Myrtle Beach native Grant Nesmith is no stranger to the tidal-like ebb and flow of the music scene. Grant had early influences like the Beatles, which inspired him to learn guitar at the age of 12. Grant began writing songs the following year, receiving hands-on experience playing in bands from Nashville to New York. Grant returned home in 2015. Upon returning home, he helped found the psych/surf band . The band recorded 2 LPs and a live album with Silber Records before going their separate ways in 2018. In the Fall of 2019, Grant found himself back in the studio recording his first solo album.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What first got you into music?
I remember being 12 years old and finding my parents record collection. The first record I was that blue Beatles Greatest Hits 67-70 album. "Strawberry Fields Forever" was the first song that played. As soon as I heard that come through the speakers, I knew I wanted to play music.
What do you think your role is in this world?
I know this sounds cheesy, but I just try to be nice to everyone and be a good person. I want to contribute to the good of society
Your latest track is 'Days'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I recently purchased a Rickenbacker 12-string guitar. As soon as I picked it up out of the case, I just started playing the opening riff. The song sort of wrote itself in many ways!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
To take a quote from Ringo Starr's book, "Peace and Love!!!"
How do you spend your time?
I spend my time with my beautiful wife and daughter! We live less than a mile from the beach so we spend a lot of time there. We go for golf cart rides most evenings just cruising around. We go to a lot of music festivals too.
What are you most proud of?
My family!
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
There's a band based out of Portland called Rose City Band. They just started playing shows about a year ago, even though they've put out 3 albums. I would love to tour with them. I think we have very similar ethos and musical philosophies.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I'm always writing new material and incorporating new elements, sounds and musicians. When I record, I usually play most of the instruments and sing all the harmonies on my songs. I've been making a rule lately that I'm only allowed to play one instruments and sing one vocal, and everything else has to be done by friends.
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
Sure! It's a change that's going to happen. Why be angry about it? It makes 99% of situations easier. Nothing is stopping people from doing the things they used to do. I saw a meme last night that read "Back in my day we ran through sprinklers, and rode our bikes until the streetlights came on. This generation doesn't know what they're missing." I had to laugh out loud when I read that because we had just come in the house from running through the sprinklers with my daughter. People love to complain about any and everything.
What are your plans for the future?
I've got some exciting things I'm working on! I'm putting a 4 song EP out in the fall that I think is the best material I've written yet! I'm also in the middle of recording an album with my band I play with at Church. So hopefully by the end of 2022 I'll have the new solo EP, and a full album with my Church Band and First United Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach