Rocker Gary Dranow was undoubtedly one of our favourite artists throughout last year. Featuring the Utah-based musician extensively, we fell in love with literally every single tune the artist and his band would release. From ‘Mellow Drama’ and ‘The King Is Dead’ to ‘Shimmering’ and ‘Digitize’, we’ve been there every step of the way.
Intrigued to get to know Gary a bit better, I was stoked when he agreed to an interview! Taking us through the deeper meaning behind ‘Mellow Drama’, what he enjoys doing on non-musical days, and which artists we’d see under his recently played section on Spotify, please give a big welcome to our friend Gary Dranow!
Hey Gary, it’s so good to finally sit down and have a chat with you! We’ve been following your journey all year, but for those who haven’t discovered your musical prowess just yet, who is Gary Dranow and when did your love affair with music begin?
Hey there! It’s a pleasure to chat with you too.
My musical journey has been quite a ride, and I’m thrilled to be here sharing it with you. My love affair with music began at a young age. I was captivated by the power of storytelling through songs and the way music could evoke emotions. Growing up, I found inspiration in various genres, from rock and blues to folk and country. It was this diverse musical palette that eventually shaped my own sound and style.
Tell us more about The Manic Emotions.
The Manic Emotions is my passion project, a band based in Park City, Utah. Influenced by musical icons like Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Joe Bonamassa, our sound blends various styles. We’ve recently released new songs that reflect our dedication and love for the craft.
The band’s close to my heart, and I love the creative process and energy we bring to our live performances as Park City’s premier live band.
‘Mellow Drama‘ was my introduction to your music and, apart from it being a killer tune, it’s also a deeply personal one to you. Being diagnosed with bipolar with mania at forty must be quite scary. If you’re comfortable, could you tell us a bit about that experience?
Absolutely, thank you for asking. ‘Mellow Drama’ is indeed a reflection of a pivotal time in my life when I was diagnosed with bipolar. It was a challenging and, yes, quite scary experience. The song captures the emotions, the highs and lows, and the support I received from friends, especially my wife Elizabeth, during that journey. It’s a personal testament to resilience, and I hope it resonates with others who may be facing similar challenges. Music has been a therapeutic outlet for me, allowing me to express and share my experiences.
I’ve fallen pretty hard for your brand new track ‘Sandy Beaches’. That riff is intoxicating and I just love the huge sound you’ve been able to pull off! What does the song mean to you?
Thank you so much! ‘Sandy Beaches’ holds a special place in my heart. It’s a classic blues rock piece that captures the raw authenticity of rock music. The intoxicating riff and the guitar solo, in particular, are elements I cherish. The song, for me, is a journey into the essence of rock, a celebration of its roots, and a personal expression through music.
When you’re not creating new music, what keeps you busy and what do you enjoy doing? Walk us through a non-musical day in the life of Gary Dranow.
When I’m not immersed in creating music, my days are filled with the simple joys of life. Mornings are dedicated to hiking with my wife, savouring the beauty of nature. Our dogs are an integral part of these adventures, adding an extra layer of joy. It’s in these quiet moments that I find inspiration and recharge for the musical journey ahead.
If I stole your cell phone and opened Spotify (or your streaming service of choice), who would I see under your recently played section?
If you checked my recently played section on Spotify, you’d likely find an eclectic mix reflecting my diverse musical tastes. From the legendary Jimi Hendrix, whose spirit I channel in my performances, to contemporary artists pushing boundaries, my playlist is a sonic journey through time and genres.
I do not doubt that there are many more songs up your sleeve, and I truly can’t wait to hear what else you have in store! In a broader sense though, what do you hope for in your musical future?
Absolutely, there’s a lot in the pipeline! My musical future is all about exploration and pushing boundaries. I aim to continue evolving as an artist, venturing into diverse genres, and creating music that resonates with people on a deep level. The journey is bound to be exciting, and I hope to connect with a global audience through the universal language of music.
