When opportunity knocks do you open the door? Do you peek through the blinds? Or, will you simply ignore it? I know when opportunity knocks on our door here at 1st Shot Music, “We open it.” & That’s exactly what we did for Graham Pagano.
Get to know his music, and check out what he had to say during another Naylor’s Notes interview.
Where are you originally from?
An island just outside of Buffalo, NY – Grand Island, NY
When did you start performing music?
I started performing around the age of 15 or 16.
Which instruments do you play?
I play Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Harmonica.
Describe your music interests and abilities.
I lean towards the less produced, raw, and usually blues based stuff. The less produced the better. I like to hear the human element, the flaws, and the rough edges.
“IF IT’S GOOD, IF IT HAS REAL HEART, AND REAL SOUL, IT DOESN’T NEED A MILLION DOLLARS’ WORTH OF PRODUCTION TO MOVE YOU.”
What famous musicians inspire you?
This could take a while – Stones, Beastie Boys, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, James Brown, Refused, Van Morrison, Hank Sr., Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Hendrix (and drummer Mitch Mitchell!), Bob Marley, Howling Wolf, Roscoe Holcomb, Frazey Ford, Blind Willie McTell, AC/DC, Fred McDowell, Rage Against The Machine, Son House, Lowell George/Little Feat, Black Sabbath, Beatles, The Clash, John Bonham, Todd Snider, The Who, Ry Cooder, and sooooooo many more….
“RIGHT NOW I’M HOOKED ON TUBA SKINNY, A NEW ORLEANS TRADITIONAL JAZZ BAND WITH AN INCREDIBLE SINGER.”
What are some of your best musical memories?
Driving in my car one day and realizing I CAN sing if I really wanted to.
“ANYTIME I’M PLAYING AND FOLK’S START DANCING AND SINGING ALONG, A MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL MEMORY IS CREATED.”
Being able to play with my 4 pc band, HOOKiE, is a gift and always a blast.
— Mikey Lowenstein – bass, vocals
— Aaron McCoy – drums, percussion, guitar, vocals
— Graham Pagano – guitar, vocals
— Scott Robertson – drums, percussion
We thrive on playing anything disco to Sabbath – all by the seat of our pants sometimes, and the crowd catches that spontaneous energy and it’s just FUN. Lots of musicians play music but they aren’t really “playing” music.
Sure you have to put the practice in and learn your instrument, but when it’s time to play, PLAY!
“BE CREATIVE AND MAKE IT FUN, PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER A GOOD TIME.”
What public events do you have coming up?
I am continuously gigging all around St. Louis and The Metro-East every week as a solo acoustic performer and also with my band HOOKiE.
What would you say to beginners in the industry?
If you really want to do it then push through, challenge yourself one step at a time, and grow.
“YOU ARE GOING TO MEET A WHOLE SLEW OF INTERESTING PEOPLE.”
How do you balance your music with your family and friends?
It’s not easy, and I don’t always do it well, but I think to put your music, or your, “art”, over your relationship’s with loved one’s is an example of selfishness.
Should we expect anything new?
Recently I Just released an acoustic CD named,
“Quit Complaining”.
“IT’S NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES, GOOGLE PLAY, AND AMAZON.”
Where can we follow your career at?
Reverbnation.com/grahampagano
About Johnny Naylor:
Johnny Naylor is the founder and owner of 1st Shot Music and a feature writer for Jammerzine. His work can also be found on 1st Shot Music and Naylor’s Notes. You can also get his latest updates on his facebook page.
