Garrett on Acoustic

I think there’s no need to give a long introduction to this guy, the title says it all. A great singer/songwriter and a guitar, what do we have? Probably one of the best records released this year.

Avenue of Progress by Garrett On Acoustic is the young mastermind Garrett Harbison. He has a sound reminiscent of Rx Bandits and a voice that fits perfectly with each of the songs and that’s almost familiar, like a cross between Sting, Bono and Robert Smith of The Cure – especially on the high notes.

“All Of The Above,” “Maybe” and “Abilene” are some excellent examples of the above, especially the last sentence. With a catchy, entertaining sound, fast and fun… it’s just superb. When Harbison gets really excited, he intentionally or accidentally adds a really epic element that gives the tracks more power and makes them more awesome than what they would be otherwise.

“Quicksand” has this passionate soulful sound, with a reggae type of sound that reminds us up to some extent of Bruno Mars. A perfect song to just dance to. “High 70/Low 70? follows pretty much the same line.

“Raining Sand,” “Insert Expression” and “Don’t Lose Your Love” have a touch of John Mayer. These are songs where we experience a little more of Garrett’s voice. Quiet, somewhat melancholy but still with the ability to blow your mind. Except for the last song, where in the middle of the song things change and the track turns into something more powerful and faster, leaving the ballads behind.

48-odd minutes later, we find “Over and Out.” It’s a mix between the tracks mentioned in the third and fourth paragraphs. It’s fast and epic, and it has elements of reggae but also rock. It makes you want to sit and enjoy the song but also makes you want to get up and just go crazy.

In conclusion, this record doesn’t need anything else. In fact, I think if there were more instruments in it, it would probably ruin the whole thing. It can touch you, impress you and destroy you… more than an album, it’s a bomb of emotions.



Rating: 5/5



Review by RJ Frometa

Edited by Marion Lougheed

- VENTS Magazine

Who’s Garrett On Acoustic?

Garrett on Acoustic (GOA) is Garrett Harbison, a singer / songwriter based out of Jacksonville, FL. It’s funny to see people try to interpret the moniker Garrett on Acoustic. It’s oddly straight forward and not something you typically see, which was my full intention. I wanted a name that sets the stage for listeners more than just my name. I’m also a straight to the point kinda guy so it’s fitting for my personality as well.



How did you get started in the music scene?

I first started playing music in the punk and ska scene 12 years ago in Orlando, FL with my first band Insufficient Numbers. We were together for about 6 six years and got the chance to play with some of my favorite bands in the genre.. After that, I sang (or screamed I should say) in a hardcore band for a few years. That project later fizzled out and after some time passed I started GOA. That was about two years ago.



What are your music influences?

My base influences are punk, ska, and reggae as thats the type of music that inspired me to start playing in bands. Over time, my influences have spread to a number of genres including hardcore, indie, blues, jazz, and soul. Vocally speaking, old school soul is a huge influence of mine. So many amazing singers during that era that I get a ton of inspiration from. In terms of modern music, I’d say Rx Bandits are my biggest influence. When you listen to my album Avenue of Progress I think you’ll find these genres (some more noticeable than others) throughout and delivered with passion. Honesty is very important to me and I think you’ll hear it in my music.



What’s your method at the time of writing a song?

When writing songs, I typically write out the guitar parts along with the primary vocal melodies first. Sometimes it’s the entire song and other times it’s just a part here and there that I put away for future use. Lyrically, I write with honesty. Through inspiration, struggles, questions, and observations that I encounter in my life. I’m always jotting down song ideas to revisit when it comes time for me to sit down and write out lyrics to a song. I like to have the song and vocal melodies finished by the time I start writing lyrics that way I can fit the mood of the song with an appropriate topic and flow of lyrics.



Avenue of Progress. How was the recording and writing process? How you came out with the album’s title?

Avenue of Progress is as indie as it gets when it comes to its creation. Completely DIY. I wrote, recorded, mixed, and mastered the album myself. As I continued to develop my style, this gave me the opportunity to try out a lot of different ideas without the pressure of blowing through a budget or racking up debt through the traditional recording process.

The title Avenue of Progress pays homage to Murray Hill, an older area in Jacksonville, FL where I live. One of Murray Hill’s primary roads is Edgewood Ave. and Avenue of Progress was a nickname for Edgewood Ave. back in the 1940s. I loved the name not only because it represents my area town, but it represents my journey through music all these years.



Did you ever wanted to create an acoustic project or it just happened?

