Nirvanas Gate Poetry

More than Poetry, More than Words


Interviews at the gate






Interview with a poet

Scott Scherr









Melissa: Scott, thank you for agreeing to do this interview with Nirvanasgate, I appreciate the time you are taking out of your busy schedule to do this for us. I've known you via Helium for less than year now, but from the beginning I have been impressed by the way you approach poetry. What was it that moved you to turn to poetry?
 
Scott:   My pleasure, thanks for having me.  I was fifteen, sitting in front of a typewriter, staring out a window. I was drifting along in thoughts and before I knew it, I was typing some fragmented lines on a blank page. My first poem was suddenly conceived. It was called, "Wishing". I don't know how that happened exactly, but I was giddy for the rest of the day considering the words I wrote. Ive always had a love for writing, been doing that since I was eight. I used to write stories on notepads for my friends in the neighborhood. I would give them all a part (I was always the hero of course, the advantages to being the author, lol) and I would read to them and they all loved it. But this was something else entirely. These were MY emotions and thoughts laid bare on a piece of paper, so unlike the characters I made up in stories. Before I knew it, I was writing more of these strange things called poems. I was an odd child at fifteen, always felt like I was older than my years back then and I did not have many friends I could talk to about what was going on inside me. The poetry gave me a way to release all those confusing emotional teen years to the page and this helped me to understand myself. So poetry became my emotional outlet as my initial motivation.
 
Melissa: You've been experimenting with different forms of poetry here of late, which one do you seem to be drawn to the most? For example, "I enjoy free verse as it allows the poet to express their thoughts without thought to a rhyme or certain syllable count, but for you which form do you enjoy the most?"
 
Scott:  I too like free verse. It allows me the room to just let the words flow and fall where they may without having to complicate my thoughts with anything other than the moment. However, I am enjoying exploring the world of sonnets presently. There is a lot I can do with those without feeling restricted by more complex rhyme schemes and syllable counts. Fact is, I am discovering that I like variety and by dabbling in as many traditional and invented forms of poetry as I can, it actually gives me a discipline I lacked in my free verse, where I tend to use an overabundance of unnecessary words. Now I am more mindful of this as I learn more and more about poetry. Less is more, I am finding out. All in all, I would like to be a well-rounded poet with as much understanding of what is out there as I can, along with poetry that travels beyond traditional boundaries.
 
Melissa: Do you feel it is necessary to keep with the writing styles of the poets of old, or do you feel that poetry is changing and should be approached with open minded opinions, such as with free writing styles? This raises another question, where would the limit be drawn if poetry is met with more openness when it comes to expressions of self?
 
Scott:  Poetry must have room to breathe, to soar.  So yes, an open minded approach is absolutely necessary.  There is nothing more irritating to me, when it comes to poetry, than when a great, moving and inspirational piece gets overlooked because someone is too busy trying to decide if it qualifies as a poem or not.  This is entirely subjective to me.  Who can claim to be an expert on the human heart and how it should be expressed?  Not I.  Philosophy has been trying to tackle that one for centuries.  Since the heart is the essence of poetry, anything that flows from it, has a right to reside in the realm of poetry.   When we start trying to define what it is, from what it is not, poetry has no where left to go.  I have great respect for the writing styles of the pioneer poets, and I believe we should learn from them and at least try these styles for ourselves to see which vehicles of delivery feel right for each of us.  However, one day far from now, perhaps our words will be the ones future poets look back upon, to gain further inspiration from roads we pave.  Will they then too say that our ways are the only ways to write poetry?  In the end, poetry for me is about reaching as many people as you can by whatever vehicle that works. This is a language of the heart, traveling from one heart to another. Poetry is a vast and beautiful mystery that occurs between people.  Why would anyone want to put that in a box?
 
