Today we’d like to introduce you to Tj Gurn
Hi TJ , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is TJ Gurn and I am originally from Greenville, South Carolina. I started playing the guitar in 6th grade after being inspired by watching School of Rock wishing school was like that for someone who struggled academically. My Mom was a music teacher so there was always music being played. My parents played a lot of 70’s classic rock around the house which consisted of Led Zeppelin, Eagles, CCR, and Van Morrison. After moving out to Utah 4 years ago I slowly dove into the music scene which inspired me to pick up my pen and write my own music. I am now a full time musician here and have enjoyed playing at local spots in both SLC and Park City where I get to share my story through my songs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Moving somewhere new while also starting a new career path presented its fair share of challenges. Although most go the route of reaching out to local venues for gigs through a direct messaging online. I decided to go the old school way and hand out business cards and engage with people face to face, leading to both successes and failures. I learned to not take the no’s personally and that I’m not going to be every venues cup of tea and that’s ok. I also learned just following up and showing that you care goes a long way. Additionally, not knowing anyone out here and building everything from the ground up has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone. From endless amounts of open mics and singing new songs in front of strangers who became friends it makes the uncomfortable moments worth it. As an artist, I’ve realized the growth this has brought me in my career to meet other creatives and share our struggles.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a folk musican with a drive to write music from different perspectives and sharing everyday struggles we all may face. I pride myself in being an observer in this world, pulling emotions from myself, or putting my feet in someone else shoes to create a sense of how we are all connected.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In such a digital world I think people are craving more authentic music to make them feel human. I think the clock is going back to how it was. Playing house shows, playing live gigs, building connections with people who show up for you in person and doing that for other artists and helping in anyway you can. Music to me will always be about giving back to others. I think recording in home studios and focusing more on the messages within the songs instead of a “perfect” sound we musicians want to chase, is going to be a shift we all will see.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/46oTe8mQBOsOILJmKjpAQu?si=Ut9LCtfWSFywXmCarLipng
- Instagram: Tjgurnmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tjgurn9382?si=hGpeekVwk07shbc9
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tj-gurn/1654558710
