Gordon West

Transcript from an Interview with Gordon West

Gordon West is a singer/songwriter based in Upton, KY (USA).. He has been playing guitar and writing since the mid eighties. His two main styles are Country and Blues. With the influences of Rock-a-Billy coming through from the combination of the two.
He is a co-writer and guitar player for "Under Ground Angel". He is currently looking for a music publisher..

"I got my first guitar when I was around five. A guy that lived near us taught me to play "Love Me Tender". I wore that song out for about three years.
Then my uncle, Gary West, started teaching me to really play. We lived near him for about a year. That was one of the best years I've had. We left there and from then on I've been on my own.
I've played with several bands from high school until today. None of them have been famous but all of them have been fun.
Currently I am the guitar player and sometimes vocalist in Underground Angel. You can check out our stuff through our company at zaggmusic.com

Why this name?

"It's just my name.

Do you play live?

"Yes, in and around the central Kentucky area. Live music gives you the capability of instant feedback on your material, your personality, and your presentation of the music.

How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?

"The internet allows people from all over the world to interact. I think that we can learn a lot about the people of the world through thier music.
I'm not sure how the change in the music industry is going to work out. Like any other artist, I need to be paid for what I do in order to keep doing it. But I feel that the "Industry" is starting to put it's profits ahead of the listeners. That is a symbiotic relationship, and some balance is going to have to be achieved for the survival of the "industry".

Would you sign a record contract with a major label?

"If it were on terms that I felt comfortable with, yes.

Your influences?

"For songwriting Hank Williams Sr. (the real one), David Allen Coe, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johny Cash, Don Williams and of course Willie Nelson.
When it comes to playing Guitar though it's B.B. King, Buddy Guy, T. Bone Walker, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, and anybody else with good solid rhythm or singing leads.

Favorite spot?

"Anywhere in Texas".

Anything else...?

"My first CD is now available through ZAGG Music. Check it out at zaggmusic.com"

Equipment used: Guild, Fender, and Danelectro Guitars. Crate amps. Shure Mics. Digitech and Boss effects.

Official Website: http://www.zaggmusic.com/