As far as your second question, remove the limitations some try to place on poetry then I believe the only thing left is understanding.  I believe the goal of any poet sharing his or her heart is to be understood.  We should soar in the freedom poetry allows but also stay mindful to how we express so as not to write words that end up in obscurity for the sake of individualism.   As I have said, I believe poetry is communication, not mysterious proclamations and riddles that scream, Come figure me out! and can only be solved by the poet that wrote them.  We should always aim to achieve understanding of our words.  If someone is inspired by the words we share, perhaps receiving a different interpretation of our poems (for I believe our poetry takes on a life of its own in the heart of another, after we let it loose), then we are communicating.  In my opinion, this is critical in how we choose to express.      
 
Melissa: If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is seeking to become a poet, what advice would that be?
 
Scott:  With your first attempts at writing poetry, do not spend too much time thinking about what you’re thinking about, and how to make it sound poetic, just get it out on the page.  The process of refining your words can come later.  It is more important to become accustomed to writing down your thoughts in any given moment.  You want something raw flowing from inside you, so use whatever words are available in the moment,  especially when strong emotions are present.  Think of writing a poem as taking a photograph that not only captures something visual, but also something emotional and thoughtful from someplace deep, and perhaps foreign to you.   If something moves you enough to feel the words, just write whatever comes.  If you spend too much time thinking it to death, you will lose the moment and end up with something artificial, trying way too hard to be a frustrated poet before you have even written your first piece.  Start carrying around paper and pen everywhere you go and get used to writing down what I call floating thoughts.  You may only catch a line or two at first, but it may be enough to get a poem started when that time comes to continue it.  Just write down every impression that hits you.   Also read read read about everything.  Get your mind active and sharp and think about what is going on in the world around you.  I believe it is hard to write anything worth a damn if you are not actively engaging your mind.         
 
Melissa: When it comes to poetry Scott, truly there is no money in becoming a poet, it has to be a love or passion for this genre of writing which pushes a person to seek and explore it, you either love it or hate it. How does that make you feel? Too what is the motivating force behind your pen?
 
Scott:   Sometimes Melissa, I think poetry chooses us.  That is how I felt when I first started writing it.  It is as you say, you either love it or hate it.  But once it gets a hold of you, poetry doesn't let go.  Yes, I would love to make money doing this, who would not?  But that is just so I could quit my day job and have time to write more of it! lol.  Poetry is an exploration of the inner world turned inside-out, and the outer world turned outside-in.  Poetry is a grand adventure of discovery for me!  The greatest motivating force to write poetry for me now is the communication.  There is something beautiful in being able to talk to others through poems and share thoughts and wonderings into various things.  It is hard to get that sort of truthfulness, depth and simplicity from people through conversations in this busy world today.  Too much in the way.  But through poetry, all obstructions are removed and you really see people in all their uniqueness and beauty.  As a former cynic, this is refreshing for me and fills me with hope and wonder when I look at people around me sharing themselves in this way.  It is like seeing the sunset or a sunrise in the heart of another.  I find this very inspiring.
 
Melissa: There has been many times in the middle of the night when a phrase or a word reaches me in sleep and it pounds in my head until I get up to write it down. Has this every happened to you before and if so can you share an experience with us?
 
Scott:  I can not say that this has happened for me, at least, not that I can recall.  Although I have heard of many poets that experience poems like this.  Almost like they are being summoned from sleep to write down words from elsewhere hmm, Makes you wonder where some of our stuff comes from lol.  For me, along these lines, I get images that get locked in my skull, like a mental photograph that just lingers while I try to understand what to do with it.  This happens a lot for me.  I will be having a conversation with someone, then they say something that triggers the photo, I laugh and say, "That’s it!" As my friend has no idea what I am talking about lol.  I get some poems like a series of pieces from things people say to things I observe, and so on till the picture in my head has enough pieces so that I can see it clearly and let my heart take over and run with it.   
 
Melissa: Scott you have kids, a recent addition has been added to your family infact, are you going to share this love of writing with your children? Are you keeping a journal of sorts to give to them when they are older so they can have something to look back on and say,"hey this is what my father was all about?" You know your poetry could be an heirloom to pass down from generation to generation. In my humble opinion it's that good.
 
