BEING NOSEY WITH ...
Gaz Brookfield
I first discovered Gaz when he was supporting the Levs in the Bedford Corn Exchange in 2013 (I think if i did my research correctly!) and I picked up an album. Since then, I have seen him multiple times at festivals, a local gig in biggleswade, and when he was touring with Ferocious Dog on their 'From Without' tour. I now can happily sing along to most of his songs, one of which means quite a lot to me 'Glass Half Empty' due to soppy reasons which I shall not go into detail about ;) Less about me and more about Gaz....
You have a lot of songs which you perform on a regular basis, What is you favourite song to perform?
I think my current favourite is Let The East Wind Blow. I usually play it at the end of my set, and it’s a lot of fun when the crowd sing along.
What was the first song you ever learned to play?
I wish I had a cool answer for this, but I would imagine that it was probably something by someone really naff. I actually can’t remember. Sorry.
What made you write the music you play and sing now?
When I first went solo, I’d come from a punk band and so was pretty tired of playing loud, fast stuff. So I started writing slower quiet songs. But a few gigs in, I realised that a rowdy pub won’t engage with slow, quiet ones. So started to write louder, faster ones again.
How long have you all been performing live?
Since I was about 15 I guess. I’ve been in many different bands over the years. I’ve been doing the solo thing for about 6 years now.
There must have been some challenging moments for you . What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
Making a living. I quit my old day job in 2009, and the first year or two being a musician were pretty tight. Fortunately I have good friends and a wonderful partner who helped me out when I needed it most.
What does your family think of your music, Do they come and watch you when they can?
I think they love it. They do come to gigs quite often.
Do you have any other interests or talents you would like to share with us?
I like walking my dog. I’m a dreadful surfer. I’m a total Star Wars geek.
Thinking back to your childhood days, what was the song you most remember as a child? Did it have any influence in the music you write today?
Hard to say to be honest with you. I think my first experience of hearing an album and really getting obsessed with it would probably have been The Best of The Wombles. Seriously. I still have the LP on vinyl.
Thinking back to the beginning of when you started performing , how do you feel about how your performing today and has it changed much since you first started?
I suppose it has changed in regards t the kind of songs I play. As I said before, I started writing fast and loud songs to get over the rabble of a noisy pub. I used to play a more percussive style of guitar playing, but I wasn’t very good at it. Certainly not good enough for to be “my style”. I think my strength lies in lyrics, rather than in guitar technique, so I play to my strengths.
If you could come up with a slogan for youself, what would it be?
Gaz Brookfield – I drink, therefore I am.
If you got the chance to perform with ANYONE in the world, either dead, alive, or broke-up who would it be and why?
Loudon Wainwright III. Because he is my favourite.
Tell us about your most embarassing moment when touring, On or off stage. Don't be scared to go into detail Haha!
I recently forgot the name of the band who were supporting me, just as I was thanking them at the end of my set. I still feel pretty bad about that. Not cool.
Lastly, What is the furthest you have ever travelled to play a gig?
I once drove from Swindon to Doncaster, to play a gig for free, to about 4 people, and then drove home again. That was a bad day.
Would like to say a HUGE thanks to Gaz who took the time to do this for me during his latest tour with Nick Parker and Ben Wain, who are two other very talented musicians. You can check Gaz on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and his Website. I have also put a link to Nick Parker by clicking on his name, you should go and check him out, He is playing at Ey Up Me Duck festival as well as Gaz. Again, a massive thanks Gaz!