We have an exclusive interview with the musical duo, Gary 17/The Forecasters. Gary 17 and Rob Minderman have been working together since the 1970s writing and making wonderful music.  In this special music interview, I had the pleasure to speak with Gary 17/The Forecasters about their music. Here is what developed.  Enjoy!

Biography
The two members of The Forecasters have been writing songs together since the late 1970s and individually for years before that.  They've been performing together on a semi-regular basis since the late '80s. Both members also perform solo shows.

Instrumentation
Gary 17 - guitar, vocals & percussion
Rob Minderman - guitar, keys, sax and vocals


Isaac: What was the best part of 2008 for you musically?

Getting some new recordings done, especially live ones at various shows I did with my musical partner Rob Minderman, helped make 2008 a very gratifying year. I was also thrilled at the response I got to shows I organized with several other artists also on the bill such as WinterFlock in February. And although it was a very sad occasion, there was also a lot of fulfillment in playing a song I wrote for my grandmother at my mother’s funeral in February 2008.

Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?

To be honest staying alive was my biggest accomplishment after dealing with two life-threatening situations. But musically, I think honing my performance skills and getting back to more active performing was a substantial accomplishment as I’d neglected that area for a few years.

Isaac: Describe the music scene in area.

Toronto and the GTA is a very diverse, exciting music scene. People come to Toronto from all over the world because it’s a great place to live with very little racial intolerance and a very diverse multicultural community. Therefore musicians from all over the world and from various races and cultural  backgrounds mix and mingle and create whole new styles of music that make it very inspiring. The city is rich in every genre of music and some that haven’t even been named yet!

Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?

For me the California Bar & Grill has been the best place to play because it’s a clean, safe room with great food and the owner is a straightforward fellow who’s not afraid to say “well done” when things are good. The room is not fancy but the staff is very co-operative and there are fine sight lines and an appreciative crowd whenever I perform there.

Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?

So many! Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Hank Williams, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot. These are all people who know how to write simple but pithy songs that stick with you forever. That’s what great songwriting is all about.

Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?

I try to bring a sense of literacy to my songs. The lyrics are very important in my songs and I try to build the music around the message of the song, whether it’s a Country, a Blues, a Rock/Pop or even a Punk or Bluegrass song or a ballad (I’ve written in all those genres) I try to marry the music and lyrics together to serve the song. I like to think I bring wit and intelligence to the craft. Of course when it comes to the industry my other activities, such as publishing my to-nite magazine (available as jpg or pdf attachments by email subscription, btw), hosting open stages and through my internet radio show (The Open Season on www.radiothatdoesntsuck.com) brings a spotlight on deserving artists to help them get more exposure.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?

Probably Bob Dylan and/or Gordon Lightfoot. These are two artists I hugely admire and it would be a dream come true to sit down and write a song with either of them!

Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?

Multi-genre witty but pithy songs that reflect on life and love.

Isaac: What type of feedback have your received from fans about your music?

They love it –that’s why they’re my fans!

Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?

I have a Sonicbids presskit of course at: http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=202800

and I have a Reverbnation page which can be accessed at: http://www.reverbnation.com/gary17

I can be contacted directly at therealgaryseventeen@yahoo.ca

Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?

More of the same but hopefully even better! I’m aiming at placing a song in either a movie or TV show and hopefully can sell one to a well known artist who can take it to the top of the charts. I’m involved with a group that is putting together a compilation CD to shop around and am excited about that. I’m also planning to start writing more new material, which I’ve been a bit lax about recently.

Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…

Hey everybody thanks for believing and especially to my darling daughter Crystal Melody!

Isaac: Final words…

Thanks for taking an interest in my music and with this kind of feedback I’m inspired to start writing more and to hone my craft to the highest possible level.

Gary 17,