Scott:  Thank you Melissa.  I am definitely compiling a book of my poems to pass down.  "The good, the bad and the ugly" of who I am is written down on those pages lol.  I do not know if my children will venture down this avenue or not, but they will at least have my poems to show them who their father was should I not be there.  I think what you mentioned is very important for all poets to do, even the ones that do not have families of their own yet.  Truth of the matter is, should we pass from this life tomorrow, what will be left to tell anyone who we were better than our poetry?
 
Melissa: You have a website started, what's the name of it if you don't mind sharing it with us?
 
Scott:  No I don't mind.  It’s called "Wondering Wanderings" at  wonderingwanderings.webs.com
 
 
Melissa: Are you sharing your poetry with the public there? What is the purpose of your site?
 
Scott:  This site is in the infant stages presently.  For now, I just share my poetry there with photographs that I've taken over the years.  Just wanted a place I could call my own and give the readers a comfortable relaxed place to come and just take in some poetry with visuals.  As I grow, it too will grow and become something more.  
 
Melissa: I know you write on Helium too, how has Helium or has Helium been an aid in you in exploring the world of poetry?
 
Scott:  Helium, specifically a forum on there called "The Poetry Coffee House", has been a tremendous blessing to me.  There I discovered what it felt like to be a part of a community of poets, something I never had before.  In the past, I was the only person I knew that wrote poetry.  All I had were poets in books to read about, but to actually interact with other poets has been a great inspiration and encouragement for me.  There are some fine folks over there who I've learned much from.  I was coming off a four year writing drought when I found Helium, so I found new life there.   
 
Melissa: In closing, how would you sum up what it is about poetry that moves you to keep on writing? Do you plan on publishing a book?
 
Scott:  Melissa, I would have to say that there is something about poetry for me, that keeps a part of me alive and youthful, that I might otherwise have lost without it.  Poetry is a very rare and special window that I am fortunate to have and to gaze out into.  It is a perspective I almost lost and am glad to have back.  A perspective into the infinite places where one walks out into the air of inspiration and takes a deep long breath of something refreshing.  This has been a great ride for me so far and, Lord willing, I have got a lot more miles left to travel before this journeys end.
 
To answer your last question, I do have plans on publishing a book at some point  "something creepy" we'll just see where that goes lol.
 
Again, thank you for inviting me to do this interview.   These questions gave me an opportunity to really take a long look inside myself to see what was there.   
 
Melissa: Scott, thank you so much for answering these questions for me. It's always so interesting to see the person behind the poetry.
I want to encourage you to keep on writing as I feel you will leave your mark upon the poetry world.
 

Kat Apf - Interview with a poet

Kat Apf has been married for twenty-one years, to a very nice man, who happens to be an amazing person and poet. They have three wonderful beasts between the ages of six and seventeen.

Kat also edits and publishes a small poetry 'zine. She's a poet and has had quite a few poems published in small 'zines and ezines.


Melissa: Kathleen, when did the desire to write really take hold of you?

Kathleen: The desire to write took hold very early.  I was probably five or six when I wanted to write.  I can't remember a time when I didn't have a notebook full of something-stories, poems, thoughts.  I have always been writing.  My mom writes and has since before I was born.  I grew up with the typewriter clacking in the background.  I think it's just in my blood.

Melissa:  What type of writings have you delved into?

Kathleen: As a kid, I wrote these long, horrible "novels".  I still have some.  All written on loose leaf paper.  As a teen, I dove into poetry...reading and writing it.  Then, in my twenties, I got married and had kids.  I didn't write for almost twenty years.  When I was diagnosed with MS a few years ago, I had more time.  I had to slow down and I decided write again.  I had always hoped to write a Young Adult Novel. I found a writing site and jumped in.  There, I met some poets and I realized how much I missed poetry in my life!  And I got back to that.   I have stories running through my head but it seems these stories want to come out as poetry.  I'm not sure I have what it takes to write a novel but I still have hopes of writing that YA Novel.

