR: What is your creative process?
Liverakos: My creative process starts with listening to people and their stories. I find inspiration in their experiences, their pain, and the emotions they express. From there, I begin writing, finding the right words and melodies that capture those feelings and turn them into music. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of sorts as my songs come together bit by bit. Finally, they take form on paper or in the studio. My goal is always to make music that conveys something authentic and meaningful – a message of resilience and hope.
OSR: If you could change one thing about the album, what would it be and why?
Liverakos: If I could change one thing about the album, it would be to focus more on uplifting messages of hope and resilience. While some songs capture those feelings, I feel like a stronger focus on them could genuinely drive home the message of strength in adversity. It’s important to me that my music conveys hope and resilience, encouraging people to keep going even in difficult times.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Liverakos: Through my songs and stories, I aim to capture the essence of emotion and experience with an authenticity that resonates deeply. I hope that people can take courage from my music, find strength in adversity, have faith in their journey, and find grace through future challenges. Ultimately, I want people to find a sense of peace, compassion and understanding for themselves and others.
OSR: What do you do in your spare time?
Liverakos: In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my son. We often play games together or go for walks in the park. When I have free time, I like to read books, listen to music, and jog around the neighbourhood. I also volunteer at a local charity organisation once a week. Taking care of my little boy as a single father is an incredibly rewarding experience, and it brings me so much joy.
OSR: What is your worst habit?
Liverakos: My worst habit is succumbing to cravings for sweets. I know it’s not good for my health and well-being, but I just can’t seem to help myself! To try to counterbalance this bad habit, I make sure to include lots of fruits and vegetables in my diet, exercise regularly, and find other ways to treat myself that don’t involve sugar.
OSR: If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, what would it be?
Liverakos: If I could live in a book, TV show, or movie, it would definitely be The Pursuit of Happiness. To me, it is a reminder to never give up on my dreams and to strive for the happiness that I deserve.
OSR: Do you have future plans as a musician?
Liverakos: I have many musical aspirations for the future! I plan to keep writing music and regular practice to improve my skills. I also hope to collaborate with other musicians, perform live, and possibly even record an album in the near future. Ultimately, I want to be able to share my passion for music with as many people as possible.
OSR: Do you have any message for our readers?
Liverakos: My message to readers is simple: Believe in yourself and keep pushing through life’s challenges. It is never too late for you to reach your goals, no matter what obstacles may stand in your way. Find joy and positivity in whatever life throws at you, and never give up on the hope of pursuing happiness. Visit my website to listen to and buy my music at www.garyliverakos.com, and don’t forget to follow my Facebook page.
Many thanks to Gary Liverakos for speaking with us. For more from Gary Liverakos, check out his official website, Facebook and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
