In the summer of 2003, millions of viewers across the country tuned in to Canadian Idol to cast their vote for singer Gary Beals. His soulful renditions of pop classics such as Sarah McLachlan’s Angel and Stevie Wonder’s Overjoyed captured the hearts of the nation – and the attention of industry mover and shaker, Farley Flex.

Flex immediately teamed Gary up with acclaimed producers and hit makers, including multiple Juno Award winner Orin Isaacs and international multi-platinum producer Marcus Kane. The resulting self-titled debut CD, released this summer, showcases Gary’s amazing vocal and songwriting talents, debuting at #10 on the Canadian sales charts.

Gary took some time to answer 10 questions from andPOP visitors. Keep reading to find out what he says about his career, Idol, and more.

What has been the hardest part about succeeding in the music industry?

The hardest part about succeeding in the music industry is maintaining the momentum it takes to continue to build my career as an artist and the demands of a very challenging schedule.

Once you got signed, what surprised you most about the music biz that you weren?t expecting?

What surprised me most about the music industry once I got signed was how much work goes behind releasing an album. The amount of studio time that goes into producing the product; like writing the songs and recording the music vocally and instrumentally. The planning process, deciding the best time for the album to be released, when singles should be released, the promotional side of introducing the music to the public, etc. The touring aspect and the amount of time and effort put into getting the artist or group out in the public eye. It?s hard work but worth it in the end.

Do you still keep in touch with the rest of the Canadian Idols?

As often as I can I do try to keep in touch with the rest of the Canadian Idols.

Now that you are so well known in people?s lives, do you feel that your friends treat you differently and if so, would that be good or bad changes?

I find my friends treat me no differently then they had before Canadian Idol. However they are very supportive of my career, keep me grounded and allow me to be myself.

I?ve noticed little nuances and a slightly different style, which showcases your range and sound. Do you like how this has evolved, or do you still think of your style as a work in motion: ever evolving?

I do like how this has evolved. I think my sound for the most part will always be in evolving mode through the years as my voice grows and matures. Learning from other singers/musicians and evaluating what works for them and experimenting to see what works best for me has helped develop my style. I do look forward to my continued growth as a performer, vocalist and songwriter.

We know you because you were on Canadian Idol, but if you were never involved in the show, do you think there would still be the same or similar opportunities for you in the music business?

I look at Canadian Idol as being a major stepping-stone in my career. A great opportunity that gave me nation-wide publicity and I?m very grateful for that. I probably wouldn?t have the same opportunities in the music business, if I were not on the show, and I probably wouldn?t have accomplished what I accomplished in the last year and a half since Canadian Idol. Had I not been on the show, there probably would be opportunities for me to record and most likely to perform at different venues. Would I get the same attention as I get now? Probably not, but one thing is for sure I would still be doing something I love to do. And that?s what?s important.

I was thinking about trying out for Canadian Idol next year. Do you have any advice?

My advice to anyone trying out for Canadian Idol is to go out and have fun, think of it as an opportunity. If you make it, great, if you don?t, it doesn?t mean you suck, maybe it wasn?t meant for you at this time, remember life still goes on and another opportunity might arise. It?s also important to believe in yourself, ’cause if you don?t, no one will.
Stay true to yourself and go to the audition well prepared. Be sure to make good song choices and remember the judges are just people.

I saw you do a performance with Toya Alexis and it was beautiful. You should do a whole album together; think about it. Have you talked about it at all with her, and if not, is this a possibility?

Toya is a very talented vocalist and I have a great deal of respect for her as an artist. However, we have not discussed recording an album together. We do perform a duet called ?Memories? which is currently on my self-titled CD. Toya is currently working on her album and preparing for her album release and I?m looking forward to touring across Canada and internationally this spring and I also have plans to record a second album sometime this year.

What has Farley Flex taught you?

Farley has taught me about the importance of taking care of the business aspect of my music and to be personally involved in every facet of my career. He has taught me that writing my own songs is key to my development as an artist and longevity in the music industry.

I?m from Chicago but my cousin told me to listen to your music and I love it. Do you have plans to release the album here in the states?

My album is distributed throughout Canada, but it is a possibility that we will get distribution in the States pending a US distribution deal. However, I recently recorded a duet with Krista Remmers Morgan from Texas titled ?Love is all There Is,? which will be released to Canadian and US radio in the first quarter of 2005. Listen out for it!!!

More on Gary Beals: garybealsonline.com






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