GAVIN EDWARDS

The Voice SA runner-up opens up to us about his new album, his baby boy – and how getting sober has affected his performance By LINDSAY DE FREITAS Picture: MISHA JORDAAN

HE’S hardly a newcomer to the industry but Gavin Edwards feels his musical journey has only just begun. After being spotted by former Westlife star Brian McFadden in 2002, Gavin and his band, Franklin, were signed to the Irish singer’s record label and moved to Dublin, Ireland. He eventually parted ways with the band, and his musical career took him all over the world – from New York and Nashville in the US to Sydney, Australia. After returning to SA, Gavin (38) took stock of his life and found a new sense of direction. He landed a spot on The Voice SA and, while he didn’t win the competition, his first single, Sparks, off his debut album, Silver Skies, went straight to No 1 on iTunes just a day after its release.

What can fans expect from Silver Skies?

The music is a lot like what I used to do as a musician. I’ve always loved making poprock music, like Bon Jovi and OneRepublic. But as I became more desperate for a piece of the pie I started moving away from that genre. It feels good to have come back. I do a rendition of Say Something with [Afrikaans singer] Karlien van Jaarsveld – she has a beautiful, raspy voice and I’m so glad we got her on the album.

You’ve been in the music business for a long time. Tell us more about your journey.

One minute I was playing cover songs in Sun City, the next I was in Dublin and hanging out with Westlife, Ronan Keating and Bono, and playing as opening act for [US rock band] Incubus. It was amazing.

What are your career highlights?

I recently realised I’d forgotten I’d met Amy Winehouse – just before she made it big – which, when I think about it now, was really awesome. I regret not being more “in the moment”.

You’ve performed alongside some amazing acts. Do you still get nervous?

I’ve recently sobered up and I’ve actually been clean for just over a year now. I was always a shy kid so performing is harder for me now that I’m sober. When you’re drunk it’s like karaoke. But now I’m so aware and a lot more anxious about delivering on stage. But even though it’s more challenging, it’s better. I’m in a good place at the moment.

You were the runner-up on The Voice SA – how has your life changed since the show?

It’s been good – but also totally insane! In fact after The Voice my wife and I got evicted from our house. While I was on the show I couldn’t play gigs for a few months – my wife, Bianca (25), doesn’t have a job, other than running my life! So things were tough. But it all turned out okay in the end. We ended up moving to Hartbeespoort Dam into a bigger house with cheaper rent. And we have a baby boy, Cody – he was born in October.

How did you get into music?

Back when I was 16 or 17 I did it to get chicks. But I was always the drummer, never the singer. Then one of the bands I was in needed a vocalist and we all tried singing – and they decided I was the “least worst”. That’s how it all started.

Which artists do you listen to?

John Mayer and Ed Sheeran – they’re both fantastic vocalists and songwriters.

Is there anyone, locally or internationally, you’d love to collaborate with?

Internationally, definitely Ed or John. Locally, I think Toya Delazy. She’s incredibly talented. I met her on The Voice and she gave me the most amazing piece of advice, not only as a performer but as a life lesson as well, which is just the importance of being in the moment.

If you weren’t a singer what do you think you’d be doing?

SNo idea! But I’d definitely be working with my hands. I used to build things with my dad. I love woodwork and building.