Melissa:  How do you feel writing has affected your life?

Kathleen:  Writing has been something I have to do.  When I don't have time to write, I become a cranky soul. Ask my husband how cranky I was for almost twenty years!  It's a good release.  Through writing, I've met some awesome people and along the way have learned a lot about myself and people, in general.  Like I said, I didn't write for twenty years and now, I feel I'm making up for lost time!

Melissa:  I know you have children, how has your writing impacted their life?

Kathleen:  I have three kids.  My oldest is off to college in the Fall, to study German and Russian.  I think she loves languages because even when I wasn't writing, I was reading...with them, to them and by myself.  I think the love for the English language in our house sparked her love for all languages.  My middle child is an incredible writer!  Again, I think this comes from the love of books in our house.  And my small guy, who is just six, is a really good storyteller.  I think he'll do something with writing when he's older.  I think when you grow up around readers and writers, it does impact you. When I read your question, I asked my oldest daughter if my writing has impacted her life...her answer,  "The kids at school think it's cool that you're a poet."  Hey!  I was never cool when I was in high school, so that was nice to hear!

Melissa:  You run a small 'zine called "remark," how has that been in regards to expanding on your own writings, by seeing how others write?

Kathleen: Running "remark." has been an awesome thing in my life.  First off, it's the first and only thing in the world that I have complete control over.  I do everything connected with "remark.".  Which is a really freeing thing.  It was almost scary at first, when I took over in 2004.  I was like, "Oh, my!  I don't know much.  I just love poetry. How am I going to do this?"  But I've learned a lot.  I've read some really amazing poetry which has made me say, "Whoa! I wish I wrote that!".  I've also read some poetry that shouldn't have been put out there for public consumption.  It's an interesting way to learn about people. Some follow directions to the letter. Some do not.  Some are kind and amazingly professional.  Some are not.  As far as expanding my own writing, well, not really. I'm usually so busy with other people's writing, I don't have much time for my own.

Melissa:  How do you deal with the creativity of writers, when they submit their pieces to the zine? I guess I mean what kind of poetry do you allow?

Kathleen:  First, I'll say this.  I don't really think of myself as editor.   I just love poetry. So, if I fall in love with a poem someone submits, I put it in "remark.".  I like free verse better.  I rarely read anything that rhymes that kicks me and makes me fly out of my chair and yell!  But I have used some rhyming pieces in "remark.".  In fact, the first issue I did had a sonnet in it!  If you are talking about language, you can curse if you want to!  Sometimes, F's and S's just work. Sometimes, they don't.  It depends.  It's really hard to say what I'll accept because I've been all over the poetic map.  Sonnets, villanelles and Bukowski-esque type pieces have all appeared in "remark.".

Melissa:  How do you separate yourself from the emotions, which must weigh heavy on you, when reading so many creative pieces?

Kathleen: I'm not sure if you are talking about "dark" pieces or what?  I don't really have trouble separating myself from other people's creative writing.  It doesn't really weigh heavily on me.  My own, now that's a different story!

Melissa:  I know you yourself have been published what does that feel like?

Kathleen:  It always feels good when you hear you've gotten an acceptance.  Each acceptance I've ever gotten has been such a great feeling.  I can never imagine it getting old. 

Melissa: Do you see yourself pursuing other avenues of writing?

Kathleen:  Like I said, I have always wanted to write a YA novel and I hope to get there some day!

 Melissa: Could you describe just what writing or poetry is to you?

Kathleen: I've been asked many times to explain  poetry.  I can't!  I just know when something I read hits me or when I write something good, I get this feeling...I call it the Poetry Hum.  It's like a buzzing in my head.  I know that sounds bizarre and it probably is.  But when I get that Hum while reading, I know it's a good piece.  Can  I tell you why?  Probably not!  When I get that Hum while writing, I usually have something worth keeping and re-writing!  This doesn't answer the question, does it?

