Gary Stanionis has spent nearly four decades building a life in music—as a drummer, world percussionist, vocalist, touring musician, record label executive and artist manager.

His journey began at 17, when his mother discovered one of his graffiti pieces and asked what it would take to make him stop. His answer was simple: a drum set. Within months, Gary had started his first band and was performing professionally by 18.

From the Southern California funk and acid-jazz scene to smooth-jazz tours, megachurch stages, recording sessions and artist management, Gary has experienced almost every side of the music business. He also helped musicians working with artists such as Stevie Wonder secure endorsements and build their careers.

Today, Gary has returned to the stage with SoleMusiq - a deeply personal solo project shaped by his late mother, her song recommendations and his desire to bring people together.

With hundreds of songs, no setlist and no breaks, Gary reads the room and creates what he calls a “soundtrack of connection.”

In this episode

• How a graffiti piece led to Gary’s first drum set
• Discovering funk, jazz and the idea that “everything has a groove”
• Starting the original funk and acid-jazz band Middle Earth
• Devoting five years to learning world percussion
• Performing on the smooth-jazz circuit and major church stages
• What Gary learned from working as a professional sideman
• Why he left his record-label position to protect an artist’s music
• Launching GÁM Representation and helping touring musicians build their careers
• How his mother’s song recommendations inspired SoleMusiq
• Why Gary performs for three hours without a setlist or break
• Finding a second chance in Temecula’s live-music community
• Why Gary believes musicians are ultimately there to serve the audience

Connect with Gary

• Gary Stanionis: https://www.instagram.com/garystanionis/
• SoleMusiq: https://www.instagram.com/sole_concert/

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