EX-MATCHBOX STAR STRIKING NEW LIGHT
ONE of the joys of doing this column is that by a few degrees of separation we get to talk to amazing people.
This week it is Adam Gaynor, one of the original members of Matchbox 20.
He toured with the band from its creation in 1995 until he left in 2005 to pursue other interests.
“It was pretty crazy for a long time and in one year we played 355 gigs with just 10 days off,” he says. “In the beginning we toured up and down North America in a van so it was a tough grind.
“Someone once described Matchbox 20 as the culmination of five people arguing in a room but it worked and we made some great music.”
Today, Gaynor lives in a small town just outside
Nashville, with his own studio to record music or his other great love, his Vogcast – a word he coined. “My latest project is my alter ego, Baxley, my first solo musical project. The music is darker, very different, frantic even, and a bit more experimental.
“As Baxley, I can create my own sound and still stay true to my organic pop melodies.”
He has particularly fond memories of Australia: “The people were extraordinary, they treated us so well, every album went to No.1 and the tour was something else.”
Having lived in Miami and Los Angeles, Gaynor made the move to Tennessee to get away from burnout.
“I still want to enjoy the process of creating and the aim in one year is to present the best version of myself.
Ideally, I will make a living doing this but I am writing some of the best songs of my life so whatever happens, happens. My description of this process is I’ve climbed a big mountain before but this time I have much better shoes,” he laughed.
Be sure to “like” Adam Gaynor on Facebook and follow his journey – it will be fun.