20-year old Seth Glier is an up-and-coming artist who already has shared stages with John Mayer and Martin Sexton among others. Take a look at what he had to say about himself and other things in life.
Hello Seth and welcome to Melodic.net. How are things?
Seth Glier: Thanks for having me on Melodic.net. It's a pleasure to be here. Things are great! I just got back home from 10 days of shows in the UK and am still trying to get adjusted to waking up at a normal hour.
Tell us about yourself, who is Seth Glier?
Seth Glier: Well, to be honest, I don't really know who I am. That's why I write songs. I learn about myself through songs and stories. I'd like to think I know who I am NOT, but I try to stay as open to things as possible. I think when you become too comfortable with "who" you are, or where you are as a person, you stop growing.
How would you describe your music?
Seth Glier: I describe myself as a Pop artist who has fallen in love with songwriting. My roots are in folk music and the singer-songwriter scene. I love stories and the concept that you can tell them through music. I like characters that question themselves and observe the human condition. I'm a pop musician who can't stand the lyrical content in pop songs so I choose to write differently. Randy Newman is a huge influence of mine because he would take on characters that he disagreed with and write from their perspective, all the while looking through a sympathetic lense. He's a writer that challenges his audience, which is exactly the kind of artist I want to be.
I read that you list your brother, who is autistic, as your major influence. How come?
Seth Glier: Yes my brother is one of the most important people in my life. Every morning (when I'm not on tour) I wake him up, get him showered, and give him breakfast. Each morning it grounds me and reminds me of why I'm hear, to connect with those who are hardest to communicate with. As a younger kid, I had a hard time communicating with him because he is non-verbal. It wasn't until I was 17 when I learn how to connect in a deeper way. I think it takes somewhat of a spiritual sense to communicate without words…..much like in prayer. At times I read body language, at other I have to verbally direct him, but most of the time I just listen. It's amazing what not saying says.
If we talk about other artists, who would then be your main influences?
Seth Glier: Well, I'm a fan of classic songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Marc Cohn, Billy Joel. More recently I've been really enjoying both the Death Cab for Cutie and Kings Of Leon records. Like I said, I love songs!
Being vocally compared to Mick Hucknall of Simply Red must be a big compliment, right?
Seth Glier: To tell you the truth, as soon as I read that, I called my father to ask him what Simply Red sounds like? Haha. I'm only 20 years old and haven't been around that long. My dad loves the group and hates pretty much everything so I guess that's cool for me.
How does it feel to be so young and have the opportunity to share a stage with people like John Mayer and Martin Sexton
Seth Glier: I feel incredibly lucky and thankful to be doing what I love and hopefully effecting people along the way. I don't really think about my age most of the time but yes I am young.
When I was in elementary school I called all of my teachers by their first name. Some of them hated it and thought I was being disrespectful and others took no issue with it. I think we are all human and equal. There is no hierarchy or class. Everyone has something to teach and everyone has something to learn. I try to keep this same mentality when meeting "famous" musicians.
What is the best and worst experience you have had on stage?
Seth Glier: My worst gig was an auction I did with my guitar player. It was our first gig together 6 years ago. The organizers set us up in front of a fireplace where we sweated profusely for the 2 ½ hour set. Finally, after finishing, we started to pack up only to realize that the cables have all melted to the floor. I spent the following 2 hours prying up the electrical cables with a butter knife.
My best gig was at one of the premiere for Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" in MA. The energy and compassion from the audience was unlike anything I've ever felt. I got on standing ovation and closed the show with a Middle Eastern artist's version of "America The Beautiful" (same lyrics but different melody). Since that night, I've never performed that song again because it just wouldn't feel the same way.
What does the near future hold for you? Touring?
Seth Glier: I am very excited to release my new album on MPress Records this November. I'll be on tour from the end of September to the beginning of January in support of it. Actually, I'm really excited to start this tour because it's a "green" tour sponsored by Clif Bar. It's also the first tour where the likelihood of my car breaking down is very low. Woohoo!
Tell us about the upcoming album, "The Trouble with People", where does the album title come from?
Seth Glier: The title comes from the first song off the record. It's a song about defining/redefining yourself in a world that you don't want to be a part of. It's a song about being left behind and not knowing whether it's a good thing or bad thing.
How much of the music and lyrics on the album have you written?
Seth Glier: All of It.
What is the best thing with recording an album?
Seth Glier: The best feeling usually happens somewhere in the mixing or tracking, when you finally hear you songs taking flight. It's like you ideas are coming alive in a matter of minutes but truthfully it is month of hard work that goes into each minute.
I recorded this record very differently. The entire album was done in my basement on my computer of the spring and summer. I was never on the clock, felt the pressure to finish, or please anyone.
What would then be the worst thing, if any?
Seth Glier: The down side of recording a record youself is simply that I had no idea what I was doing at all. It for some reason the tracks didn't open or I forgot to press "save", I had no one to blame but myself. I learned a lot in the process and certainly couldn't have done this record any other way.
Being only 20 years old and about to release your first album, is everything just pure happiness or do you ever worry about the reception of the album?
Seth Glier: I would be lying if I said I didn't care what other people thought of it. I do care and want people to like it. However I'm not "looking" for approval. I'm incredibly proud of this record and how it was created. It's the most personal thing I've ever done and also the hardest.
Thanks for answering the questions. Do you have any final words to our readers?
Seth Glier: Thanks you for taking the time.
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