~ Artist Spotlight ~

RFG caught up with songcrafter,  Gary Russell Wertz known as GRW about the release of  his new single “Green Lights” – a country-reggae fusion

Q: When did you start playing music and who were your biggest influences?
A: I started writing songs in my head when I was around 10 years old, long before I learned an instrument. I went to school for the fine arts, not music, and only taught myself an instrument so I could get the songs down. I was indoctrinated into the Church of the Beatles early on.

Q: Do you write songs for other musicians?
A: Writing songs for other artists is a fun challenge because it takes me down different paths that I might not go. Then, I end up wanting to record the song myself. The fabulous guitarist Eric McFadden has released two songs I wrote on his albums. I’ve also contributed two songs to Dave Catching’s (EoDM) solo album.

Q: Do you have a favorite genre?
A: I was a Punk Kid, but I love any style of music when the song is good. It’s all about the song.

Q: How many instruments do you play?
A: I play Guitar, Bass, Drums and a little Keyboard — so I’m a Rock Band!

Q: What is your process? Music first? Lyrics first?  
A: I’m usually a melody-first guy, but there’s nothing more inspiring than a good, strong song title. Lyrics are always hard unless they come easy. “Green Lights” is a good example of lyrics coming easy. The track came from serendipity. I had just met the producer, Marcus Thompson when we were visiting with the Marley family down in Miami and I had brought my guitar to play for everyone. Because things seemed to be moving along well, Lisa suggested I sing about something ‘Flowing.” Then I thought: what gets traffic flowing better than green lights? It only took a few more minutes to write the lyrics. Since I was in Miami, I also got a summer breeze in there for good measure. Junior Toots came up with his words just as quickly, and really pushed it further into Love Song territory, which I thought was right on. The song “Green Lights” seemed to come out of thin air.

Q: What is in the works for GRW?
A: Hoping to release HYBRIDS in the late Fall ‑ It’s composed of different styles of rock with a strong country flavor. Hey, after all, I am in Nashville now.

Are you looking for a positive musical affirmation
to start your day?
The summer hit single, “GREEN LIGHTS” is just that.
This song is an earworm…it just gets stuck in your head as it melds two genres: country and reggae 
in a perfect blend of
feel good.

For more info about GRW,
visit http://grwmusic.com/ or follow on socials.
@GRW_Music