Thanks to Alan Gu�o for doing this interview!
Q: For the new fans reading this, why don�t you tell us a little about yourself? How long have you been performing?
A: Hey, everyone! My name is Alan Gu�o (goon-yo) and I�m a pop singer. I�m originally from northern Michigan, but I now live here in Los Angeles! I�ve recently released my debut album called �Evolution� as well as the single from the album, �The River�� I had a relatively late start in performing, and didn�t start until late in high school - but once I got �the bug�, it totally took over. And since then, I haven�t been able to stop!
Q: How would you describe your music?
A: It�s definitely pop - but I think it covers a broad spectrum of pop, and I hope that everyone can find something on the album that they can enjoy or relate to. Also, I hope that people will get something out of the messages in the music - I want as many people as possible to hear my story and my music and understand that they can live their lives fully and follow their dreams. And that�s the most important thing that I want to come out of my songs.
Q: What can fans expect to find/experience at your shows?
A: While we�re still developing a new show to showcase this album, I hope to present a show that will appeal to all audiences and allow them to have a great time. Performing live is so different from recording - and we have to make sure that we do everything we can to create a show that will draw everyone in. The singing, dancing, and production will be the result of lots of effort and lots of thought - and we hope it will allow us to further get my message across.
Q: What are your goals/hopes to accomplish with your music?
A: There is so much that I love about music - but the most special thing that I love about it is it�s ability to inspire, to influence, and to make people �feel�. And while I will always be giving 110% to further my skills and become an even more accomplished musician, I really am just an ordinary guy. I don�t pretend to be the best singer out there, or the best-looking person, or the most talented songwriter. But what I am is just a regular guy who had a dream - and decided to pursue it. In light of that, my mission is very simple: to help other people realize that they, too, can live the lives that they dream of - and follow their own hopes and dreams to an amazing life!
Q: If you could do a duet with any artist out there right now, who would it be and why?
A: I would love to do a duet with Britney Spears. Say what you want, but this woman continues to put a lot of work into doing things that are new and exciting for her. Whether you like her music or not, it�s hard to deny that there is an enormous effort to propel her talents forward - and she likes to take risks like that. I am looking forward to seeing how the big pop stars of the last few years will attempt to move their careers forward - and I think Britney will continue to do some amazing things - and I would love to be involved in that!
Q: If you could open up for any artist out there right now, who would it be? If you could perform anywhere, where would you pick and why?
A: Assuming they stay together, I would love to open for N Sync - I saw their last stadium tour when it came through LA, and was just blown away by how big the show was and how incredible the production values were. I would love to be on a tour like that for two reasons - one, to just have the experience of seeing a group like this in action, and two, because they reach a lot of young people with their shows. And while I think my message is really important for all ages, I think that reaching people at a young age with this message will definitely have a very powerful impact on them� That being said, I�m not sure if I would necessarily have a dream place to perform. As long as it�s big and can hold a lot of people, that would be the best! The more people, the bigger the party! However, it would be pretty spectacular to go to some really famous large venues like the Rose Bowl here in LA, or Madison Square Garden, or the new Wembley Stadium in the UK.
Q: Do you have a favorite song to perform? If yes, what song and why?
A: It�s hard to choose one song above the others - but I think I can narrow it down to two. The first is �The River� - I think we did a really good job with producing this song - and I really love the arrangement and the emotion that powers the song. It�s a sad song but I think it speaks to a lot of people. The other song is the title track from the album, �Evolution�. It was written in a post-September 11 world - to try and help people deal with their grief and doubt - and to remind them that one of the best ways to honor those who were lost on that day is to live a life that is full - and which makes you happy!
Q: If you weren�t singing, is there something else you could see yourself doing as a career?
A: Good question! There is a reason that I sing and perform in the way that I do - It serves as a vehicle for getting my message across. And I don�t think the music would mean very much if I wasn�t trying to reach out and make a difference in people�s lives. Because the message is not just the driving force behind the music, but it is also the driving force behind WHY I do it as well. That being said, I believe that any other career choices would have to incorporate that message. People like teachers and doctors and clergy are all in great positions to have such a positive influence on people - and I can definitely see myself leaning in those directions. But we can all find a way to be positive and influential in whatever careers we choose - Sometimes, it�s not about WHAT you do, but WHY and HOW you do it!
Q: Last one, what message would you like to send out to your fans?
A: That�s easy: Live, Live, LIVE!! Live your life in the fullest way possible. Take risks, learn different things, make new friends, and ask that secret crush to the school dance. The results may not be what you hope for, but you�ll never regret taking the chance and trying to live your dreams - and that goes for the �small� dreams as well as the �big� ones! Do everything you can to make your life amazing - and you�ll find that life will be the terrific adventure it should be!� And as always, thanks to all the fans out there for being so supportive in my music career - It really means so much to me that I�ve been able to reach so many people already - and I love hearing from the fans and receiving their letters and e-mails! And special thanks go out to all those who are going the extra mile for me -like Theresa and her promotional website - I REALLY appreciate what they�re doing to help me reach out to new people. Thanks, everyone!!!