Q: Hi, Gavon! I love the calming atmosphere you created within “Flesh and Bone”; the melancholic strumming of the guitar, calming vocals, and your meaningful lyrics. Can you walk us through your writing and production process in making “Flesh and Bone”?
GAVON MITCHELL: Flesh and bone was actually one of the most unique songs on the album in the way it came together. I had this chord idea on the guitar (that you hear in the beginning) that I had for a while with a different vocal line. I loved those chords though so I recorded them and started writing a new line and the first half of the song came together. It kind of wrote itself at that point. Then I started adding pieces that my ear was hearing, bass and some keys. Some mandolin and some high twangy notes in the middle of the tune. I wrote these four overlapping melodies to fill up the space and give a certain feel.
Q: I love “Flesh and Bone” because it completely surprises the listener for the last 45 seconds. While the track’s first half is very slow-paced, you begin to up the pace, and the song changes beautifully, almost sounding like a different song. Can you walk me a bit through the creative process of this track?
GAVON: Well, the song ended up being this exclamation of all the things going on in my head. That first half is all overthinking and dread. It felt like it needed a big tension build and release. The song then releases into the feeling of none of it at all really mattering but in a relieving way. When that second half comes in I wanted it to take up the listener in sound with multiple melodies and moving parts. So I wrote these interwoven vocal lines that almost get lost within each other.
Q: Who would you most like to collaborate with, if it could be anyone in the world?
GAVON: Chris Thile of the punch brothers. My all time favorite musician.
Q: What’s the best advice about the music industry you received, and how has it helped you navigate your journey so far?
GAVON: Well I am still at the very starting line it feels but the best advice I have is follow the energy of what you love to do and keep doing it every day. Something is bound to happen. That’s all I try to do each day.
Q: Jumping off the last question, what piece of advice would you give to other up-and-coming artists trying to get their name out there?
GAVON: I feel like I could use advice on this more than give it but I think really putting yourself out there getting to know people in your area. Sending your music everywhere. Just be relentless with your presence.
Q: “Flesh and Bone” is from your new album, “Leaves.” What can listeners expect from this album?
GAVON: Well, it is really a big cohesive thought about my life here and now. Pieces of me that have come together. I hope there is a bit of you in there that you can connect with but really just a fairly unfiltered view of my head at the moment.
Q: Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician? Did you grow up with a musical family?
GAVON: I sang opera and in high school I decided to pursue that. I got into songwriting in college and added that to the docket. music is just a passion of mine that never stops growing, once I found it I knew that was my life. And no my family was not musical but we listened to a lot of music. Heavy metal and rock to folky music and songwriters.
Q: What would you like to tell your supporters out there?
GAVON: thank you I love you every listen and ticket to a show means the world.
Q: Thanks for speaking with me! Do you have any exciting things coming up for you this summer? Any projects in the works, etc.
GAVON: I am currently in italy working on my opera singing but when I return I will be recording some new singles. Can’t wait 🙂
Interviewed by Melissa Cusano
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