Unless your uncle is one of the largest music moguls in the entertainment industry, it can be very hard reaching the stardom most sought. The average unsigned artist can hit a lot of bumps in the road before reaching their goal. There are no overnight sensations. However, there is a route to take to get to the top of your game. Although, it may be challenging only true artists survive. Walllace Gary has taken that challenge.
-Nigeria- URBAN BUZZ MAGAZINE
BUZZ: Your style and sound is very soulful with a jazzy twist. Who did you enjoy listening to when you were growing up?
WALLACE: The Jackson 5, Aretha, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. After hearing them I was okay, I want to sing. They filled me with such inspiration. Although I do ballads, and as mentioned have a jazz feel, I'm more of a funky type singer. Sly and Prince are my favorites. I add my own little hip to my songs; I guess you can call it funk soul. I listen to a lot of jazz. I enjoy Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae. It is important to do my homework and develop my craft as best as I can. I do that by listening to those who have paved the way.
BUZZ: Although you have been singing for quite sometime now, if someone listens to your album they may compare you to the neo-soul or whatever the new title for R & B is today...how do you feel about that?
WALLACE: Basically, I am Wallace Gary. I love the music of D'Angelo, Musiq and Bilal, they have actually opened the doors for an artist like me. When I was shopping my demo they weren't ready for "that sound" so it is good to hear them as well as the female artists like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, India Arie and Sy Smith. I listen to them and can admit that we have a similar sound but basically it keeps me on my toes to develop more and take my music to the next level. It makes me want to be better at what I do that's all.
BUZZ: Every time I have seen you perform, you have been with a live band. Is it hard recording in the studio when you are use to a live band?
WALLACE: Personally I prefer to sing with a band and before a live audience. In the studio you are kind of confined. I love getting the feedback from the audience and that whole vibe, but I can do both.
BUZZ: What have been some of the trials and tribulations coming up in the music business? You can sing, produce and write. How do you feel when you see other artists get in and it is evident that you are just as good? It's hard for me sometimes to see such talent just linger. You have worked with some real Key Players. Why do you think the doors have not opened?
WALLACE: It is very frustrating. I have given my package to various executives and they're like, oh my God this song is great. But when it comes down to it, as an artist, they do not want you to be as creative or versatile as you were when putting the demo together. I do not want to be labeled as just an R & B singer, jazz singer or funk singer after they decide which will fit. I want to be an artist. Some labels do not know how to push you when you have too much diversity. The genre of music is endless but they like to pigeonhole you. They will say sing like this or like that or whoever is hot on the charts. I want to give people Wallace Gary.
BUZZ: You have been around a lot of artist who have deals, have any of them tried to help you get signed?
WALLACE: It's weird. People love what I do but not enough to help, you know. They may feel by helping me, may take away from them, I don't know. But there is enough for all of us and we all should be eating together.
BUZZ: As an good unsigned artist, I know people have come to you and made offers. Some may want to be your manager or producers. Have you gone through any raw deals?
WALLACE: I have been dogged. I remember having a bank account under my so-called management. I had just got paid a pretty penny for a gig and made a deposit. Later I went to the bank to withdraw some money and they were like you need your manager's approval to get your money. Stuff was just wrong all the time with this manager. I remember people trying to steal my material. I remember being in the shower and hearing my song on the television and I ran out of the shower, suds dripping to see someone singing my song without my permission. I have not been compensated for my material or time trying to help others. It has been a struggle but it has helped me a lot and I have learned a lot. In a way I am glad that it has happened because it has made me a better artist and businessperson. I'm registered at SESAC and I'm working with a group of talented people who are really helping me. Plus I am handling my own business now.
BUZZ: Now that you have completed the untitled album with such hits as I Remember The Day, Open Letters, Where Have the Butterfly's Gone, Rainy Days, Love Don't live Here...rendition of Too High, by Stevie Wonder is the best ! good job. What's next?
WALLACE: I have recorded a series of Jingles for different products & companies including, Nationwide Insurance Company,Heineken and Sprite.
WALLACE: I just want people to listen to my music and enjoy it.
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