Today we’d like to introduce you to Garrett Mabe.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my career in music with two things… a passion for music and the realization of how it made people feel. I was 13 years old when I first saw Angus Young (of AC/DC) strike the strongest sounding power chords on his Gibson SG for the first time. That lead to finding more artists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Dickey Betts. I realized one major thing about all of these guys… They played guitar.
After months of begging, my father bought me my first guitar, a FirstAct acoustic guitar with flames up the body. I was in love. My dad always tells the story of the family sitting on the couch in our living room and whenever there was a commercial on, I would learn the song playing in it by ear in a matter of seconds. My parents watched my love for guitar (and music) grow so they decided to buy me my first electric guitar.
My very own SG! Now, it wasn’t a Gibson but at that point, I wasn’t picky, I just wanted to plug in and WAIL on that piece of wood. My love grew and I started taking it more seriously. A few friends and I started a band in Middle School called The Usual Suspects and we played a lot during this time, I was realizing that we could make money and start doing this as a career.
As the years go on, I try the 9 to 5 thing in high school but it only took a few months for me to realize that that’s just not the life for me. EVER. I started to get comfortable with my singing voice and started playing solo shows every weekend along with random “Hired Gun” shows with bands around the area. Now I’m 24 years old, playing 5 to 6 to even 7 nights a week depending on the time of year, and I’m living the dream.
Most people can’t say that and I never for one second take my life for granted. I’ve met so many great people along the way and have visited so many beautiful places. I’d be stupid to turn back now. I’m excited about the future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If I’m being completely honest, it’s been a decently easy road for me.
The support system I have almost makes me tear up when I think about it. The biggest thing about this career choice that can sometimes make or break you is the questionable support of your parents after telling them you want to be an “Artist”.
Luckily for me, my parents believe in me and trust me 100% that, even if I don’t get FAMOUS famous, ill be able to support myself by doing what I love. I love them dearly and one day hopes to pay them back somehow for all the time, money, & trust they spent on me.
Maybe ill buy them a few Tylenol for all the headaches I caused as well. At least I wasn’t a drummer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to think that my stage presence is what sets me apart from other players. Now, I’m not knocking anyone. People have different ways of expressing their emotions… But in my case, you’ve got to look like you’re having fun. Being a performer is half of what goes into a show.
I’d rather be soaked in sweat, hair all frizzed up, have bloody fingers, and whatnot than to be the guy who looks perfect 24/7. I’m not here to look good, I’m here to make you feel inspired to pick up an instrument.
If you come out to see me and you feel like I didn’t put on a show, then I wish I could get you your time and money back because without passion, why do this and share it with people?
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Just go out and start introducing yourself. Plain and simple. What I’ve realized in my life is that things just don’t come to you when you’re starting out. You need to make it known that you are here, prepared, a good person, and create a presence.
Don’t be annoying but be confident. People love confidence with the knowledge of you having a humble head on your shoulders. Being humble is one major key that lots of musicians and artists overlook on their way to “The Top”. Word easily gets around in a community and no one will want to associate with a person like that.
I see it daily and I always feel bad but hopeful that one day, they will see who they are and who they should become. Open mics. Jam sessions. Writing sessions. Find these and go every week and you will learn fast. If there are none around you, then create them.
If I could leave you with one word, it would be “Drive”. If you don’t have that then there’s no way of doing what you’ve dreamed of doing since you were a child.
Contact Info:
- Email: garrettmabemusic@gmail.com
- Website: www.garrettmabemusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettmabemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrett.mabe/
- Youtube: Just look up “Garrett Mabe Music”
Image Credits
Nick Joes
