All photos courtesy of Garrett Bowers
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Garrett Bowers. I’m a musician, audio engineer, and visual artist. My main creative focus is being the songwriter and front man for the band Juniper Ridge, a musical project that is an eclectic mix of folk, rock, jazz and more. As an audio engineer I record and produce music out of a home studio. I’m currently recording a full album for Dean Nelson and an EP for The Aquatic Hitchhiker.
I run sound at the Nash and for the YabYum Hour on Radio Phoenix. I am currently hosting the YabYum Hour remotely, but only until the studio reopens from being closed due to coronavirus. Then, the actual hosts, Anna and Bonnie, will be back hosting the show. As a visual artist I mostly like to paint with acrylics or sketch with pen or pencil. I often like to work with focused color palettes and have a very design-centric approach.
How did you get your start?
My mom is a music teacher and a clarinetist and my dad is a writer, so I’ve always had music and creativity around me. I started playing music in 5th grade when I played trombone in the school band. I did that all the way through high school. Around my junior year, I started learning how to play guitar as well. I wanted to write songs and it seemed easier to do on that instrument than a trombone.
I played in my first band (or at least my first band that was not school sanctioned) my senior year. That’s when I really got hooked on writing and performing music. I got into recording and producing when I went to MCC for their audio production program. Ever since then I’ve been writing, recording, and performing as much as I can.
What inspires you?
Texture
What do you like about AZ?
My favorite thing about AZ is the lack of expectation pertaining to sound or style. There isn’t really a “sound” to the AZ scene, which creates an atmosphere of freedom around creating. Most of the bands that are popular in PHX sound wildly different from each other. We have metal, country, indie, hip-hop and it seems like everything in between. I think this creates a very unique space where artists don’t feel pressured by expectation to create something that sounds or feels a certain way.
Where can we see you(r) work?
My music is available on all streaming platforms. Just search ‘Juniper Ridge’. We just put out a single called “Blue Dream” and have a full album in the works. You can follow Juniper Ridge on Instagram and Twitter . If you are interested in setting up a show with us you can contact us on social media or email. if you are interested in recording with me or having me produce for you, you can contact me. My visual art can be seen on Instagram @garebeargare
What would you like to accomplish before you die?
If I could reach a point where I was able to be financially supported solely by creating and working on art and music that I’m excited about, I’d be happy. I would also love to be able to use art as a way to travel and see more of the world. Anything past that would be icing on the cake.
What is your mantra?
I once had a teacher tell me, “If you want to increase your chances of success by 99% all you have to do is not quit”.
Whenever you get frustrated or lose motivation, you just have to keep working towards your goals even if it’s a slow process.
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