Artist of the Day | JEFF GUNN
ARTIST OF THE DAY
30.01.2022
JEFF GUNN
LOCATION
Toronto, ON, Canada
GENRE
Modern Fingerstyle Guitar
CURRENT MEMBERS
Jeff Gunn
With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?
Just before the pandemic hit I had played my biggest solo guitar show at the NAMM Show in LA for an audience of 1400 people. It was part of the Breakfast Sessions series in which four artists are selected each year to perform. I had also toured in Europe with Emmanuel Jal as his guitarist and Musical Director playing some of the biggest shows we had ever played at various festivals in Summer 2019. Once the pandemic hit, I decided to reflect and write my next solo acoustic guitar album Momentum (which drops in May 2022). The album was recorded at Antoine Dufour's studio. He happens to be one of my favorite guitarists/musicians. I also increased my online guitar students and landed several contracts as a music content creator with Jamplay.com and TVO. I delivered music and guitar workshops online to universities in Australia, music stores such as Long & McQuade and on other music platforms. I decided to make use of the time at home and focus on being creative everyday. Writing music and being involved in content creation projects is what got me through the pandemic in a positive way.
How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
I plan to release Momentum in May 2022. In the meantime, I am working on new content creation contracts for various guitar companies. Working with my publicist Eric Alper has led to some great opportunities as I promote my music. Hopefully, next summer I can play a lot of shows and festivals once again!
What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home? How are you supporting your mental health through all of this?
I have established a routine that starts with exercise morning, meditation, practicing guitar and then moving into the creative process by songwriting. I constantly jot down new ideas on my notepad.
How are dealing with the Covid fifth wave? Have things locked down again in your region? Have you had to cancel gigs, tours, etc.? Are things reopening & restrictions are lifting in your region? Have you booked any new gigs, tours, etc.? What are your plans for 2022?
I have booked new online music workshops and landed several content creation projects in 2022 with Jamplay.com and TVO.
Favourite Starlite Room Moment?
I enjoy the range of artists featured on the Starlite Room platform.
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
Reflect on your strengths and write down your goals on a sheet of paper that you post on your wall and see every day. It will keep you focused and inspired to reach for your dreams and make them a reality. Create a daily routine and give yourself a checkmark on your calendar every day as you go through each phase. It will help you see the work you are putting in and the progress.
If you would like to be our next ARTIST OF THE DAY please fill out this FORM & send a high resolution photo to:
JEN@CONCERTWORKS.CA