Vol. 1 No. 3 (July 1, 2003) Page 3

Page 1
Norfolk

Page 2
Norfolk

Page 3
Meet Grant Taylor

Page 4
Fan Profiles

Page 5
In Step with Uncle Nancy

More Pics & Reviews
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12

Page 13
Racine Pictorial

Page 14
Kristi's Magic Moment

Page 15
The Coyote Travelogue

Page 16
News & Links

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BTE PLAYS NORFOLK’S TOWN PARK AND A (ROCK) STAR IS BORN (CONT'D)


Grant Hangs with the Band After the Show
(Photo: Amy)

Editor's Note: The SERENADE was fortunate enough to talk with rock guitar prodigy Grant (and Amy, his Mom) about his spectacular TTOY performance at Norfolk’s Town Point Park, his musical interests, and future plans.

We were also lucky enough to get an MP3 clip of Grant playing a familiar BTE tune to share with our readers: HERE.

So how did it feel getting up there on stage and playing with BTE in front of so many people?
Really amazing because it was like a dream.

How did you get confident enough to play in front of so many people?
The love of the music itself plus one of my greatest fans: Amanda. She believed in me and convinced me to start playing my guitar and singing.

Have you wanted to become part of the audience participation part of the show for a while?
Yes, since the second time I saw them in concert at The Norva.

What do you think are the best things about BTE and their shows?
They are such a fun band and you can tell they are so happy when they perform. I like that they are down to earth and talented. They also have the audience participation part in their show which is one of the ways they make the fans seem appreciated and important. They create new material that you know they themselves like, and they LOVE to perform for the fans.

Is BTE your favorite band? How long have you been a fan?
BTE has been my favorite band since I first heard them live at the Virginia Beach oceanfront in August 2001. I loved Kevin's voice, their stage presence, and the fun spirit of the band. My mom went out the next day and bought all the CDs for me.

What is your favorite BTE CD?
My favorite BTE CD is Closer because it has a lot of upbeat songs on it that I love to play and sing. But it’s also relaxing because of the slower songs. It’s really creative too. I particularly like Kevin's vocals at the end of "Extra Ordinary." You get an appreciation for Kevin’s unique voice techniques.

Have you seen the band play live many times?
Every time BTE comes to Norfolk or Virginia Beach, I go to see them in concert. I’ve seen them three times at The Norva in Norfolk, two times at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, and two times at Town Point Park in Norfolk.

Tom and Grant in Norfolk
(Photo: Amy) 

What do you like about BTE songs in general?
I like that they are long and have good changes and meaningful themes. They are emotional, and Kevin sings with such emotion.

If you had to name one BTE song that you love the most, what would it be and why?
"Misunderstood" because I like Kevin's body language. The lyrics are good, the theme is good, and I can play and sing it well!

Do the band members provide you with inspiration? How so?
Kevin inspires me to become a better singer and to write good songs. He has a voice that will do anything (from high to low). He has total control over his voice, but sings with real emotion too.

Tom puts forth so much energy as he plays. He is so talented and spirited. He has inspired my dad to want to go out and buy a bass so he can play along with me! Travis really blows me away on drums. His technique really fits in with the rhythm of the songs. He plays hard when he needs to and soft when he needs to. He acts a little wild, but not too wild.

How many BTE songs can you play and sing?
Good, Rosealia, This Time of Year, In the Blood, Allison Foley, Porcelain, Desperately Wanting, WWOZ, King of New Orleans and Closer.

How long have you been playing guitar?
Seriously for two years since I was six.

How often do you actually practice guitar per day?
I don't practice every single day, but when I pick up the guitar, I practice for at least three hours. Sometimes I take a break and go back for more.

Do you like to perform in front of an audience?
Yes. I love it. It's so much fun, especially if they’re into the music like me.

Young Kevin (I mean Grant) Hones his Craft
(Photo: Amy)

When was the first time you played for people you didn’t know? How did they respond to you?
The first time I played for a group of people was at Cherry Stone Campground (Eastern Shore). I played my guitar at night around the campfire, and strangers would come up from all around to listen to me. They applauded and took pictures. They turned off their radios when I started playing. Of course, I played Better Than Ezra songs. I had just turned seven.

Do you play any other musical instruments?
I play piano (I used to take lessons), drums, and harmonica. I play by ear, but I’m also learning how to read music.

Who are your greatest fans besides your parents?
My friend Ryan (16), my dad's best friend's daughter, Amanda (16), and my older sister, Ashley (20).

Are you currently in a band? If not, do you plan on joining one?
I want to start a band, but right now my dad's friends (a bass player and a drummer) plays with me occasionally. So far, I haven't been able to find any kids my age who could make up a band with me. I play out at restaurants with my teacher, Lewis McGehee ( a local musician in the Hampton Roads area), and also another local band called the H.M. Johnson band.

"How Do you Get to Carnegie Hall? Lady, it Takes Practice..."
(Photo: Amy)

What other types of music do you like? What are some of your other favorite bands?
I like rock and blues. My earliest influence was The Who. I also like The Wallflowers, The Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls, Collective Soul, Bon Jovi, Matchbox Twenty, Train, Eric Johnson, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

How did you get into playing music (so well) at such a young age? Are your parents into music?
I think I play so well at such a young age because my interest started when I was only four. My parents are both into music. My Dad used to play in a band in high school. The band is actually still around today except that my Dad isn’t in it, but his friends are – it’s called xceptionz. They play in the Hampton Roads area.

Dad began to teach me guitar at age five. My first song was "Baba O'Riley" by The Who. Then when I became interested in BTE, my dad started teaching me their songs. My mom loves to listen to music and she has been taking me out to hear local music since I was born. That’s how I met my teacher, Lewis McGehee. After hearing him play guitar and sing, I decided that I wanted to do the same. Then after seeing BTE for the first time, they became my total inspiration. I love to learn BTE songs on the guitar, and I want to learn how to sing just like Kevin. I listen to the songs and then figure out the chords on my own and also with my Dad's help. Then my teacher helps me as well.

Grant, Rock star
(Photo: Amy)