Melissa: Kathleen thank you so much for sharing this part of yourself with us. I know by association on Helium just how hard you work for this passion you have, not just for poetry, but writing as well. One last thought. What one piece of advice can you give to those who are seeking to explore different genres of writing?

Kathleen:  You have to just do it!  Just try it.  Learn about the type of writing you want to do by reading that kind of writing, and then just try it!  You never know what will happen!  I came back into writing thinking I'd write a novel...if I hadn't tried to write poetry again, I'd never have known that I could!  You just have to do it!

Nirvanasgate Interviews Vancouver Poet, Marc. Creamore

Marc Creamore has just released his newest publication. "NOTES FROM THE ABANDONED ORCHARD OF THE MOON."

Nirvanasgate 001/ 15 Jan. 2008 Marc Creamore

In 2007, Frog Hollow Books released another treasure to the world.
Marc Creamore's newest book,
"NOTES FROM THE ABANDONED ORCHARD OF THE MOON"


Marc is a dynamic talent living in Vancouver British Colombia. This newest publication is the fifth work that Marc has published. Other titles include "The Wrong Side of the Curtain, Corridors, Bleaker Street, and Tea Leaves and Denim.

Nirvanas Gate has been granted exclusive access by the author him self to conduct an interview to discuss Marc's writing and his newest book. Needless to say, we are thrilled to have this opportunity to discuss the art and craft of poetry with this fine North American writer.

Nirvanas Gate:
Marc, it is a sincere pleasure to have you with us today, Thank you very much for taking the time to discuss your newest book with us. Marc I have had the pleasure of reading your work and I am fascinated by your style and your ability to render such visualistic pieces.
Can you talk to us a bit, of how you got your start in writing poetry

Marc:
My formative years were the late 60's and early 70's. The self expression and creativity of those halcyon times almost became a life blood of sorts for me. I had been dabbling in poetry a little earlier, in my mid-teens, but with the explosion that began to occur, particularly in the music scene, I really started to delve into poetics on a much deeper level. I listened to Bob Dylan, began reading the Beat Poets in earnest and realized the possibilities of spoken word as a means of higher expression.


Nirvanas Gate:
Vancouver is a well-known city for its talented population. How does living there contribute to your creativity?

Marc:
That's a tough one for me to answer. I'm basically a relatively solitary person, love quietude, interacting with close friends and family, thus I have never really linked myself with any particular group. The artistic community in Vancouver is indeed quite vibrant, however I have never affiliated myself with anyone. The natural beauty of the city and the province does have a deep impact on my inner person though.



Nirvanas Gate:
I am always interested in the thought processes and practices of writers. Would it be possible for you to share with us your process, in other words, what does Marc Creamore do in preparation for writing? Do you research any of your subject matter, or is it spur of the moment writing?

Marc:
I usually write very rapidly. I really feel that each and every one of us has an individual voice lurking inside of us and that if one really listens carefully one can bring that creative inner voice to the forefront. I make little or no changes after the initial burst onto the paper. I guess in many ways I believe in the Beat Poets approach to writing . . . once you get it down, don't alter it because that is when it's in its purist form. The only time I did any research at all was during the writing of my latest book. I have always wanted to attempt to reflect back and try to capture what I felt was happening during the 60's. Thus, I read many other perspectives in order to refresh and perhaps integrate some of the nuances of those times. The long poem "Do You Remember The Marketplace Of Dreams' is a good example of this.



Nirvanas Gate:
Can you tell us of any influences you adhere to, Favorite Poets, writers, musicians, or artists?

Marc:
Bob Dylan, first and foremost. He made me understand that language was limitless and that you could wander down any avenue of self expression and find riches there. Other singer/songwriters and poets that have influenced me would be Tom Rapp and Pearls Before Swine, Robin Williamson, David Tibet and his band Current 93, Rimbaud, Kenneth Patchen, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. I also have a deep appreciation for the Asian ancients of Japan and China. Their use of understated language and meditative thought have given me much reflection over the years.


