How would you describe your music to any person who may have never heard it before?
Gary: It’s a perfect blend of rock, country and Americana. A hook that grabs you with a story that engages your heart and a vocal delivery that leaves you wanting more.
What are your musical influences?
Gary: They are vast! In no certain order, Gordon Lightfoot, Dan Fogelberg, Boston, Brad Delp, Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits, The Eagles, Don Henley, Toto, Chet Atkins, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Tom Petty, Bryan Adams, Merle Hagard – just to name a few. What are your musical inspirations?
Gary: My Mother, Shirley Patrick, has loved music her whole life. She’s a self-taught pianist and a beautiful singer. I’ll forever remember her saying, “Son, always have a song in your heart”. It’s the sweetest perspective to me. Innocent and uplifting. If given the chance, what musician(s) would you like to collaborate with? Rather this is to either write a song or be featured on a track.
Gary: Mark Knopfler.
What’s the song about?
Gary: currently releasing singles from my latest seven-song LP called, High to Ride. My current single is the title track, “High to Ride”, and it’s simply about needing a new perspective in life, a different view, something spiritually to lift you up – a new “High to Ride”. My third single release is called “Nobody Else but You” and that song releases on Friday, August 18, 2023. It’s an upbeat, instantly catchy song about a guy who’s loving his life all alone until she appears. His whole world changes. Innocent and fun. What’s something you hope people take away from the new singles?
Gary: Life is precious. Don’t waste a moment being sad over things you can’t change. Be light-hearted and embrace your future regardless of the mistakes you may have made in the past. Which songs on the album were the most fun to write and which were the most challenging to write?
Gary: That’s a tricky question because they are ALL fun to write. I might say, “Nobody Else but You” was very fun because of the content and storyline. The most challenging song to write on this album was “Waiting that Long”. The deeper songs are sometimes more cantankerous to refine than others. Do you have any favourite songs off the new album?
Gary: “High to Ride”. There’s a spirit in that song that is close to my heart. “Leave Me Lonely” is simply intoxicating.
What’s the new album about as a whole?
Gary: I believe it’s a well-rounded tribute to the human condition. Each song and story takes you to a different state of mind but in the end, it feels like the most balanced and cohesive album I’ve recorded to date.
Do you have any favourite songs to perform live? Could be your own music or even a cover. Any reason why?
Gary: “You Are” and “Make Believe” from my 2018 album, (No Standing Waves) - Those lyrics are real and I see the audience transformed as the songs progress. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits - It takes me back to the most innocent time in life when I discovered music and the electric guitar. If you could perform a show this very second anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Gary: Red Rocks, Colorado.
Is there any other particular venue or city that comes to mind?
Gary: Wimbley Arena, London. What do you currently have planned for the remainder of the year?
Gary: Releasing singles and eventually my new LP called “High to Ride”. Playing live shows and recording social media content. Working to let the world know who Gary Patrick is!
Thanks for the time today, Gary. Is there anything else you may want to add before you go?
Gary: Thank you for this opportunity to chat. It’s my sincerest wish to lift people up with my songs. To move them emotionally and remind them that we are all both fragile and strong. To leave them with more love in their hearts after listening.