An Interview With The Rising Singer-Songwriter, GUNNAR FLINCHUM!

At just 22-years-old, Gunnar Flinchum is redefining the music of his generation. The power of imagery and intellect combined with infectious melodic hooks leave the listener with an insatiable appetite for more.

Gunnar just released his new single,“Not Here”. Written by Gunnar, the song is a contemporary produced ballad fusing live musicians with EDM elements. Gunnar’s emotional vocals and powerful lyrics take the listener on an unforgettable journey filled with jealousy,love, and loss. Gunnar’s single release is the result of two long years of intensive training,discovery,and sweat equity. Working with artist development company MegaBite Music Group (MMG), Gunnar launched his own YouTube channel. His collaboration with artist Rain Paris made MTV News for one of the top covers of Selena Gomez’s hit song “Same Old Love.”

On stage, Gunnar has toured with artists Dave Days, Future Sunsets, Alex Preston, House on Cliff, and Restless Road. Earlier this year Gunnar collaborated with popular EDM producer Bauns to release his self-penned song “Someone Like You.” The song has amassed almost 170,000 streams on Spotify alone.

In addition to “Not Here,” Gunnar has also finished his EP “Let’s Go Somewhere.” Packed with 3 more powerful and unique songs, produced by multi-platinum producer/songwriter Anthony Little (Tina Turner, Justin Timberlake) and former RCA Records recording artist Jennifer Day Morrison, aka Jyn. The EP also features some of the industry’s top musicians: drummer John Blackwell (Prince, D’Angelo), bassist Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton, David Bowie) and guitarist Joshua Murty (Echosmith, Maren Morris). Mystical and defiant with a splash of satire, Gunnar Flinchum’s “Let’s Go Somewhere” EP will take you places you’ve never been before!

Check out his latest single here- https://ONErpm.lnk.to/NotHere

Learn more about Gunnar Flinchum in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So where does this interview find you today?

Of course, thanks for having me! I just moved to NYC from Florida and my single is being released so I’m feeling great!

Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it?

Oh yeah, I’m currently listening to James Arthur’s song “Sober”. I really dig his latest album.

What’s a song you are loving these days?

I’ve been listening to a vast variety of songs. From Ed Sheeran’s new album, to “Fool” by Fitz And The Tantrums, “Feel it still” by Portugal, the man. Just yesterday on the subway I was vibing to “Rockstar” by Post Malone. I also just got back from a trip to Rio de Janeiro where I was introduced to Brazilian funk. One of those songs being “Cara Bacana” by MC G15.

What music instantly lifts you out of a bad mood?

“Happy Birthday” because usually its followed by cake.

Did you approach the start of this year any differently then you did last year?

Last year I was constantly in the studio, collaborating with my producers, recording and finalizing my EP. While this year had been more about getting into the industry and planning to share my music with the world!

What have been some of the highlights for you this year?

One of my favorite things to happen this year was my collaboration with Bauns. We co-wrote our song “Somebody Like You” which now has over 170,000 streams on Spotify!

What are you excited for in 2018 which will be here before we all know it?!

I’m excited to promote my new EP! This will be my first major EP release and I can’t wait to get on the road!

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician?

I always wanted to be a musician but it wasn’t until I started working with Megabite Music Group that I realized I could make this my career.

Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

I’m not sure if it’s my earliest but when I was 9 years old some of my school friends and I tried to put together a band. They didn’t play any instruments and I only knew 2 chords on the guitar but somehow we wrote a song.  I wish I could go back and listen to that song now… might have been a hit lol.

Was there ever a time where you thought about doing something completely different?

I’ve worked multiple jobs… including karate instructor, personal trainer, and construction worker but I’ve always had an end goal to be a full time Singer/ Songwriter!

What do you think it finally was that pushed you to this career?

I realized in college that I was happiest when I was singing or songwriting so left to pursue this dream and I’ve been chasing it ever since!

I always like to know how a particular city has influenced an artist. How do you think your hometown has affected the kind of music that you are making today?

In my hometown of Vero Beach, Florida I had a little songwriting ritual. I would begin writing with a tall cup of coffee. When I got stuck on a line I would walk to the beach, I would stare at the ocean for 20 minutes or so, then walk home and like magic I would be able to finish the song. I don’t know if my town influenced specific lyrics, but I do know that I wouldn’t have finished some of the songs on my last EP without those moments of tranquility that the beach provided.

