LA Nights with DJ Garth

This February, we've been lucky to share a private music mix from world renowned DJ Garth.  We count him as an inspiration as an artist for more than two decades but also as a beloved friend.  Originally born and raised in England, Garth moved to SF in 1990 and was part of the Wicked Sound System group with DJ's Jeno, Markie, and Thomas.  A key player in defining and capturing the underground house music scene in SF, Garth's influence spread near and far through performing, producing and composing music.  This was all in his spare time when he wasn't touring the globe.  Now as a current resident of LA with his family, he still imparts his legacy of classic disco and house via live gigs while also continuing to produce music with his record label Grayhound Recordings.  Here's a link to a peek into Garth's heart and soul via our recent Q&A.

Q:What inspired you to put together these songs for the mix?
A:Whenever I am asked to do a mix I like to create a little back story. I tend to play records like a raconteur tells a story. The Farmers Daughter Hotel has a unique theme. I stay at the hotel and eat at the restaurant Tart. ‘Classic Americana w/an Urban Twist’ comes to mind. I dug through the American Rock n Roll section of my record collection and selected songs that spoke of heading out west, the open road, free love, wind in the hair, all that good stuff.

Q: What was the “story” of the songs pieced together?
A: The Farmers Daughter herself became personalized in the process as the elusive object who will not be tamed. She heads to California, leaving a trail of broken hearts along the highway. Like any good yarn there’s a beginning, a middle and an end. She inspires because ultimately she is her own boss and free as a bird, yet modest and kind to those she encounters.

Q: What are your greatest influences and motivators in life?
A:  Turns out what I Iove about the art of deejaying is also what draws me to the craft of acting, something I have been doing since moving to Los Angeles. It is not about the bells and whistles. It is telling a story, connecting through an honest dialogue or emotion:  holding up a mirror, exposing the soul. If you’re lucky, creating a performance that resonates, blows people away, or makes a difference.

Q:  What would you like “the road that you travel” to look like?
A:  I have had no regrets since leaving England for San Francisco in 1990. I have been blessed as a self sufficient artist the whole time and never had to work a ‘job’. I have a beautiful family and home, inspiring work, great friends and get to travel the world. I have faith in the road ahead although there are no guarantees in life.

Q: What aspects of the FD and/or the brand appeals to you?
A:  It’s an unpretentious, funky, independent, friendly joint. It’s the people!

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