After establishing themselves with a breadth of dazzling delights these last few years, US trio Groove Doctors 3 are now ready to cement their dynamic legacy to date with their hotly-tipped debut album 'Live And Let Live'.
Combining their progressive and inventive nature since they first emerged, 'Live And Let Live' makes for a wonderfully fresh and immersive listen throughout. With such a firm and confident approach to their sound at every turn, they are delivering some of their more spellbinding efforts to date here.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with the band's Mike Lawrence to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
A classical guitar (Conn brand). I got for a gift at age 14.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The Beatles, Motown R&B, Rolling Stones.
What was the first album you remember owning?
“Meet the Beatles”
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Maybe I’m Amazed”, Paul McCartney
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
For the instrumental part of a song I put on a YouTube 4K Travel video of some beautiful scenery with the sound on mute, then jam on my guitar with new chord progressions and rhythms, keeping some and discarding others, until I have an interesting instrumental verse and a chorus. Then for the lyrics, I listen to the instrumental and try to understand the mood and feeling that the music conveys, and go from there.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Really getting into Be Svendsen at the moment; also Belleruche and The Beta Band.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Paul McCartney
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Those moments are totally immersed in playing the music where time just disappears; also the Power of Music to make people feel love, peace, tolerance.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Probably the writer’s block when I’m trying to create a new song but finding it hard to make progress.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Play for your own enjoyment and satisfaction, and the rest will fall into place.
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Groove Doctors 3's debut album 'Live And Let Live' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.