Gavin McLeod is a 25-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter from Toronto who’s been rocking the stage since he was 11! Growing up in a musical family, he’s played everything from local festivals to big venues like RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Earlier this year, Gavin even made a splash on America’s Got Talent! With his raw, guitar-driven sound and heartfelt lyrics, he’s making waves in the music scene. Now, dive into our exclusive Q&A to learn more about his journey.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music?
My dad put me behind his drum kit at a very early age after watching me play Rock Band on the Xbox. My addiction to music sort of spiralled out of control from there. There was always great music playing in the house; everything from Neil Young to Radiohead to the Beastie Boys, and I was playing guitar every single day. I played my first gig at the Freetimes Cafe downtown Toronto when I was 11 and never looked back from there. For better or for worse, I was completely hooked on music. I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to play for the rest of my life.Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey that has had a significant impact on you?
Getting to play the Kee to Bala with Big Wreck this year was a huge milestone for us. If you're an Ontario musician, that room is definitely a big one to cross off the bucket list. Playing in old historical venues like that is always a privilege, and watching Big Wreck play after us was humbling. This business can be difficult, but opportunities like that make it all feel worthwhile. The band and I will never forget that one.What influences have shaped your style of music?
Neil Young has always been my number one, both for songwriting and guitar playing. I've listened to so much of his music throughout my life, I feel like he's shaped the way I approach my writing and playing more than anybody else. Growing up my parents exposed me to so many different eras of music. I specifically remember Fleetwood Mac and Radiohead and Nirvana all having a pretty massive impact on my musical taste as a kid.Recently, I've been really loving Wunderhorse and Sam Fender and Idles. There are so many great bands coming out of the UK right now, I find that to be the most exciting music at the moment.
If you could create a soundtrack for any historical event, which one would it be and why?
A soundtrack for the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald would be pretty good. Just a cover album of Gordon Lightfoot songs.If you could teleport to any concert in history, which one would you attend and why?
Neil Young's live at Massey Hall concert quite literally changed my life. My Grandfather gave me that record at a pretty young age and it has always been the holy grail of live records for me. That show and those songs from that particular night would have to be my answer. I would do anything to go back in time and see that concert.I probably would have said an Oasis show, but I was lucky enough to snag a ticket for Edinburgh next year. That's the closest thing I'll get to actually teleporting.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
That is such an insanely tough question. I would have to say Daniel Lanois would be up there for me. He's made so much amazing music throughout his career, both as a producer and as an artist. I had the pleasure of meeting him once after a show, but working with him would be otherworldly. Whether or not he would want to collaborate with me is a whole other question.What's the most memorable feedback or reaction you've received from a fan?
We were asked to play one of our songs for the first dance at a wedding recently. That was an incredibly touching request. The couple was singing the song to each-other and all the parents were crying, it was a whole thing. That was a pretty memorable reaction for sure.What made you choose Plunge Audio IEMs for your performances?
I have played in a loud rock band for so long, it was only a matter of time before I had to get serious about my hearing. I always wanted to try out a pair of IEM's, but jumping straight into a custom molded pair seemed like a big leap. After asking around, I realized pretty quickly that a lot of my friends were already using Plunge IEM's. After the 4th or 5th recommendation, I was pretty convinced they were the way to go.I was able to connect with Justin from Plunge through a mutual friend. He was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. I have been so impressed with the sound quality and build quality, they are a real pleasure to use.
What specific features do you look for when choosing IEMs for your performances?
My biggest concern with using IEM's for the first time was whether or not they would stay in my ears. I move around a lot on stage and I wasn't sure if a pair of universal IEM's would fit tight enough. So far they've been able to take everything I've thrown at them, from small sweaty clubs to playing on America's Got Talent earlier this year.I also feel like these IEM's block out just the right amount of outside noise while not completely disconnecting you from the outside world. I want to feel the room we're in, but simultaneously be able to hear myself sing and protect my hearing. These strike that balance perfectly.
What advice would you give to other musicians who are considering using IEMs for the first time?
I come from a world of extremely loud on stage monitors. I was quite worried that making the switch to IEM's would be a headache. Much to my surprise, every venue and sound tech we have worked with has been super accommodating. I feel like a lot of venues and sound techs are getting used to the idea of bands using an in-ear monitoring rig. Aside from plugging in a transmitter, the process doesn't take much longer than it would to soundcheck with a regular monitor. It obviously adds a bit of complexity, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks in my opinion. They save your ears and they save your voice, enough said.Follow Gavin's journey online:
Website | Instagram
