The world is forever changing, and the standards of society are always being reshaped.  Sometimes this morphing process is done through legislation or physical confrontation.  Here at Tapsongz, let’s focus on how it’s done through music.  Industrial music is defined as a form of experimental music that centers on provocative themes that bypass the normal moral code set by society.  In other words, this music is edgy, which is the perfect way to describe this article’s featured artist, Garek.

Garek grew up in Pound, Wisconsin.  Never heard of it?  You’re not alone; it’s got a population of approximately 400 people.   “I didn’t have a lot of access to culture apart from agriculture,” Garek jokingly states.  Despite the lack of big city attractions, entertainment for Garek was never hard to come by.   Most of his attention turned toward art.  He was not interested in the rowdy hobbies of the few other boys his age.  He was different. 

The fourth grade came, and Garek embraced his first musical opportunity.  He learned to play the saxophone.  Once a week, a friendly teacher gave him the instruction necessary to further his skills and learn to read music.   “I never thought of it as ‘practicing’ but rather ‘playing’. Kids love playtime and I was really taken by all this new noise that I was making.”  Musical performance led Garek to musical theatre, where he was cast in Peter Pan, and where he first began to sing.  However, his love of music came not only from creating it, but also from being inspired by listening to it.

“Stevie Nicks was my first love,” explains Garek.  His parents were big classic rock fans, so Garek was naturally exposed to artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, and Bob Seger.  “Thank God they had decent taste.”  As his musical journey gained age and independence, Gwen Stefani’s music was able to flip the composition switch.  Garek began writing.  His first songs were beginner compositions featuring miscellaneous topics such as royalty living in electrical sockets - the usual stuff.  Other artists such as Alanis Morissette and Marilyn Manson soon inspired Garek to become more personal with his vocals.  Thus, Garek’s industrial-electro music was eventually formed.

Garek’s main sound is most received through his widely popular single, “Save the Queen.” The song’s success has landed a spot on Sirius XM, gained him more gigs, and given high interest to the press.  This song features a grungy electronic bass line that beats like the pounding of a heart.  Garek’s voice slides over the top of this heavy sequence and generates a catchy mix of solo and harmonic melodies.  One can practically hear the high voltage electricity running through the track.  The music video mixes a variety of flamboyant costumes, ballet, and erotic themes, which occur throughout the entire genre.  Elaborate makeup adds even more grime to the singer and dancer.  This video extracts the feeling of pure release from all that is commonly accepted.  The fact is, Garek’s artistic vision is physically invigorating, and that’s why his music is so addicting.

While Garek has primarily performed at venues around New York, he has just returned from a small tour overseas in Europe.  With a two-song E.P. release expected before the end of the year and a new music video in the making, he hopes to return to Europe to internationally spread his music.

Overall, music is about expression.  For Garek, it’s about the expression of his childhood repression.  “I’ve never been able to express or articulate my rage or my depression. I see both of those as weak traits. But I do allow myself to get angry or sad while I’m writing and performing.”  His openness is able to connect with a lot of people, and it is certainly working for him among new potential fans.  “I’ve spent most of my life being ashamed of who I was. I’m trying to fix that, finally. “  Be sure to get engaged with Garek’s music, and listen for new Garek developments.