Gigi Dover Is...
GiGi Dover is no dewey-eyed ingenue. She's been around the music industry's block a few times, spending almost a decade and having significant early critical success with the alt-country/Americana band The Rank Outsiders. The Rank Outsiders released an EP and two full-length albums, staying together well into the late 1990's. In 1999 Gigi embarked on a solo career, initially issuing a four-song EP that once again received a warm critical reception. Spurred on by the positive reception of the EP, her first solo full-length album - Unpicked Flowers - was released in 2002.
Gigi toured extensively in support of Unpicked Flowers throughout 2003, and began to build a grassroots base of enthusiastic supporters in her home area of the southeastern United States. In 2004 her next and most recent full-length album "Gigi" was released. It continues the presentation of a diverse, eclectic range of styles, and it also continues the trend of talented musicians gravitating toward Ms. Dover. Gigi's collaborator and producer Tim Coats is well-known for his work with Jim Lauderdale, as well as Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana. Players on Gigi include E-Street Band member Garry Tallent on bass, Eric Lovell on guitar and Ray Mitchell on drums; Jim Lauderdale adds some harmony vocals.
Former solo artist Gigi Dover has now morphed into Gigi & The Big Love - a live CD was released under that name at the end of 2005. They are maintaining a busy touring schedule throughout the southeast - reports from the live shows indicate that they're even better than the studio recordings. The most readily apparent fact about Gigi is her refusal to be tied to any particular style of music. Comparisons range from Janis Joplin to Bonnie Raitt to Etta James, and songs vary widely in style from one to the next. Check them out if you get the chance and find out for yourself why so many respected musicians stand in line to sing Gigi's praises..
GiGi Dover Interview
TCZ: When did you first realize that you wanted to make a career out of music?
GiGi: I have been singing for as long as I can remember. I have to sing. To be honest, I don't know what ever made me think I could make a career out of it - I don't question it, I love it, and I remain grateful and optimistic !
TCZ: What was the first concert you ever attended and how did it influence you?
GiGi: Waylon Jennings, at an outdoor arena in my hometown. I was 12 and with a group of girls my age - I was the only one in the group who cared about the music! I remember thinking that Waylon and his band were about the coolest thing I had ever seen/ heard - and I stood and watched and listened in awe - wanting to be on-stage with them.
TCZ: What female musician has influenced you the most and why?
GiGi: This would be a tie - between EmmyLou Harris, and Stevie Nicks - both stylistic, beautiful ladies - the essence of cool - great vocalists, writers and performers who always surround themselves with great musicians! I have everything they have ever recorded, and continue to follow their careers.
TCZ: What was the first song you ever composed and can you tell us what it means to you today?
GiGi: I don't remember the first song I ever composed - I started writing songs when I began playing guitar at 13, and I am still practicing the craft. The first song I composed on my own, that is recorded, is titled Checkpoint - found on the CD of the same title, recorded by my first band, The Rank Outsiders. I still love that song, it's fun, reckless, and captured the vibe I was living at the time. The Checkpoint CD made it to #11 on the Americana Music Chart in 1997. I am grateful for that, it has served me well!
TCZ: You're music seems to reflect a wide range of styles and influences - is that a conscious choice, or just something that comes to you naturally?
GiGi: It comes very natural. I have had many musical influences in my life which I believe are layered in my subconscious - and they weave their way into my writing and performing.
TCZ: Do you feel that being from the South has any particular influence on you as an artist? If so, how?
GiGi: Absolutely. Being from the south gives me an undeniable accent, along with a deep affection for my surroundings. There is nothing I love better than a hot, sticky, swampy southern summer night. These influences are part of the palette that my music is made of ... once again, it comes naturally -
TCZ: You seem to have gained a strong following in the southeastern U.S. - do you have plans to tour outside the region to try to expand on that base?
GiGi: Yes, I would love to tour across the map. We have taken our show to the UK - and plan to return in the fall of '06. I've been lucky in the S.E. - the motto is, we will perform when-ever, and where-ever someone is there to listen !
TCZ: What's your take on the current state of the music industry, in terms of opportunities and challenges both for indie artists and for females?
GiGi: The name of the game is to get yourself heard and seen - I believe the music industry is changing so much and so fast, that for any artist, it's a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges all at once, good and not so good. I have found some things that work for me, and things that don't. I walk my own path - take every opportunity I feel is right for me, and take challenges head -on. I carve my own niche and just keep swimming, just keep swimming ....
TCZ: You've attracted a number of well-known collaborators over the years - can you pick a favorite?
GiGi: That's a tuff one - I have enjoyed each and every experience, and I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with such talented musicians. I have learned SO much in their company and under their guidance. I cannot pick a favorite, I can only hope to continue my musical relations with these folks in the future!
TCZ: How did you come to the decision to cover Ode To Billie Joe?
GiGi: First of all, I had the LP when I was a little child. It actually belonged to my big brother. I wanted to grow up and be like Bobby Gentry. I always loved that song - I had been performing Ode to Billy Joe in my live show for a few years, and my producer Tim Coats suggested I record a version for the fans. Eric Lovell had his sitar in the studio, so we laid down a funky, 'magic carpet ride' version of that song. The sitar adds just the right vibe - and it is a hi-light moment in the live show, as well as on the CD!
TCZ: Tell us about your new band, The Big Love.
GiGi: Yes - BIG PROPS to the band!! We tour mostly as a trio, with yours truly on lead vocals and ac. guitar; Eric Lovell - lead guitar, sitar and bgv's; David Clark #6 - on bass and bgv's. We sometimes expand into a five piece - adding Jason Atkins on keys, and James Zogzas on drums.
TCZ: What can we expect from GiGi Dover and the Big Love in 2006?
GiGi: Gigi and The Big Love will continue touring in 2006 - the website will get a 're-design' in the spring, and we plan to record, and release a new CD in the fall!
keep the groove big and sexy - - - gigi .Interview by GWGS © The Cover Zone March 2006