GB Leighton has been playing music for nearly as long as I’ve been going to shows. He draws from his own life experience, which draws and endears the listener. Even if his story isn’t your story, there’s still a feeling like – he gets it. Tangerine is a moving album, and you can see it live at the Parkway on May 29.
You have been playing music for 30 years, can you tell us what’s different for you now than when you started?
When I started, downtown was booming and you could see an original band at just about every venue. There was no social media. I had a monthly calendar I mailed out and a hotline that could be called for weekly gigs.
The number of home studios has grown like crazy.
And what’s different with the industry and the crowds?
The crowds seem to stay around their own communities. They don’t travel as much because of drinking laws.
The industry has turned to a more self promotion with social media.
Crowds seem to enjoy an earlier show rather than the 1am stop time.
The new album starts strong with Tangerine, also the name of the album, it’s a deceptively complex song. It’s the song a young kid is going to want to listen to every time. It’s charming and danceable. But within the joyful rhythm are some astute observations of waking up on the wrong side of the floor. What was the inspiration?
My life.
Having an alcohol addiction in this business can be a tough road playing in bars.
Many a morning I’ve woken up to a bad hangover or guilty feelings about how I acted. This song is about that guy who wishes he was anything other than who he has to look at in the mirror.
Throughout the album there’s a tension between staying put, running away and moving forward. Maybe I’m projecting from a part of my world, (and so many gb Leighton songs seems to make that personal connection to the listener) but it feels like someone watching (or maybe being) a loved one who isn’t on the journey you might wish for them. There are also a couple songs about “something good” or “just be good for today.” Is there an album-wide story, message or theme?
Life brings us so many obstacles and throws so many curve balls. I guess part of me wants to remember the past and how it seemed so simple. I feel sometimes I’m playing catch up with the world. But I’ve found myself a calmer attitude living life according to life’s plan. Knowing nothing, absolutely nothing happens by mistake. I can choose how to react to life differently.
Also with all the hate and division in the world, I try to open my door each day and choose to be good rather than bad.
It’s a simple choice.
Please tell us about the upcoming release show.
May 29th at Parkway Theater in Mpls. There are still some tickets available. It’s gonna be a great evening with some great guests. Hope you can make it.
Photo by: Darin Back
Mostly Minnesota 