A Chat With: Caged Arts
The story of Caged Arts is an inspiring one. A mixed ability rock band fronted by Gary, an autistic man who overcame homelessness and alcohol abuse through the strength of his own character and the support of music therapy charity T.I.M.E – the organisation that took him off the streets and onto the stage. With such a fascinating history, we had the pleasure of chatting to the man himself to find out more…
RR: What to you is the best rock album of all time and why?
Pink Floyd dark side of the moon. Because it has so much going on with the music. It has so many different sounds, textures and instruments and lyrically it describes life in such an interesting meaningful way, I really connect with the words and the feel of the music.
RR: How did you first discover rock music?
Growing up my parents always loved rocked music, ACDC, Budgie. From a baby there was always rock music in the house. My parents had a Vinyl player with tonnes of LP’s that I loved playing with. That really sowed a seed for my love of rock music
RR: How would you describe the current state of rock/alternative music?
I think there’s great local scene for rock and alternative music, especially in Essex, Southend and Basildon. But id love to see more bands like them hitting the mainstream. And although rock music isn’t as popular as it once was I think there’s a real underground scene for it still.
RR: Who is your current favourite rock/alternative artist and why?
My favourite at the moment is called Dirty Honey, I discovered them in lockdown and absolutely love them. I like it because It sounds like rock music from the 80’s and 90’s which I really love. The vocals really stand out to me, such a strong voice, and there’s a great theme to each song.
RR: Do you see the genre evolving in any particular way at the moment? For good or for bad?
I think there’s a lot more music being made now because its so easy for people to record and release their own music without needing for a record label so I think it’s great that there’s lots of different genres blending and new sounds being made. I love being able to easily discover new bands all the time on Facebook and YouTube.
RR: How would you describe the music of Caged Arts?
I find it difficult to put a label on us as every song to me is different. Crystal castle is more of a slow emotional song whereas the artist still has that emotion but is much faster and upbeat. So, I suppose there’s always a lot of emotion within the music, especially with the lyrics, I spend hours writing down ideas to the type of thing I’m trying to say. Aside from that we love big guitars, big drums and an overall hard-hitting sound.
RR: What is the meaning behind the name Caged Arts to you and the band?
Caged comes from behind trapped with yourself and arts is the creative side. Sometimes in life it has felt as if the art inside me has been caged because of my disability. Caged arts is about showing the artist inside of me despite of the cage.
RR: Can you tell us a little bit about your experiences with T.I.M.E?
Since coming to TIME’s drop in I showed off some of my lyrics and ideas and from there it went from strength to strength, we quickly started to write songs develop the music and before I knew it, we were playing shows and I was singing as the frontman of the band. Mike, Rob and Marc have been such great friends to me and have really made me come out of my shell. I’m not sure where I would be without TIME. I certainly wouldn’t be making music like I am now.
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