What was it like moving to NYC from your small town in Florida?

It was definitely a culture shock. I do miss the beach but NYC is filled with inspiration and opportunities that have already impacted me for the better. In the short month I’ve been here I’ve already been exposed to more artists like me. It’s nice to be in a place where my artistic side can thrive!

How will this location change impact you and your music?

I think the city will inspire some new song ideas. I also hope I will have more opportunities to collaborate with other NYC artists.

What was the inspiration for your recently released single “Not Here”?

I actually wrote Not Here over a year ago when I was trying to cope with an ex of mine moving on.  I was hesitant about sharing such personal feeling, but this song helped me through a hard time so maybe it can help somebody else who could be going through a similar situation.

How do you think it is different then anything else you have worked on in the past

I think “Not Here” is a bit darker and more mature than song’s I’ve worked on in the past. This song is very real so it definitely shows a new, more vulnerable side of me.

How does this track compare to the rest of your debut EP? Was it difficult to pick the first song to be released from it?

It’s the most emotional song on my EP. Each song on my EP shares a different experience of love or loss so it was definitely hard to pick the first single to release. However, I think my team and I made the right decision.

What was it like making this collection? Did anything surprise you about the entire process?

It was a lot of fun, but there were long hours and sometime rough days. Working with my producers Jyn Morrison and Anthony Little was always a blast! They truly know how to bring out the best in my studio performances.

I also met some very talented musicians and awesome people throughout the process. I was fortunate enough to get to know John Blackwell who played drums on 3 of the songs on my EP

He was an extremely talented man who drummed for Prince, D’Angelo and Justin Timberlake just to name a few. He gave me a set of his drumsticks in the studio before he passed away last July.

I understand that you have your own YouTube channel now. How has that been going?

It’s been going great. Recently I’ve taken a step back from posting videos as prepare to release my EP but I’m excited to get back into it!

Were you surprised at all by the reaction to your cover of Selena Gomez’s track “Same Old Love”?

Yes. We were very proud of our performances but we never expected to get re-posted by MTV! That was my first video to get over 10,000 views. So you can imagine how I felt when it hit over 100,000!

How do you decide what songs to cover and put on your channel?

My team and I would go through new releases and pick our favorite options from there. Sometimes I would play a quick acoustic section as we searched and that made it easier to decide.

What was it like working on your track “Someone Like You” with the popular EDM producer Bauns?

It was very cool. Bauns actually DMed me on Instagram about a collaboration and within 3 months the song was released. He’s such a cool guy and it was a pleasure to co-write and record that song. I think it’s amazing how social media can help link an EDM artist from Denmark with a Singer-Songwriter from Florida!

Now that the summer is over, what was something fun that you did or tried for the first time?

While I was visiting my brother in Rio de Janeiro he took me to a Blaco! Which was like a street parade but with topless girls on stilts, guys dressed as mermaids and 12 hours of constant good vibes!

How do you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today?

The feeling I get when I write a good melody or lyric is unlike any other feeling. Performing is very fun for me, but creating gives me euphoria.

Do you believe that the music being created right now will be greatly influenced by the intensely politically charged times we live in right now?

Yes, I think current events always influence creation. But music has always brought people together and I have faith that it will continue to unify us, even in times like today.

How has it affected you as a musician in general?

It’s given me perspective on what’s important. I used to write solely for myself but lately I find myself writing for not only myself but with a purpose to positively affect others.

What artists have continued to inspire you and your music?

Ed Sheeran has always been a big inspiration for me. I think he’s an artist who continues to raise the bar for singers and songwriters. As a musician I try to grow the same way he seems to grow with each album he releases.

Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

Halsey. I love the imagery in her lyrics and her artistic vibe. I think it would be cool to co-write a song with her.

What advice would you give to a young person who is considering becoming a musician one day?

I’d say if it is your dream than chase it. There will be support along the way but there will also be doubt. It will be important to learn from the doubt but to stay positive overall and never let negativity possess you.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I want to take my fans on a journey with imagery and passion. I would love for them to feel closer to me after listening to my song.

What do you hope is the message of your songs?

I’m sharing my personal experiences with my music. My goal isn’t to deliver a specific message but it’s to entertain somebody with art that I created.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I feel extremely blessed to be able to do what I love.  This single release is just the beginning for me and I’d love for some of you to join me on my journey.