Interviewer's Note: I've seen Graham on a few occasions during events, as well as noticed his efforts in helping to develop the music scene in Singapore. He's a cool guy! Here's a short description he wrote for himself in his Facebook account: I'm a perpetual dreamer who often gets hurt, but I take a deep breath and pick myself up. I've had a life of ups and downs and the best moments of my life have been on the up curve. I'm at a point in my life where I have found love again and I'm beginning to believe that nice guys can win.
That said. Let's find out what he lives for..
Graham Perkins / Crossed the line of half a century / Guitar Heaven, Singapore / Something new is about to happen and something I'm really excited about. If you're interested, add me on Twitter and all will be revealed :-) / @grayperks
What do you live for?
I live in a constant state of hope with conditional dreaming. Sure I get knocked back, hurt, feel the pain, express all emotions, etc., but I always get back on feet. Singer/Songwriter Todd Rundgren writes in his song Fair Warning, "When you lay your life down in them grooves, you know you're bound to get scratched up sometime" and I have taken risks which have created scary moments in my life. But these experiences have made me realistic and pragmatic of what can or might be achieved.
Music is and has been, a central part to my life. I remember at the age of 12, watching artists like David Bowie and Marc Bolan performing on TV which nurtured the starry-eyed look of wanting to be like them. Many artists such as Pink Floyd, Yes, Todd Rundgren, Robin Trower, Nile Rodgers and my music peers, continued to inspire me to pick up a guitar and play. Certain lyrics and music began to mean so much to me as I went through life's rich tapestry of highs, lows, and emotions. I live for music to continue to be a major part of my life and influence what I do.
Why?
Because I always want to dream. Another poignant line from Rundgren's song Fair Warning, "I'd rather live by a dream than live by a lie". I have been on both sides of the fence when it comes to deceit and its not a great place to be. I've learnt from these experiences and never want to be there again. I therefore see truth and decency as an important part of hope.
What is some of the best advice that you have been given/want to give our readers?
- Never be a part of someone's troubles or downfall
- Never do something that puts fear in the eyes of a child.
- Do it right, not right now so take your time.
- Do not do what you do not want to do.
- Do not think that your plans will ever work out the way you hoped. best thing to do is simply plan to be surprised.
Something random you'd like to say?
Amazing how life and music can come full circle with the recent release of David Bowie's song, Where Are We Now? If you haven't heard it, find it, listen to it, devour it and reflect on the question, where are you now.