It just kind of happened. At the time I started writing GOA songs I was singing in a hardcore band called HAWARYA. While I love the genre, it didn’t feel genuine for me and I thought I could offer a lot more as a singer. After that band broke up I stepped away from music for a bit, but realized later that I didn’t want to stop playing. I took the few songs I had written on my own to various open mic nights in town. Before I knew it I was writing again, recording an album, and playing shows as GOA.



How was it to performed at the 5 Downtown Jacksonville Art Walks?

Playing at the Downtown Jacksonville Art Walks has been awesome. It’s great event for our city that takes place each month and I’ve been honored to be a part of it so many times this year. Along with Art Walk music venues like Freebird Live, Jack Rabbits and Burro Bar have been awesome and continually putting me on shows in town. I have a lot of respect for how these venues run their businesses. Check em’ out. Go to a show.



So you are planning to hit the road?

I’m always looking to play new cities. This year I’ll be focusing on shows in the southeast part of the country with a lot of shows in Florida as I continue to grow my fan base locally in my state.



What has been one of the funniest moments you have been or took part while touring?

Sometimes you get on gigs where you don’t realize at the time you book it the full scope of events that will be going on around you while your playing. I was playing an art festival type show in Tallahassee earlier this year and it was an outside gig. If you haven’t heard my music yet, it can at times be upbeat and rhythmically aggressive compared to most acoustic players. I also tend to sing with a lot of - VENTS Magazine

Who’s Garrett On Acoustic?

Garrett on Acoustic (GOA) is Garrett Harbison, a singer / songwriter based out of Jacksonville, FL. It’s funny to see people try to interpret the moniker Garrett on Acoustic. It’s oddly straight forward and not something you typically see, which was my full intention. I wanted a name that sets the stage for listeners more than just my name. I’m also a straight to the point kinda guy so it’s fitting for my personality as well.



How did you get started in the music scene?

I first started playing music in the punk and ska scene 12 years ago in Orlando, FL with my first band Insufficient Numbers. We were together for about 6 six years and got the chance to play with some of my favorite bands in the genre.. After that, I sang (or screamed I should say) in a hardcore band for a few years. That project later fizzled out and after some time passed I started GOA. That was about two years ago.



What are your music influences?

My base influences are punk, ska, and reggae as thats the type of music that inspired me to start playing in bands. Over time, my influences have spread to a number of genres including hardcore, indie, blues, jazz, and soul. Vocally speaking, old school soul is a huge influence of mine. So many amazing singers during that era that I get a ton of inspiration from. In terms of modern music, I’d say Rx Bandits are my biggest influence. When you listen to my album Avenue of Progress I think you’ll find these genres (some more noticeable than others) throughout and delivered with passion. Honesty is very important to me and I think you’ll hear it in my music.



What’s your method at the time of writing a song?

When writing songs, I typically write out the guitar parts along with the primary vocal melodies first. Sometimes it’s the entire song and other times it’s just a part here and there that I put away for future use. Lyrically, I write with honesty. Through inspiration, struggles, questions, and observations that I encounter in my life. I’m always jotting down song ideas to revisit when it comes time for me to sit down and write out lyrics to a song. I like to have the song and vocal melodies finished by the time I start writing lyrics that way I can fit the mood of the song with an appropriate topic and flow of lyrics.



Avenue of Progress. How was the recording and writing process? How you came out with the album’s title?

Avenue of Progress is as indie as it gets when it comes to its creation. Completely DIY. I wrote, recorded, mixed, and mastered the album myself. As I continued to develop my style, this gave me the opportunity to try out a lot of different ideas without the pressure of blowing through a budget or racking up debt through the traditional recording process.

The title Avenue of Progress pays homage to Murray Hill, an older area in Jacksonville, FL where I live. One of Murray Hill’s primary roads is Edgewood Ave. and Avenue of Progress was a nickname for Edgewood Ave. back in the 1940s. I loved the name not only because it represents my area town, but it represents my journey through music all these years.



Did you ever wanted to create an acoustic project or it just happened?

It just kind of happened. At the time I started writing GOA songs I was singing in a hardcore band called HAWARYA. While I love the genre, it didn’t feel genuine for me and I thought I could offer a lot more as a singer. After that band broke up I stepped away from music for a bit, but realized later that I didn’t want to stop playing. I took the few songs I had written on my own to various open mic nights in town. Before I knew it I was writing again, recording an album, and playing shows as GOA.



How was it to performed at the 5 Downtown Jacksonville Art Walks?

Playing at the Downtown Jacksonville Art Walks has been awesome. It’s great event for our city that takes place each month and I’ve been honored to be a part of it so many times this year. Along with Art Walk music venues like Freebird Live, Jack Rabbits and Burro Bar have been awesome and continually putting me on shows in town. I have a lot of respect for how these venues run their businesses. Check em’ out. Go to a show.



