Greg Sover was born and raised in Philadelphia as a first-generation American of Haitian descent.
He still calls the city his home when not touring.
The musician has a Jimi Hendrix sound to the point that the only living member of the legend's band, Billy Cox, played on Sover’s 2023 His-Story LP.
Sover will perform at Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City this weekend.
He took the time to help his audience get to know him better by answering a dozen questions from BreakingAC.
BreakingAC: Tell us about growing up in Philly?
Greg Sover: Philly was fun. I learned a lot growing up in Philly. In my experience, there were those ups and downs. But, I had more ups than downs.
BAC: What inspired you to take up music and or the guitar?
GS: My dad. He was the first person I'd seen with a guitar. He gave me my first guitar at 5 years old.
BAC: What are the challenges facing live music today?
GS: The only challenge I see is local venues such as bars and certain clubs shutting down for the local musicians and some touring acts. But the upside is you become better in business. You go from playing in these local clubs to bigger venues such as theaters or festivals.
BAC: Which guitarists have influenced your playing style the most, and how have they impacted your approach to music?
GS: There are a (few): Stevie Ray Vaughn, Gary Moore, George Benson, Pete Anderson and, last but not least, Jimi Hendrix. They made me realize it doesn't matter where the music is coming from or sounds like. At the end of the day it's music.
BAC: What is your typical practice routine like, and how do you keep yourself motivated to consistently improve?
GS: I like to play to some kind of backing track to keep my fingers loose every day. As for the motivation, I feel like I owe it to my childhood to keep going.
BAC: Could you describe your creative process when writing new music or developing guitar parts for a song?
GS: I'm always writing. A guitar is always in my hand. To me, that's the best way to describe the creative process: Keep playing until something sounds cool.
BAC: Throughout your career, what has been the most challenging aspect of being a professional musician, and how have you overcome it?
GS: The only thing I can think of is playing to a click without sounding robotic. (Click tracks are widely used in recording to ensure that all of the instruments are playing in time with one another.)
In the beginning that was a major challenge and the only way to overcome that was to practice to a click track.
BAC: Are there any specific techniques or skills that you feel are essential for any aspiring artist to master?
GS: Oh yeah. Two things come to mind. Master the skill of creating and master the skill of finishing what you created. Know when to put the paint brush down.
BAC: Can you tell us about a memorable live performance or recording session that significantly impacted your career or musical journey?
GS: I have to say recording my latest album. A whole lot has changed since it's been released.
BAC: Tell us about David Bowie’s amp?
GS: I saw this beat-up Victoria 4/10 Bassman in the studio and I was told that David Bowie used it on his Young Americans album. I said, “Oh yeah I'm using that.”
BAC: As a guitarist, what other equipment or gear do you consider essential to achieving your signature sound?
GS: I don't think it’s so much about equipment. It helps. But you know what people say, “Your signature sound comes from your fingers.”
BAC: Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your musical career.
GS: My musical career goals and aspirations include both personal and professional achievements. Personally, I want to improve my skills as a guitarist and songwriter. Professionally, I want to go on a national tour to reach and engage with a wider audience.
Well with those high aspirations, go see him now before the tickets prices go way up.
Anchor Rock Club is a must-see venue on the beach block of New York Avenue. There is a full bar with draft beers options too.
Guests can see the show in front of the stage or the second-floor balcony. It has superior, modern sound equipment. But the old Atlantic City charm inside is beautiful.
