Today we’d like to introduce you to Graysin Slade.
Hi Graysin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The first time I ever got on stage was with another band. They had found out that I played guitar and invited me to come up and play one song. The rush of the stage was painful and pleasurable at the same time like a rollercoaster. I got off this ride and wanted to do it again but forming a band is harder than I thought.
To get people together with their schedules, similar musical tastes, and people you can get along with without drug problems is almost impossible. It took me a year and a half of constant lineup changes and missing parts until I finally had a solid band. And even when that happened I couldn’t get a singer. Now my dream was just to be a guitarist but as the leader of this newly formed band, I decided to carry the load on my back and become the lead guitarist and singer temporarily until we could find a real singer.
Well, I’m actually glad this happened because I ended up finding a hidden talent. I never knew that I could sing. I never knew that I had frontman skills. I never knew that I could be the star of the show. Now as a self-taught guitarist, I didn’t know where I stood in the world. So, I took my newly formed band into San Antonio which is a very large city with a lot of talent. I started realizing that we were hanging with great musicians, and I knew at that point, I had something special.
So, within a year and a half, I quit my job and became a professional musician. Unfortunately, about nine months later the lockdowns occurred and my band broke up. So, instead of quitting, I decided to replace my bandmates with pre-recorded tracks and I became a one-man-band. After alot of hard work and dedication, I can now say I am a nationally touring independent artist living the true rockstar life.
I really owe it all to the opportunities and people that have been a part of my life that have pushed me to evolve into the Metal City Madman.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Before the lockdowns, my band was really rocking and rolling and hitting it strong. Then the lockdowns occurred. Not only the full lockdowns but after most places were allowed to open there was a focus on locking down live music and bars which caused my band to break up. Well, I refused to quit and began making tracks on my laptop so I wouldn’t need a band anymore.
I also adapted my setlist to be able to play restaurants and farmers markets by adding more blues and classic rock. Then, I found a whole new fan base in the countryside of Texas right outside San Antonio. I found a bunch of places that were not shut down but country music is king in those areas so I wasn’t a perfect fit. That led me to search for other places that would appreciate my music a little more. And that led me to the South where the blues was born. I contacted some venues in Tennessee and Alabama and they were more than happy to have me.
They were also struggling due to the lockdowns and many bands had broken up and weren’t available anymore. My first tour was born but my financial situation had suffered during this time of adapting. I had to sell and give away everything prior to leaving. I used the money to buy a trailer to live in and became a homeless traveling musician. I have now played in five states and have a growing popularity in all these markets. This obstacle forced me to go get my piece of the pie. I owe my career to it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a national touring one-man band that plays blues, classic rock, and classic metal while dancing and running around the room. I specialize in entertaining. I am known for my wailing guitar solos and the emotion I put into my performances.
I am most proud of the moments with my fans. I consider them my friends. I don’t want to get into detail about their business but sometimes I’m just there at the right time to pick them up. I feel that is my true calling and reason for being brought into their lives.
A lot sets me apart from all the rest but to sum it up, I am a rockstar 24/7. I live music going town to town but I’m also completely sober of any substance. I am the ultimate entertainer but I’m also a real friend to my fans and when I’m in town they can ask me anything even if it’s to help them move. As long as there is some food and coffee involved.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
The first time I heard a blues guitar solo it sent chills down my spine. I not only wanted to hear the sound over and over but I wanted to create it as well. So I began playing guitar at 14 on a borrowed right-hander upside down since lefty’s aren’t readily available.
Pricing:
- $20 Shirts
- $2 Stickers
- Music is Free
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.graysinslade.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graysinslade/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graysinslade/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraysinSlade?s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxXC3Zn0PM6tch_0AuzxZ7Q
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/466XRSL868gpihI1J3Nd0o?si=hVSv58wuROWS2RGRqS5mAQ&utm_source=copy-link&dl_branch=1
Image Credits
Apolonio Cavazos, Valerie Chappell, Brittany Creson, Apolonio Cavazos, Jonathan Cartier, N Chavez, Tammie Lesley, and Apolonio Cavazos