So you are planning to hit the road?

I’m always looking to play new cities. This year I’ll be focusing on shows in the southeast part of the country with a lot of shows in Florida as I continue to grow my fan base locally in my state.



What has been one of the funniest moments you have been or took part while touring?

Sometimes you get on gigs where you don’t realize at the time you book it the full scope of events that will be going on around you while your playing. I was playing an art festival type show in Tallahassee earlier this year and it was an outside gig. If you haven’t heard my music yet, it can at times be upbeat and rhythmically aggressive compared to most acoustic players. I also tend to sing with a lot of - VENTS Magazine

The title explains it all - a guy named Garrett playing acoustic music. Garrett Harbison, from Murray Hill, is an acoustic mix of reggae, ballads, rock and soul. His powerfully strong vocals remain constant, regardless of pitch and reflect the passion he puts into his songs. Harbison will be releasing his debut album, "Avenue of Progress," Aug. 17 at Jack Rabbits. Not only did Harbison compose the songs, sing all vocal tracks and play all instrumental tracks himself, but he also recorded and mastered the album. The record will be on sale at the release show, on his website www.garrettonacoustic.com and on iTunes. Visit his website or www.facebook.com/garrettonacoustic for more information. - Void Magazine

The title explains it all - a guy named Garrett playing acoustic music. Garrett Harbison, from Murray Hill, is an acoustic mix of reggae, ballads, rock and soul. His powerfully strong vocals remain constant, regardless of pitch and reflect the passion he puts into his songs. Harbison will be releasing his debut album, "Avenue of Progress," Aug. 17 at Jack Rabbits. Not only did Harbison compose the songs, sing all vocal tracks and play all instrumental tracks himself, but he also recorded and mastered the album. The record will be on sale at the release show, on his website www.garrettonacoustic.com and on iTunes. Visit his website or www.facebook.com/garrettonacoustic for more information. - Void Magazine

Murray Hill resident and
acoustic singer/songwriter,
Garrett Harbison, plans to
release his debut album on
Aug. 17. The album is titled
"Avenue of Progress," and
named after a historic moniker
for Murray Hill's Edgewood
Avenue.
The homage is his way of
embracing the community in
which his album was created,
but also reflects the progress
he has made, and continues to
make, as a musician.
The CD release show will
be held Aug. 17 at Jack
Rabbits in San Marco. The 10-
track disc features all original
songs by Harbison highlighting
a mix of upbeat rock, smooth
reggae, strong ballads and a
splash of a soul influence, with
a variety of acoustic instruments
performed by Harbison,
who also recorded and mastered
the album himself.
“My goal was to record the
music with an analog approach
on digital equipment,” said
Harbison, who opted against
using many of the artificial
sound enhancements available
with today’s recording equipment.
“I wanted to focus on the
natural sounds created by the
acoustic instruments themselves.”
Harbison began performing
his solo act a year and a half
ago. Since then, he has played
in venues all over Northeast
Florida, including Burro Bar,
The Pit, Murray Hill Theater,
Downtown’s First Wednesday
Art Walk, Riverside Arts Market,
Atlantic Beach Songwriters’
Night and numerous other
open mic nights. After a year of
playing, he compiled enough
new music to begin recording
an album.
Copies of Harbison on
Acoustic’s “Avenue of
Progress” will be on sale at the
Aug. 17 show and will also be
available for download on
www.garretton
acoustic.com and iTunes - The Resident

Murray Hill resident and
acoustic singer/songwriter,
Garrett Harbison, plans to
release his debut album on
Aug. 17. The album is titled
"Avenue of Progress," and
named after a historic moniker
for Murray Hill's Edgewood
Avenue.
The homage is his way of
embracing the community in
which his album was created,
but also reflects the progress
he has made, and continues to
make, as a musician.
The CD release show will
be held Aug. 17 at Jack
Rabbits in San Marco. The 10-
track disc features all original
songs by Harbison highlighting
a mix of upbeat rock, smooth
reggae, strong ballads and a
splash of a soul influence, with
a variety of acoustic instruments
performed by Harbison,
who also recorded and mastered
the album himself.
“My goal was to record the
music with an analog approach
on digital equipment,” said
Harbison, who opted against
using many of the artificial
sound enhancements available
with today’s recording equipment.
“I wanted to focus on the
natural sounds created by the
acoustic instruments themselves.”
Harbison began performing
his solo act a year and a half
ago. Since then, he has played
in venues all over Northeast
Florida, including Burro Bar,
The Pit, Murray Hill Theater,
Downtown’s First Wednesday
Art Walk, Riverside Arts Market,
Atlantic Beach Songwriters’
Night and numerous other
open mic nights. After a year of
playing, he compiled enough
new music to begin recording
an album.
Copies of Harbison on
Acoustic’s “Avenue of
Progress” will be on sale at the
Aug. 17 show and will also be
available for download on
www.garretton
acoustic.com and iTunes - The Resident

