We sit down with the fabulous Garret Lyon ahead of his Sunday Social debut on November 7 and 14.
LET'S START FROM THE BEGINNING... WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START PLAYING AND MAKING MUSIC?
Honestly I can’t give you a solid answer as to what, when and why? I’ve just always loved it. My Grandma always tells me that I could sing and dance before I could walk and talk, and that I knew all the lyrics and melody of "A Whole New World" from Disney’s Aladdin at the age of 2. But, I guess I started making music because I realised I had a lot to say and after I realised that my music and lyrics actually connect with other people, that’s also really motivated to make more music so that other people can have something they can relate to.
AS A PROUD DARUMBAL AND WULLI-WULLI MAN, DOES YOUR HERITAGE INFLUENCE YOUR MUSIC?
Not necessarily my music, but definitely who I am as a person and artist for sure. Everywhere I go and get to perform, no matter what gig or opportunity, I know that I’m representing my people and my family and I want them and my community to be proud. I do have plans to incorporate traditional instruments into my music and shows coming up so that’s also something I’m really excited about.
WE'RE SO EXCITED TO HAVE YOU PERFORM AT SOUTH BANK'S SUNDAY SOCIAL... WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PERFORMING?
I honestly love the interaction with the audience, seeing the looks on their faces and really getting them involved. I always ask the crowd to sing or dance because I want them to feel acknowledged and apart of it. I love singing and performing so much, I just want them to experience the fun as well.
FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF YOUR SUNDAY SOCIAL PERFORMANCES, WHERE ELSE CAN WE FIND YOU IN BRISBANE?
I’ve got a lot of gigs coming up, my next two shows coming up are 'Rhythemology Night' on Friday November 5th at Bacbone youth arts, which is a night of dance and R&B music throughs the decades. I’ll also be performing at Backdock arts on Sat November 20th for their 'So Fresh: Acoustic hits of 00-09' which is going to be a lot of fun; but, I’m always posting my next shows on my socials so check those out as well.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING CREATIVES?
I know it’s cheesy and everyone says it but it’s so true…KEEP GOING! It’s definitely not easy and there are gonna be times where you want to give up and settle, but I’m in my 30’s now and I feel like I’m in such a fun and exciting place in my career. I’ve done it without an agent or manager, and I’m only just starting to really make a name for myself on the performing scene here in Brisbane and honestly, it’s worth it!
WHAT EXCITES YOU WHEN LOOKING AHEAD FOR YOUR CAREER?
Definitely all the opportunities that are coming through that I can’t announce just yet, but I have plans… it’s going to take a lot of work, but I’m going to make them happen so keep an eye and both ears out.
