| PROFILES |
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| DW: Apart from your own background and marketing image as a genuine "cowboy", you seem to enjoy playing laid-back "folk" or "blues-roots" types of ballads that I personally find more suited to your vocals. Does your fan base accept both kinds of music or do you get a better response with the rowdier songs? GM: As a songwriter/artist, a mix of ballads and uptempo songs is required to please a wide fan base. I get as many people enjoying my uptempo songs as my ballads - it depends on how the music affects them. For example, in Elvis's music, some people like "Are you Lonesome Tonight" and some like "Jailhouse Rock"; the same artist, different sound - all good. Versatility in this business is crucial in creating a widespread fan base. DW: Would you say you have more female fans than male ones? Do you feel there is still a big demand by younger people for country and western music? GM: My fan base consists of all age groups - men and women - from truckers to children. My image affects my fans differently - some like the cowboy/trucker lifestyle and apparently some women like the way I shake my hips. I think there is still a demand by younger people for country music, especially now that, in many cases, it has acquired a rock and pop edge to its sound. DW: Traditionally the country and western segment of the music industry has led the way in offering equal recording opportunities to male and female artists. Do you feel this is still true, or are the record companies using the sex appeal factor to market even the C&W records these days? GM: Yes, I believe there are equal opportunities. The music business is driven more by money and marketing than gender. (continued on next page) |
| INTERVIEW WITH GM PATERSON (CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE) |