Name: Garrett on Acoustic (Garrett Harbison - Singer/Songwriter)

Sounds Like: People have said anything from Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Brad Nowell, Eric Clapton (voice), but to be honest I'm not really sure. I would like to get your opinion on that. In my up tempo songs you'll hear a hint of aggression and attitutde which I think stems from my punk influences. In my ballads you're get more of a melancholly type sound that brings in a little bit of a soul vibe (vocally speaking)

History: I've been playing music live and singing since the 11th grade (I'm 28 now). At the time I played in a Punk/Ska band for a period of about 5 years. Punk and Ska are probobly still some of my biggest influences. From there I transitioned into hardcore metal. Yep, I was your lead screamer. That lasted for a period of about 4 years and after that I was a little burned out with playing in bands so I stepped away for a couple years. I had no intention of starting a solo project when that band broke up, but when I was sitting at home with a guitar I found myself just writing songs. This was more of a therapy to get through frustrations of everday life. I got the idea to play at a local open mic with some of my acoustic songs and after I finished, that feeling of sharing your music with others all came rushing back. At the start of 2012 I decided to take a more serious approach to my solo work and start recording my debut album Avenue of Progress. I just released this CD in August. I'm loving the solo aspect. Managing schedules with the other band members was always a frustrating thing. Now I can play when and where I want on my terms. That being said I'd still consider adding musicians to GOA if the right people came along.

Something Special: At this time music is not my full-time profession although I would like to get to that point. My day job consists of working in the finance department of a regional grocery chain. I feel like Jekyll and Hyde sometimes between my day job and my pursuit of music. When you listen to my album, you'll hear frustrations that I think a lot of Americans go through when it comes to getting stuck in your typical rat race of life. In my song "Raining Sand" there is a lyric that states "Hey there Mr. How's that suit and tie? Does it show your passion or just get you by?" I wrote that song as if I was staring into a mirror trying to be honest with myself and my goals in life. I think a lot of people will be able to relate.

Where to Find: www.garrettonacoustic.com, facebook.com/garrettonacoustic, and twitter.com/GonAcoustic

Future Plans: Right now I'm in the process of promoting my album and booking shows in the south east USA.

UC Takeaway: Keeping an open mind is often easier said than done. Going from a band to a solo artist or visa versa, switching genres - whatever the case may be, leaving your comfort zone can be, well, uncomfortable. But some artists, like Garrett on Acoustic, understand that the greater the risk, the greater the reward. Trying things that may be a little outside of your usual box can result in growth and/or a better understanding of where your skills, tastes, etc. lie. Experimentation has always been at the heart of music and its expansion, and for individual artists it has led to some of the most influential albums throughout history. So allow yourself to step outside your norm every once in a while, and listen to Garrett on Acoustic below! - UnsignedCorner.com

29 JUN
PRESS RELEASE: JACKSONVILLE SINGER/SONGWRITER “GARRETT ON ACOUSTIC” TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM AUG. 17
CONTACT: Garrett Harbison at booking@garrettonacoustic.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


JACKSONVILLE SINGER/SONGWRITER “GARRETT ON ACOUSTIC” TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM AUG. 17

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 29, 2012) – Acoustic singer/songwriter Garrett Harbison, known as Garrett on Acoustic, will release his debut album “Avenue of Progress” on Aug. 17 during a CD release show at Jack Rabbits in San Marco. The 10-track disc features all original songs by Harbison highlighting a mix of upbeat rock, smooth reggae, strong ballads and a splash of a soul influence, with a variety of acoustic instruments performed by Harbison, who also recorded and mastered the album himself.

?“My goal was to record the music with an analog approach on digital equipment,” said Harbison, who opted against using many of the artificial sound enhancements available with today’s recording equipment. “I wanted to focus on the natural sounds created by the acoustic instruments themselves.”

?Though he’s been a musician his whole life, Harbison began performing his solo act a year and a half ago. Since then, he has played in venues all over Northeast Florida, including Burro Bar, The Pit, Murray Hill Theater, Downtown’s First Wednesday Art Walk, Riverside Arts Market, Atlantic Beach Songwriters’ Night and numerous other open mic nights. After a year of playing, he compiled enough new music to begin recording an album. The process took nearly six months and every ounce of Harbison’s free time. Each song features a number of instruments, vocals and backup, all of which were performed solely by Harbison.

