Greg:
In 4th grade, I took part in a program that allowed my parents
to rent a trumpet, and began taking lessons in school. I had some
truly fantastic teachers who fostered that love of music throughout
my childhood. But it was my first high school music teacher, Steve
Melillo, who made me want to become a professional musician. He was
incredibly inspiring and always positive. Since then I have dedicated
my life to music.
MuST:
How did you go about forming your first band?
Greg:
I formed my first band in the 7th grade. My friends and I decided
to get together and form a rock band because of our love of music.
So I went out and bought a guitar and amplifier with my own money,
and we got together in my basement to play. What I didn't know at
the time was that none of the other 'band members' actually had
instruments! But I am very glad I bought that guitar. A little while
later, I did form a band with another group of friends from school
(who did own instruments), and we practiced very hard and became
quite good.
MuST:
What is your writing process like?
Greg:
For me, the music usually comes first. I will sit down with my guitar
and just start playing a few chords. Then I will hit on a theme
and start developing it. I usually have some lyrical phrases that
I've been mulling around and see if any of them fit. But most of
the time, I let the music dictate the mood of the song and then
write lyrics to match that mood. Many times, I will play guitar
when I have a few minutes before I have to go somewhere. Then a
song will come pouring out, and before I know it an hour or more
has passed. I am often very late for appointments but have written
some great songs that way.
MuST:
What was it like hearing one of your songs on the radio for the
first time?
Greg:
A little strange. It sounded so different from the other songs that
were being played, probably because I knew it so well. It was exciting
and scary at the same time.
MuST:
What has been your most memorable show so far?
Greg:
I played a show in New York City several years ago that stands out
in my mind. There was a huge crowd and after every song the applause
was actually louder than the band! We played great and had a fantastic
time. It made me want to do that every night of my life.
MuST:
Your music is more optimistic than the average singer/songwriter
~ what's your secret?
Greg:
I think the reason is that I truly believe that deep down, each
and every person in the world is wonderful and beautiful at their
core. It is only when we become afraid that bad behaviors and regretful
choices come about. My hope is that my music might help people to
realize just what a miracle they truly are.
MuST:
What inspires you to be so committed to social and political causes?
Greg:
At its root, I think it is a sense of fairness. Every since I was
a child, when I thought something or someone was being unfair to
someone else, I would speak up. Mixed with that is the very human
desire to make the world a little better place. I want positive
change for everyone. Being active in helpful, positive causes is
an excellent way to make that change happen. And it's a great deal
of fun, too!
MuST:
You hold a music degree from New York University. What would your
advice be to students who may be deciding whether or not to go to
college?
Greg:
I think college was one of the best experiences of my life. I went
to school in the middle of New York City after having lived in the
New Jersey suburbs for most of my life. It was only 45 minutes away
from home, but it was an entire world away. If you have a chance
to further your education, I think you most definitely should. It
is more than the academics and lessons you learn, it is the people
you meet and the new horizons that will open up to you that make
for the greatest education. I learned a great deal from my classes,
but even more from challenging myself to experience someplace very
different from what I was used to.
MuST:
What advice would you have for aspiring young musicians out there?
Greg:
Play because you love it, practice because you respect it, and have
fun doing both!
