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Gavin Degraw Click photo for larger image. |
Q. What's it like to go from struggling artist to recording star, or maybe just being secure?
A. Well, I don't feel like a star (laughing). I'm definitely no star. And you know what? You are never secure in this business. But right now I am at a good place in my career. I feel like I am still building. Not to say I'm not appreciating where I'm at right now. Right now I feel like I have sort of accomplished a couple of stairs on the staircase, but I have a lot further to go before I'm a household name. I really want to get to that level. That is sort of a goal for me.
Q. But you've said in other interviews it is not your goal to be famous.
A. Right now. See, that's why you sort of need to get to that point; so you don't have to feel worried for your job, you know what I mean? 'Cause if you are not doing well, then there's no more. There are going to be a lack of opportunities.
Q. So you won't mind being famous?
A. I don't mind it at all. There are times, I guess, where you definitely wouldn't want anyone to know who you are. Like if you are in the bathroom and someone goes, "Hey, what's up, man?" (laughing). Like what am I going to do, shake your hand? I think I have a pretty good job and certainly the occasional moment of discomfort is worth it.
Q. When you are singing live, you seem lost in the lyrics, then when you stop, it's like you just noticed the audience.
A. Yeah it's a little weird, right? I mean I am really concerned about making sure I perform the song how it was written, you know? So I just try to tap into the feeling I got when I wrote it. I mean every song is different. It's kind of weird. The songs are not easy to perform because they are really musical. I'm a pretty melodic writer. Not necessarily pretty melodies. The melodies have lots of notes and stuff and they are a bit rangy so they are always challenging for me to perform anyway. I really have to be kind of on my game to execute them. I still feel like I'm dunking from the foul line.
Q. Do you ever worry you reveal too much of your soul in your songs? A. I don't worry about that. I tell people a lot through the lyrics, but I really don't tell them everything; I mean, it's selective exposure. And selective honesty.
Q. What's your favorite song to sing that isn't yours?
A. There's a few. "A Change Is Gonna Come," Sam Cooke, that's a great song. "We Are The Champions," that's a great song, and "Let's Get It On," Marvin Gaye.
Q. You have the voice for that one.
A. Oh, thank you. And as far as the first question goes about fame and success or whatever, I mean I am obviously concerned about my career, but it's not like if nobody was buying my album I would not play music anymore. I mean I feel in love with something and I can't stop. I love it too much. It is the one pure form of enjoyment I get. It's something that I enjoy more than anything else. Fortunately it doesn't give me any guilt like some things do.
Q. What about women -- are they chasing you around now? Do you have a girlfriend? Do you want one?
A. No, God no. No. I think a girlfriend would be great if I had the time. But I don't really see myself as the best selection for them right now . I think one thing women want most of all is for the guy to show up. And I can't. I'm not around right now.
Q. Thanks Gavin, that's it.
A. Oh, my pleasure. These were fun questions. We should do more.
Q. Well, when you start raking in all the big awards remember me when I call!
A. I'm not going to win any awards. I don't dance. Guys who don't dance or have backup dancers don't win awards, have you noticed? Hey you know what, I'd love to get a Grammy if Milli Vanilli didn't already get one. It took the cred out of it didn't it?
