Bernard Garby on His New Single, Musical Inspirations, and the Impact of the LGBTQ+ Community on His Work
Interviews
Up-and-coming Europop star Bernard Garby spoke to myGwork about his new single 'Waiting For Your Love', his musical inspirations and the impact of the LGBTQ+ community on his work. Bernard provided a fascinating perspective on his creative process, discussing the path he took to get to where he is now, and his hopes for the future.
Image Credit: Bernard Garby
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born in Lithuania and at the age of 15 – I got offered to study at the University of Music and Theatre in Hamburg (Germany). It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss as it meant I could start university before even finishing my high school (or what you call college here in the UK). After living in Hamburg for a while, I got offered a full scholarship at the Juilliard School Pre-College in New York. I mean – Juilliard, New York… That was my absolute dream come true. And just like that, at the age of 17, self-sufficiently, I moved to the Big Apple.
I’ve always been in the middle between fashion and music. After graduating from the Juilliard, I moved to the UK to study Fashion Business Management in Nottingham. My first job after graduation was at Conde Nast Publications – among iconic publications such as Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, etc. However, COVID-19 happened and I moved back to Lithuania to figure out what’s next. After the lockdown, I came back to London to do my masters in Songwriting. After graduation, I moved back to publishing and I am currently working as a Luxury Fashion Media Sales Executive for our fashion publications – Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Esquire.
I stopped pushing myself to do only one thing and stopped pressuring myself to choose between fashion and music. Over time, I learnt how to do both. I believe fashion and music are deeply connected and both are a part of culture. This is exactly how I’d introduce myself – a culture enthusiast (haha).
What is it about music/the music industry in particular that motivated you to become a musician/songwriter?
The artistry and the amount of areas it covers being an artist! First of all – you’re a businessman! I always say that to everyone. Being an artist covers being a singer, live performer, negotiator, lawyer to a certain extent, public profile, creative director, visionary, casting director, public speaker, bookings director, producer, songwriter, networker, organizer and projects coordinator, social media guru and the list goes on and on.
That’s why I love it so much! Of course – being an artist is a real hustle. But it’s the most rewarding hustle there is! And there is lots of business involved in it too, which I absolutely love! I’m a bit like Andy Warhol in that sense.
Image Credit: Bernard Garby
Are there any specific music artists that have inspired you when creating your own songs?
Absolutely! There is a famous quote by someone saying that all the songs have already been written, we can only re-write them. I am obsessed with the era of 2000s – Lady Gaga, Madonna, Britney Spears, Nelly Furtado, Christina Aguilera! Mainly women – my absolute divas that I grew up with!
Waiting For Your Love is such a great song, and it hits even harder when you realize the sadness behind the lyrics. Could you describe the creative process behind writing this track?
Aww thank you so much! Yes – I always say that my music is a cry-dance euro-pop euphoria! To me - sadness is the greatest inspiration of all. I convey my sadness and emotions through songwriting. However, I got to the point where I simply can’t bear sad / lyrical music anymore. The nightlife scene growing up in New York and London has inspired me to write pop music hits that hit you hard on the dancefloor. Therefore, I love the concept of mixing sad lyrics with upbeat tunes – so yes, lyrics make you cry, but the beat makes you wanna dance like there’s no tomorrow!
How was it collaborating with choreographer Anders Deeno Nielson for this project?
Anders is amazing – I love that guy so much. He’s become a great friend, inspiration and a role model to me. My mentor in a way… He works incredibly hard and delivers quality. I think everyone working with him knows that. His name has become a brand that stands for quality, work ethic, efficiency and that’s what I appreciate about him the most.
Could you discuss how much impact the LGBTQ+ community has on your creative work, if any?
It’s beyond words! I grew up at Heaven! The fashion, music, authenticity, the gossip in the smoking area… The people that I’d meet! Truly, my best memories are there! I’d go there every Saturday and would dream about my song being played among other hottest pop music hits in the main dance hall. That’s why last week was so emotional when Alexis Knox played ‘Waiting For Your Love’ at Heaven last week. I truly teared up. She is the first DJ to believe in me and I’ll forever be grateful to her for that! It was a feeling that words can’t describe.
What do you hope people will feel when listening to your music?
At Juilliard – I was told by my professor what I still remember until today – ’’An artist has to provoke an emotion in the audience!’’ And that’s what I want to do with my art and my music – I want to touch people’s hearts. Whether you dance, cry, smile or laugh – my mission is complete, because I’ve provoked some sort of emotion in you and that’s what makes me happy!
Is there anything that we haven’t discussed already that you’d like to include?
Just to say a massive thank you for believing in me and my music, I appreciate it so much!
Waiting For Your Love is now available to watch on YouTube and accessible on various streaming platforms.
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