Meet Gavin Mayne | Recording Artist & Comic Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gavin Mayne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gavin, how do you think about risk?
I find myself constantly wrestling with risk. The artistic journey, for me, has seemed to be a marathon riddled with hurdles of uncertainty. Right when I’ve convinced myself that I’ll be able to press on, I’m faced with another challenge that doesn’t promise a clear solution; which can hold up my process and what I intended to accomplish in that season. However, these past two years, I’ve not only been in the process of making my first full-length music project, but also my very first comic book with Thodoris Laourdekis.

Looking back at the steps I’ve already taken as a creator, I’m recognizing that everything is a risk. No matter the project, you’re serving yourself on a silver platter and asking the consumers, “Do I have what it takes?” For example: it’s easier to sit in my room and produce beats for hours beyond end, but it’s much harder to turn them into songs for everyone to hear. Similarly, I’ve had this comic written for nearly 5 years, but to venture into the medium as an unknown — to spend the money to make my story more than a script — has put me back in the beginning of a similar but different journey… The quality of both matter — I want to drive my exposure and opportunities forward; yet again, I won’t know what’s ahead until I put them out there. But I know that once I release something, there’s no taking it back. With no promise of any fiscal return from these projects, I’ve recognized that only my passion has kept me inspired — which has made me truly appreciate and value everything I’m doing.

Given how overwhelming this season has been, I find myself needing to focus more on my identity in Christ. As a Christian, I know that God’s will for my life isn’t about making my dreams come true, but to know His heart through His word… I constantly am praying to have my trust and patience in Him increased, regardless of what He has in store for me. Since I know He will take care of me, I have all the more reason to press on and say, “Okay, Lord, I’m not going to know if I don’t try.” Through Christ — knowing that my value is in what He alone has done for my life — I’ve been more encouraged to take risks, knowing He will continue to sustain me…

In short: each dollar, each vocal lesson, each collaboration, each recording, and each release is a risk. The more I accept that the risk is unavoidable to move forward, the more readily I’ve found myself to take action.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?
Everything that has happened to me so far has been because of the help of my Lord’s providence and those I’ve had support me. I’m so indebted to so many wonderful people that it would be wrong for me to think I can continue to move forward without any further help.

As a guy who was producing and writing his material completely on his own, I used to take so much pride into trying to do everything myself. But as I’ve continued to make songs, I’ve sometimes lost motivation by forcing myself to “do more”. However, I’ve had the honor of meeting so many great producers, sound engineers, and instrumentalists to help carry this burden. Their kind words and excitement towards my music has been so assuring. Whether it’s been Facetime sessions with MattyBeats or Zach Frazier, hours of tracking audio with Dan Meyer and the guys from Bombshelter Studios (Scott Gross and Chris Wood), or instrumental assistance with Aaron Paris and Tristan Miller I’ve been surrounded by people that are so beyond talented and humble. Getting to work with these individuals — who I’ve been fans of before even working with — has continued to inspire me to create and release songs.

Lastly, over a year ago, Daniel Orama took me under his wing and has given me the most effective vocal training in all my life. In times I’ve doubted myself, he’s encouraged me as an artist, vocalist, and as a follower of Christ. Instead of making me question if music is right for me, Daniel has taken the time to instruct and prepare me for my place in the industry. He has been so incredibly patient with me and not only has refined my voice, but he’s also taken the time to be a spiritual mentor, too… My relationship with him has been the most pleasant surprise in my journey. I will forever be grateful for all he’s done.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I believe that if I continue to live faithfully and truthfully to my Lord, I will naturally find myself set apart from others in the industry. Though I ultimately write honest pop music, I’m not going to chase clout if it means betraying what I believe. I’m not here to sell-out, or even follow the trends of everything. I make something based off of what I feel I need to say, and I see where it takes me… Sure, my songs may fit better within a playlist by the likes of Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean, Justin Timberlake, Muse, or Queens of the Stone Age; but it doesn’t make it a less honest reflection of what God continues to do in my life. I can still be a Christian first and foremost without making music targeted towards Christians.

With that said, I will have to wait and see how it all plays out though because I can’t say I “made it,” as a musician. No one knows who I am — I still have so much to show before I can even leave my mark in the entertainment world. Regardless of how little I have to show, trying to find a way to make money and get my story out there is a constant struggle. Lord willing, if I ever get there, I’d be happy to share more of what I’ve learned from this experience. But at the moment, I’m somewhat in the prologue of my story — I’m not sure what God has written for my life. All I can do is keep striving and live faithfully.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out?
Given that I’m pretty laid back outside of music, my first instinct would be to take them to Atlantic Station to grab some coffee from Land of a Thousand Hills, followed by shopping, and get some folks together at Central Park. It’s a cute and quaint spot that I think makes Atlanta so different from other major American cities.

Since I think Atlanta is so unique and diverse from other cities, I’d probably take them to Midtown after. On the surface it may not look like much to some, but I find there to be a lot to experience there. For starters, I love Flying Biscuit Café — their breakfast is not only great, but I’ve always loved getting to know the staff there, too. If we were then wanting to burn off some calories, I’d show them all the street art and take them to Piedmont Park to play some Volleyball.

I’ve had some great memories there with Pastor Matt from M28 church and my old missions group at both of these locations, a few years back. It’d be nice to extend some of that nostalgia and happiness to a great friend.

Website: vero.co/mrgavinmayne

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrgavinmayne/

Twitter: twitter.com/mrgavinmayne

Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialGavinMayne

Youtube: youtube.com/c/VergardeOfficial

Image Credits
Dan Brenkert