?“Music is my passion, but I do have a day job, so I was only working on the album on nights and on weekends,” said Harbison. “The experience of recording an album completely on my own was definitely a huge challenge, but ultimately very rewarding.”
?
A resident of Murray Hill in Jacksonville, Harbison titled his album after a nickname given to Edgewood Avenue, which runs through the neighborhood, during the 1940s. The homage is his way of embracing the community in which his album was created, but also reflects the progress he has made, and continues to make, as a musician. Harbison’s music is also a direct reflection of his own triumphs, frustrations, experiences, world views and personal philosophy. His lyrics are often metaphorical, but relate directly to specific experiences in his life.

?The first single released from the album, “High 70/Low 70,” explores the feeling of finding yourself trapped in a situation that you thought you wanted, but finding that the reality is much different than you expected. Harbison uses the analogy of freely walking into a room, and then finding that you cannot get out. The title of the song represents the idea of the room – a perfect environment that draws you in to it. Ultimately, the ability to escape the room is choosing to be in control of your own destiny. To listen to the song, visit soundcloud.com/garrettonacoustic/high-70-Low-70.

?Copies of Garrett on Acoustic’s “Avenue of Progress” will be on sale at the Aug. 17 show and will also be available for download on www.garrettonacoustic.com and iTunes. Fans can connect with Garrett on Acoustic on www.Facebook.com/garrettonacoustic, and Twitter, www.twitter.com/GonAcoustic for the latest on upcoming shows and more.

### - Press Release

29 JUN
PRESS RELEASE: JACKSONVILLE SINGER/SONGWRITER “GARRETT ON ACOUSTIC” TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM AUG. 17
CONTACT: Garrett Harbison at booking@garrettonacoustic.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


JACKSONVILLE SINGER/SONGWRITER “GARRETT ON ACOUSTIC” TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM AUG. 17

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 29, 2012) – Acoustic singer/songwriter Garrett Harbison, known as Garrett on Acoustic, will release his debut album “Avenue of Progress” on Aug. 17 during a CD release show at Jack Rabbits in San Marco. The 10-track disc features all original songs by Harbison highlighting a mix of upbeat rock, smooth reggae, strong ballads and a splash of a soul influence, with a variety of acoustic instruments performed by Harbison, who also recorded and mastered the album himself.

?“My goal was to record the music with an analog approach on digital equipment,” said Harbison, who opted against using many of the artificial sound enhancements available with today’s recording equipment. “I wanted to focus on the natural sounds created by the acoustic instruments themselves.”

?Though he’s been a musician his whole life, Harbison began performing his solo act a year and a half ago. Since then, he has played in venues all over Northeast Florida, including Burro Bar, The Pit, Murray Hill Theater, Downtown’s First Wednesday Art Walk, Riverside Arts Market, Atlantic Beach Songwriters’ Night and numerous other open mic nights. After a year of playing, he compiled enough new music to begin recording an album. The process took nearly six months and every ounce of Harbison’s free time. Each song features a number of instruments, vocals and backup, all of which were performed solely by Harbison.

?“Music is my passion, but I do have a day job, so I was only working on the album on nights and on weekends,” said Harbison. “The experience of recording an album completely on my own was definitely a huge challenge, but ultimately very rewarding.”
?
A resident of Murray Hill in Jacksonville, Harbison titled his album after a nickname given to Edgewood Avenue, which runs through the neighborhood, during the 1940s. The homage is his way of embracing the community in which his album was created, but also reflects the progress he has made, and continues to make, as a musician. Harbison’s music is also a direct reflection of his own triumphs, frustrations, experiences, world views and personal philosophy. His lyrics are often metaphorical, but relate directly to specific experiences in his life.

?The first single released from the album, “High 70/Low 70,” explores the feeling of finding yourself trapped in a situation that you thought you wanted, but finding that the reality is much different than you expected. Harbison uses the analogy of freely walking into a room, and then finding that you cannot get out. The title of the song represents the idea of the room – a perfect environment that draws you in to it. Ultimately, the ability to escape the room is choosing to be in control of your own destiny. To listen to the song, visit soundcloud.com/garrettonacoustic/high-70-Low-70.

?Copies of Garrett on Acoustic’s “Avenue of Progress” will be on sale at the Aug. 17 show and will also be available for download on www.garrettonacoustic.com and iTunes. Fans can connect with Garrett on Acoustic on www.Facebook.com/garrettonacoustic, and Twitter, www.twitter.com/GonAcoustic for the latest on upcoming shows and more.

### - Press Release