Jim Gaven

A Tribe of Noise Spotlight Interview with a self-taught musician.

On Jim’s profile you will find:

Armed with the goal of helping others, Jim Gaven's mission is to write songs that make you think of a good time in your life, make you feel good about yourself, and most of all, put a smile on your face.

The upbeat singer/songwriter from Hamilton, NJ wants to make a positive difference in the world and truly believes that music has the ability to do that. Quoted as saying, 'I want to inspire you to do great things as I have been inspired. The fact that you can create something out of nothing and have it last forever is amazing to me.' This is a true testament to the everlasting impact we can all have on each other, and Jim hopes to bring that kind of attitude to the forefront through song

But how did Jim adapt to the industry, what has been his biggest surprise along the way and what advice would he give his past self?

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… and learn more about Jim’s work at the bottom

Can you describe your music in three words?

Positive, Sentimental, and Upbeat

How have you adapted musically?

I've learned several different instruments over time and come at each song in a completely different way as far as what is the main instrument, what the song structure can look like, and how to execute a recording of a song by using different software programs and DAW's.

Is there any other aspect of the industry you’d like to dabble in?

I've been dabbling in this a little bit but would like to do more of it: getting songs placed in TV shows/movies through music supervision companies.

What has surprised you most about the music industry?

It's surprised me in a good way that music still continues to sell digitally as much as it has. When left to our own devices, I feel like the general public would try to download anything and everything they can get their hands on for free. So, it's nice to see paid streaming and downloads happening at the rate they are. Also, the fact that independent artists are able to make a living at producing music is both surprising and amazing.

Are there any achievements you can share with us?

Self-taught musician on guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, voice, drums/percussion.
Employee of the Year in 2012 at Arc Mercer (non-profit who serves and supports people with developmental disabilities).
Billboard.com interview with previous band, Postmark Twain, in 2006.
Purevolume.com Frontpage selection with Postmark Twain, in 2007.
Business Owner of Music Service Company, Key of Awesome Music, improving the quality of life with music. We run group sessions, provide individual lessons, and interactive live performances for day programs (individuals with developmental disabilities), nursing homes/assisted living facilities (Alzheimer's/Dementia care units), AfterCare/Respite Programs for children, and drug and alcohol addiction recovery centers. We also write songs for sick children through Songs of Love and partner with other like-minded organizations who exist to make a positive difference in the world.

What is one thing you’d like to change about the music industry?

I'd like there to be less people performing karaoke style along to backing tracks at live shows. There needs to be more musicians playing instruments than depending on a pre-recorded sample/beat/loop. In addition to this, less lip syncing live and use of autotune live and in the studio. In my opinion, autotune itself is a good tool but when it is misused, and happens too often anymore, it devalues the artist and the music industry as a whole.