Harley Geoff
Harley Geoff
Singer/Songwriter - ASCAP
Myrtle Beach - South Carolina USA
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I started in the Cleveland Ohio area in the late sixties/early seventies with a local band, bounced from one band to another, like most of us have. I noticed early on a change coming. With the advent of PassPort software, early music sequencing software, my brother and I used two Commodore 64 portable computers and sequenced music ( Drums & Bass parts ), a tape machine to record the click track to keep it in sync and went duo and solo. Afternoon gigs were called Coffee Break Concerts back then, and later we were a warm-up to the night's Highliner. Clubs were having a difficult time paying a six piece band for a weekend and still make money. Getting band prices down by sequencing, although displacing a fellow musician, helped me get more gigs in clubs that were not 'The Biggies'. Considering this, it parallels the advent of the DJ and started about the same time. Heck, Phil Collins went techy by using a Roland CR-78 Drum machine and a keyboard. I used one too. Now I'm enjoying the one thing in life that I had dreamed of... Playing.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I play in Myrtle Beach, mostly the club scene, a lot of tiki and outside bars here. Going solo offered me the opportunity to play more often than with a full band, as we all know, performance price is a booking factor.
Do I Like to play live??? Absolutely; There is no better feeling than striking a chord in someone's heart with a special song or sound. As old as I am, even the kids like me.
Best moment - House Entertainer for EasyRider's Cafe for two years. Wonderful gig! EasyRider's made me part of their family. Ego boost yes, but the gig was great!
Your musical influences
My influences are Eric Clapton, Eagles and Phil Collins with a splash of Donald Fagen.
What equipment do you use?
Roland Keyboards, CakeWalk Music Software, Ovation CS-450 guitar, Mackie sound reinforcement, Tascam recording equipment.
Anything else?
All I have ever wanted is for people to enjoy the music I play as much as I enjoy bringing it to them.