Nirvanas Gate:
I am sure that your family and loved ones are very proud of your literary accomplishments. What role have they played in your ability to write such fantastic work?

Marc:
When I met my wife Donna in the 80's I had basically given up pursuing the poetry game. But with her encouragement I decided to give it another go so to speak and the result is 5 volumes of published work. For this I will ever be grateful, because without her understanding and enthusiasm none of this would have been possible. My younger brother Robin and George Koller have been sources of inspiration as well.

Nirvanas Gate:
If given the opportunity, what advice would you give to aspiring poets and writers?

Marc:
Just write whatever you find swirling around inside your mind. Break every rule in the literary handbook if necessary, because a person's individual voice is his or hers alone . . . polish it and nurture it until you become comfortable with what it is that it is trying to say. Read as much as possible, philosophical texts and as much poetry as you can. When reading poetry, read it aloud to yourself and listen in quietly to your own mind, your own music, there is much value there.

Nirvanas Gate:
The resonance of your work speaks to the higher consciousness that we all possess, but at times refuse to see. Can you relay in a few words to us, what your overall message is to the reader of your work?

Marc:
I honestly believe that at this crucial time humanity is beginning to realize that if we are to evolve as a species that we must revolutionize our thought processes. There are borders all around us, whether they be political, religious or created in the mind itself and that it is imperative that we break them down if we are ever to grow. I understand that this will be very difficult . . . we have had century after century of limiting the ability of the mind to truly explore the vast spectrum of possibilities it possesses. But if we are to survive in the future we must set aside our differences and come together in a collective spirit of compassion and deep understanding. This, I guess, is the basic premise that I have been trying to expound poetically for the last 35-40 years.

Nirvanas Gate:
Marc, Nirvanas Gate thanks you for taking the time to chat with us today. We wish you continued joy and prosperity with all your future endeavors and wish you great success with "NOTES FROM THE ABANDONED ORCHARD OF THE MOON"

Marc:
I want to thank Bill Burkholder and Nirvana's Gate for this opportunity to express my views on the creative process. It is much appreciated.


Nirvanas Gate:
"NOTES FROM THE ABANDONED ORCHARD OF THE MOON" and Marc Creamore's other publications can be purchased at: http://www.froghollowbooks.com/
In addition, we here at Nirvanas Gate are waiting on you, our readers to rate this page and comment with your reactions to: http://www.freewebs.com/nirvanasgate/

Dee Girard, Speaking at the Gate

Nirvanas Gate Interviews Dee Girard

Wednesday, April 11th, 2007

 

Today, we kick off our interview series with a talented, dynamic musician,

Dee Girard has just released his first CD titled: “Waiting on the Gods”, and we  at Nirvanas Gate Poetry feel that the potential behind this work is of great importance.

 

After listening to the CD and the albums title track “Waiting on the Gods”

We feel that this is a poignant work that needs to be recognized and explored further.

 

Dee Girard has graciously agreed to grant us an interview and to discuss his New CD,

“Waiting on the Gods.”

 

Nirvanas Gate:

 

 Dee Girard, Thank you for taking the time with us today to discuss your new album.

 

Dee Girard:

 

  Thank you Bill for asking me to do this interview and for your interest in the album.

 

Nirvanas Gate: Dee, Nirvanas Gate has been a long time fan of your music. And for our readers understanding of this, Can you tell us how long you have been playing and performing?

 

Dee Girard:

 

  I have been around since they first invented fire Bill. Actually I helped them invent it. See I practiced the scales so fast that my guitar would begin to smolder then if you blew on it it would begin to flame. No not really…I began playing drums at age 8, taking lessons from Darrell Deedad here in Erie, PA. Then at age 12 began playing the ‘lectric geetar. All in all I’ve been playing and performing for a long long long time…over 20 years.

