Carroll Gainey

Story

Born in the close knit community of Hartsville, South Carolina, Carroll Gainey discovered his love of music along side his identical twin brother. Through the countless shows, Carroll honed his skills as a electric and acoustic guitar player. Life progressed and Carroll's life turned to the Nuclear Industry. He was blessed to be talented in his field and traveled the world, taking in musical acts every chance he got across the globe. Carroll decided one day that his true passion was songwriting. For Carroll, it provided an opportunity to express his talents in a way that was personal between him and the audience. Carroll carries a song idea list with him everywhere he goes and adds to it daily. He never knows where the next inspiration will come from. Carroll has performed everywhere from someone's backyard to amphitheaters with tens of thousands of people. He is well-seasoned in interview sessions. Carroll has inspired multiple local artists to persue music, not only because of his talents, but because of his community accessibility. '...Mr. Carroll Gainey, the radioactive songwriting machine!' - Podcastronauts '...(Carroll Gainey) helped cultivate his love of music.' - Kendall Skinner Carroll Gainey is single and had two grown sons who reside in South Carolina.

Profile

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Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is very personal for me. I find it difficult to reach out and share my thoughts and feelings. With my music, I am able to connect with the audience for a short moment in time. For that brief moment, I am exposed and we are connected, sharing a common feeling and experience and transferring energy to one another. It is that energy from the other souls that is the greatest pay-off the universe offers!

What is your music dream?

To touch the audience in a way that they not only enjoy my music but can relate to it as well. On a personal note, jammimg with Luke Combs, even if its in my front yard, would be a dream come true.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

A smile. Can't have a negative energy if you are shining your light with a genuine smile. The rest is just connecting with other souls. Emotion is contagious good or bad. Our responsibility to this planet is to be kind to one another, the rest will shake out. People just need to relax.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Hard to Handle by the Black Crows. The vibe was incredible and sent me on the path that I still walk today.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Man, there are so many but if I had to name a few, some that come to mind are Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Tim Mcgraw, The Script, and The Fray.

What inspires you to make music?

It gives me a way to express myself. If a thought is not expressed, its tends to fester.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Man, I don't have the answers to the world's problems. But sitting here with my guitar and a few words might help someone else slow down long enough to find the answers. All I know is for me, this is what the universe wants me to do. So the real message with my music is I am doing what I was born to do. Others need to find their purpose and embrace it. Don't be scared to chase your dreams.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

No other feeling like it in the world! Whether its in a Radio Studio with two personalities, or on stage in front of 50k people. Its that rush of being vulnerable and receiving the love in return.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

I feel like commenting on someone else's reality is intrusive because the truth is generalizations are not personal. Most of us do not see what others see because our day to day actions are based on our life experiences. We see ourselves in one light and others see us another way. I can only speak for myself. If anything could be improved, I guess it would be, mankind in general, just taking a little time to reflect on their inner peace and relax.

What do you think of Drooble?

Honestly, I am very new to this site. Only time will tell lol

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Its so easy for people to shut doors in your face. We live in a time where many people don't slow down and take the time for another person. There are many talented people and there is room for everyone.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

ABSOLUTELY!!! I always try to catch the local talent every chance I get. You cannot be a baker if you stay out of the kitchen. Connecting with local talent inspires the both of you. Its all about the music and the vibe.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

They need to be willing to put in the work. Its 5% glitz and 95% hard work. They need to be prepared at all times, musically and physically. They need to truly believe in their music and their craft. Knock on doors, lots of doors, multiple times until someone finally says yes. Lastly, they need to be able to talk to people and be genuine. A fake can be spotted a mile away. The audience and industry people will know if they feel that connection or not. Aaron Johnson who produced the Fray's debut album sat with me and talked to me for a long time before he started producing me. Lots of people have talent. He wanted to know if I was worth his time.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Tracy Gleason NEW DAY BOOGIE. Great singer, although she does not sing in that song. It is the perfect "Shagging" song! We call her THE BEAST. I will let her tell you why lol. Outshyne is a band out of South Carolina that I like.