African Music News: A Musical Journey Fueled by Passion and Perseverance (2024)
For young Grover Doyle, music has always played a pivotal role, filling the empty spaces of his life with melodies and rhythms. Starting with piano lessons as a child, Grover’s musical journey took a decisive turn when he picked up the guitar at the age of 12, setting him on a path to become one […]For young Grover Doyle, music has always played a pivotal role, filling the empty spaces of his life with melodies and rhythms. Starting with piano lessons as a child, Grover’s musical journey took a decisive turn when he picked up the guitar at the age of 12, setting him on a path to become one […]
Grover Doyle: A Musical Journey Fueled by Passion and Perseverance
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.musicarenagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/stutterboy.jpg?fit=1440%2C1800&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.musicarenagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/stutterboy.jpg?fit=696%2C870&ssl=1">For young Grover Doyle, music has always played a pivotal role, filling the empty spaces of his life with melodies and rhythms. Starting with piano lessons as a child, Grover’s musical journey took a decisive turn when he picked up the guitar at the age of 12, setting him on a path to become one of the greatest musicians of his time.
Throughout his musical pursuits, Grover faced his fair share of struggles, but they have not dampened his spirit. In fact, these challenges have only strengthened his determination to reach his full potential as an artist. With unwavering resolve, Grover remains focused on achieving greatness in the world of music.
In his latest album, titled “Stutterboy ii,” Grover draws inspiration from a wide range of influences. The songs on this album seamlessly blend new wave synth tones with surfy reverb guitar, accompanied by forward and percussive basslines and intricate syncopated drums. The result is a fierce, brooding, yet tender sound that leaves a lasting impact on the listener.
With rusty vocals that add a unique character, Stutterboy’s music can be described as a fusion of 1980s Post-Punk and 1990s Psych Rock, infused with subtle elements of 1960s Northern Soul and West Coast Surf. The band deliberately keeps the origins of the album a mystery, allowing the tracks to speak for themselves.
“Stutterboy II” features a total of 10 songs spanning over 34 minutes and 31 seconds. From alternative rock to 80’s punk, each track is imbued with insane guitar riffs that add an extra layer of intensity and excitement.
In this exclusive interview with Mister Styx of Musicarenagh, we delve into Grover Doyle’s musical journey, his creative process, and the inspiration behind “Stutterboy ii” Prepare to be enthralled by the passion and talent of a musician who is poised to make a significant impact on the music scene.
Listen to Stutterboy ii below
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What are your stage names
— for one of us — Grover Doyle. Everyone else goes by their given/government names.
Is there a story behind your stage name? More of an anecdote, really. One day we were playing that game where you place random names in front of your surname, in a jestful effort toy around with the idea of naming one’s first born. Grover wound up in front of mind and I took to it.
Where do you find inspiration?
In conversation and people-watching, the music of others and how music aligns with the moment. What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
All the empty spaces were filled with music of some sort. Whether it was my father’s songs in the car, stealing my older brother’s CDs to listen to with the living room stereo when no one else was around.
Are you from a musical or artistic family? Musically inclined. Everyone in the family has artistic inclinations, but only a few have ever really pursued it beyond the hobby stage. My brother was the first real exception. Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I don’t know that I ever thought of it as becoming part of an industry, but music was always apart of my life, though it lie dormant for quite some time. I’ve always found it easy to gel with musicians or other musically inclined individuals, and so in watching my friends create the stuff, I inevitably caved to the compulsion. How did you learn to sing/write/to play? Had piano lessons off and on as a kid. When I picked up a guitar around the age of 12, I slowly, but eventually learned through various music books and tabs online (a newer convenience at that time).
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
Technically, the first was when my parents took me to Kenny G when I was four. The first concert I had an agency in attending was a local show of these pop punk and ska bands, a real suburban scene. I didn’t really know the bands but I felt really cool seeing a local show at 13.
How could you describe your music? Our drummer describes it as if David Bowie directed a spaghetti western.
Describe your creative process. It varies, but it usually starts with the spark of a melody that inspires obsession. If I can obsess properly, then a song will come to fruition.
What is your main inspiration?
The works of all the great ones.
What musician do you admire most and why? Dead? David Bowie. Alive? Cate Le Bon. Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Certainly, feels that way. This project began with a very strong acoustic and surf bend. As pedals and amps become more involved, so the sound and songs developed.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Supposed to say myself, right? I only feel animosity towards others when I’m unfocused. What are your interests outside of music?
Books, movies, buildings, any kind of art that expands my perception and/or keeps me distracted. Deep diving obscure etymologies, histories, and WebMD.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
A life of pure squalor and/or corporate law. What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
Getting it right.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
The insufferable personalities: the unnecessary gatekeeping, the ill-informed shit-checking, and people getting off on talking down to others.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
We don’t like to talk about it. What are your plans for the coming months?
Write more. Record More. Play more.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
Oh most definitely. Have another project cooking with an EP on the horizon there, we are currently tracking for that. I play bass for another band called Mooncult. They will be dropping singles all summer.