Larry Gayao, better know by his stage name Larry g(EE) is an American singer-songwriter from Dallas, TX. Raised by strict religious, yet musical parents, g(EE) began writing music at an early age. Influenced by mavericks like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, he is most closely associated with Soul music but considers himself a musical free spirit.
DeFY. New York recently caught up with Larry.
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to sit with us Larry.
DeFY: What does the (EE) in “Larry g(EE) stand for?
L: Actually the name was created because of a few things. 1) my last name is Gayao, which isn’t an easy name to pronounce (for some). 2) I didn’t want to go with the easy Larry ‘G’ moniker (Kenny G. claimed that years ago). I wanted to go with something that was different that would get attention (hence: g(EE)). So far it’s worked. Good or bad people can’t help but notice it.
DeFY: You were raised by strict religious parents, did your upbringing influence your music?
L: Definitely. I was brought up singing in the church at a very young age. Without that education and discipline I don’t think I’d be doing music today. I may not have ended up doing gospel music, but there’s great deal of respect I have for it. I used gospel music to teach myself how to sing. I really learned how to feel songs, and really feel what I was singing.
DeFY: You say your a music freespirit, does that mean we will hear you making music across a broad spectrum of genres (Rap, R&B, Synth Pop etc.)?
L: Yes. I hope so. Right now I’m in a good lane musically with this project, but my door is always open to collab with artists of various genres. The music field is wide open today with so many artist’s coming together from different spaces creating good music. Its a beautiful thing. As long as it makes sense and it sounds good, I’m down with it.
DeFY: I’ve read that your upcoming debut EP titled “Weekends” is influenced by sounds of the 60’s/70’s era group harmonies. Who are some of your favorite artists from that time period and why?
L: Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Leroy Hutson, Curtis Mayfield, Sly Stone & the Family Stone. I was introduced to this music at an early age. It just felt natural for me to connect with. I would however like to add that while the EP is influenced by those sounds, I’m not trying to replicate that sound entirely. Yes the music draws from that period, but I’m not going to adhere to the exact form.
DeFY: Where was the video for “Yo Mama” filmed? Who’s idea was it?
L: The video was filmed at a lounge in Dallas that is no longer in business. My friend owned the place and allowed me to use it for the shoot. The idea of the video was a collective concept developed by the director Mark Hanson and my friends Andres Cordova, Ric, Bowden, and Vicky Sanz. They along with video’s producer Joshua Wethington of Broken Peanut Media, did a great job of matching sight and sound to the song. We only had one day to shoot and they made sure we got it done.
DeFY: Is there ever a time you feel discouraged as an artist?
If so, what keeps you motivated?
L: As far as being discouraged as an artist, I haven’t felt that way in while (I’ll explain with the next question). With the music industry changing and the vast amount of resources available to independent artists it’s easy stay motivated. It’s just a strong mindset.
DeFY: You and your band broke up after 5 years. How did that unfold and what advice can you give to others?
L: The band had some great moments of local and regional success, which only fueled my desire to land a record deal. Fast forward 5 years later and we found ourselves in the same place which was very frustrating for a band that worked as hard as we did. I think we just hit a wall and knew it was time for a change. As far as advice goes, I’d say make sure your focused with your goals, but don’t stress about the journey.
DeFY: How do you prepare yourself for a performance?
L: I try to get a lot of rest (which never happens), vocal exercises, and lots of ‘Throat Coat’ tea with honey. I also do this thing where I visualize the entire set in my head before I even set foot on stage. If I can do that I’m good to go.
DeFY: Sneaker culture is huge now and DeFY. is a sneaker heavy site. We always ask everyone we interview, whats your favorite sneaker/brand and why?
L: Nike Air Force 1’s, now unfortunately I don’t rock sneakers that often anymore (usually I’m on stage in suit with dress shoes), but growing up I was all about them. I used to have an orange and white pair that I loved to rock (thanks to Derrick Coleman and the Syracuse Orange Men). But really anything Nike is good with me. I’m also into Adidas, Converse (Jack Purcell), and PF Flyers.
DeFY: Who would you like to work with going forward?
L: Man the wish list is crazy but I’d love to work with Salaam Remi, Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow), and Pharrell Williams. Just to name a few…
DeFY: Has anyone from the industry reached out to yet?
L: I’ve met with a few labels and management teams, but nothing other than just a brief introduction. With the EP finished we’ll see what happens. It’s all about the hustle at this point. While I am open to signing with management and booking I refuse to sign with just any label. I’d hold out until I found the right one. There’s a ceiling with independent music where you can only go so high where the help of a label wouldn’t hurt. I’m just getting started with this project so I’m not even worried nor thinking about that just yet.
DeFY: Any upcoming performances?
L: Yes I’m playing a big NYE show with Eric McFadden of the famed P’funk All-Stars at The Prophet Bar in Dallas. He’s an amazing artist and the Prophet Bar is a great venue Next year we look to hit up both coasts with some small runs in to the big markets. I’m really excited with that the most.
DeFY: Whats the five year plan?
L: First things first, with the EP I’m going to get out and do some independent touring. Establish the booking and management end and hopefully release a full-length album. I’m really just trying to grow a strong following that artist’s get through people discovering them on their own. Right now its just about getting the EP some exposure, getting in front of people and just playing as many shows possible. Like I said I love to perform. If I could play 87 percent of the year and make a decent living from it, I’d be set for life.
DeFY: Where can everyone go to follow everything Larry g(EE)?
L: They can go to my website at www.larry-gee.com but honestly the fun stuff can be found on my facebook page www.facebook.com/larrygeemusic
To all that would like to download the latest Larry g(EE) EP visit iTunes
If you haven’t heard”Yo Mama”, make sure and check it out below!