 

Nirvanas Gate: Where and how long did it take to produce and record “Waiting on the Gods?”

 

Dee Girard:

 

  Waiting on the gods took 3 years to write and record. I did all of the recording in my own studio at Manu Cornuta Records in Erie. Everything you hear on the album is me…I’m kind of a control freak and wanted to be able to complete this project without having to deal with other egos. Mine is actually enough to have to deal with. (HUGE!)

 

 

Nirvanas Gate: Your craftsmanship definitely shows in your music and lyrics, Can you tell us what some of your earliest musical influences were, when you first started playing?

 

Dee Girard:

 

  The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and many others but these are my earliest influences.

 

Nirvanas Gate: How difficult is it to launch a new CD today via the internet and by word of mouth? Given the plethora of media out there today, what makes your music worth Buying? Besides the dynamic lyrics, the stellar guitar riffs and lead solos; what is it that you want your Fan base to know about this album?

 

Dee Girard:

 

  The album was released to satisfy a fundamental urge to create. I think that without big money behind any work of art it will largely be ignored by the masses. I really don’t care how many albums get sold but I do care that the songs get out there where people can appreciate and enjoy them. I write for myself and want to share it with others. If the art is important and speaks truth it will stand on its own merit. In this day of digital everything it seems as though it would be easy to release an album and get it to the people but it is exactly the opposite. There is so much music available that it gets confusing and overwhelming at the same time. I truly believe that the day of the traveling minstrel is coming back. When a musician or any artist for that matter will share his art for some food and a drink. People still crave live music and that is where I want to be some day. Playing live for the people.

 

 

 

Nirvanas Gate:  I know you have been happily married for a good many years now, what does your family think of your music? Talk to us a little about their supporting roles in this undertaking.

 

 

 

Dee Girard:

 

  My Wife Suzi has suffered for many years as I have struggled to find my voice. She has always stood beside me and given me the time and opportunity to continue with my dream. My kids think it’s great and they like my music a lot. I really am grateful to my father for insisting that I start out on the drums. Having rhythm taught to me as a young child has been invaluable in my progression as a multi-instrumentalist.

 

 

Nirvanas Gate: After listening to your Title track, “Waiting on the Gods” I was moved by the sense of perseverance this song eludes to, also the frustration that comes with being an artist whether it is a musician, poet, or painter. There are definitely many truths revealed in this Track with regards to your personal life.

Would I be correct in that assumption? 

 

Dee Girard:

  Absolutely Bill. All my songs come from deep emotions and experiences. Each has a story and when I listen to them I can recall the exact circumstances that evoked that particular song. I only sing words that I believe. That is one thing that sets my music apart. You can understand the lyrics and they mean something. That is very important to me in my writing.

 

Nirvanas Gate: Are you planning on any public engagements (concerts) (shows) to plug

“Waiting on the Gods?”

 

Dee Girard:

 

  At this time I need to get back into the studio and record a follow up disc. I have been spending a lot of time mixing and perfecting Waiting on The Gods and need to create some more music. I want to see if I can do it again and this time I want to dig deeper and write some songs that will make the listener bleed when he hears them. I will be doing a few acoustic performances this summer and will keep you posted.

 

 

Nirvanas Gate: Dee it has been an extreme pleasure to discuss your new CD, “Waiting on the Gods.” Nirvanas Gate Wishes you all the best of luck with your new release of “Waiting on the Gods.”

 

Dee Girard:

 

  Thanks a lot Bill. It has been a pleasure. Good luck to you also on all your endeavors. Remember…all we really have is TODAY!

 

 

 

Nirvanas Gate: Dee Girard’s new CD, “Waiting on the Gods” Is available at http://deegirard.com/index.cfm and is on sale for $9.00 plus shipping and handling. Mention this article and get it shipped for free!

 

And we here at Nirvanas Gate are waiting on you, our readers to rate this page and comment with your reactions, suggestions, and yes, even complaints. http://www.freewebs.com/nirvanasgate/