As far as years go, 2020 has been an undeniably wild one. Taking it in his stride and only increasing his creative output, Northern NSW based artist Garrett Kato has just released his latest single ‘It’s Easier When You’re Standing There’.
Check out Garrett Kato’s ‘It’s Easier When You’re Standing There’:
With his Instagram live series Good Times with Garrett Kato taking off in the last few months and seeing guests such as Pete Murray, Julia Stone and Riley Pearce join him for chats, as well his second EP for 2020 N’hemisphere being due out in coming months, the singer-songwriter does not look like slowing down.
We asked Garrett Kato to let us know five things he wishes he knew before he got into music and the results are… inspiring to the least.
Five things Garrett Kato wishes he had been told before he got into music
1) You never really find your sound.
I remember this being such a staple I would hear time and time again from people. But the truth is all the greatest artists changed their sound drastically over the years to grow and explore as an artist.
Like anything in this world growing and adapting is the most natural way to exist as a human so your music shouldn’t be considered any different.
2) Failing to become just like your heroes is the most original thing you can do.
Often we try to imitate or create similar works to our heroes, often falling short to our disappointment. These failures can quickly turn into trademark styles that open doors to further self-expression and emotion in music.
Music is like the Wild West, nothing’s off-limits and anything goes, that’s why it’s the best job in the world.
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3) Being in the right place at the right time.
For this to be possible you have to be an artist in the first place, so unless you’re giving 100% there will never be the right time. Start playing anywhere; the streets, YouTube, pubs – anywhere that will listen to you, no matter what you sound like.
You’ll learn very quickly what works and what doesn’t from playing live to strangers. They’re ruthless and won’t give you the time a day unless you’ve earned it.
4) Music should be fun.
Never forget that little kid sitting playing music in their room for hours just enjoying the sounds and exploring different sonic landscapes.
You can get caught up in the drama of music and the hype, but without this childlike instinct it’s hard to remain authentic and true to yourself. Music is the best marketing tool the industry has.
5) Don’t compare yourself to local musicians, compare yourself to the greatest musicians.
It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing around you with social media and streaming platforms. This is the most useless way to spend your energy. Mainly because your career path will be so different and things will work for them that don’t work for you and vice versa.
It’s best to be caught up in the true innovators and risk-takers of the industry who pioneer a sound and take it to the masses.
