It’s been a journey already for Gattison and yet, somehow now truly feels like the beginning. After being married to his wife for nine years, having two kids and being heavily involved in the Evangelical Church, Gattison, realised that praying the gay away does not work and separated from his wife, but moved in next door, came out and began writing music. We speak to Gattison about the importance of songwriting, how his wife continues to be his best friend and how he also has a book in the works!
First up, congratulations on the new single, ‘Transformation’. I love the lyrics. Is that something that comes very naturally to you?
Thank you so much. I’m definitely very excited about ‘Transformation’ and it’s been amazing that people have been catching the vibe and enjoying it. As far as writing, I’ve always loved to write songs but admittedly, in the pursuit of refining my songwriting skills I’ve written some TERRIBLE songs! Haha…So I’m not sure I’d say it comes “naturally” as much as I would say I had some natural inclinations towards songwriting and I’ve been honing those skills for a while.
How does the writing process work for you?
For me it’s more about the mood and what I feel in the moment or through the music itself. I usually sit with a track (music) and close my eyes and the music will usually make me feel something. Once I have the feeling I try to process why I’m feeling that or what was significant about it. After that I start to sing melodies and usually if I’m writing with someone I’ll explain conceptually what I want to talk about and then start lyrically writing what feels good.
I was getting Miguel-vibes from ‘Transformation’! Who inspires you musically?
Well, first off that’s a massive compliment so thank you. I have musical inspirations that are ALL OVER THE MAP! From the funk band Parliament to The Bee Gees, from Michael Jackson to Coldplay, I love and am inspired by all types of music. And I mean who could talk about music and not mention Mariah Carey….
This single has really taken off. I saw someone mention something about people dancing to it on TikTok too?
Yes it’s been so cool to see some of the fun things that have been done with the song! There’s a dope dance group called The Williams Fam and they are four brothers. They took my song and made a fun dance to it and some of their fans did the same. I also had a makeup artist recreate and put their spin on a look I did in my music video which was so cool and extremely flattering. There was also a dope influencer that makes those cool transition videos who made a visual to my song.
There is a documentary about your journey on your YouTube channel. Can you tell us about this?
Yes, I was actually married to a woman for about nine years and we had two children. We were heavily involved in the evangelical church and operating under the belief that you could pray the gay away. Well, almost a decade later we fully understood that wasn’t a belief that was true. My ex-wife, the mother of my two beautiful children, is now my best friend and next door neighbor and we travel speaking about love and how love is a liberating force. We are currently writing a book, a part of a documentary and talking to networks about our reality show.
You were married for nine years and ‘Transformation’ was inspired by your ex-wife. Were you making music before coming out? How has it changed?
Yes, I was making music before I came out. Some of it was religious and some of it was music like I’m making now. My music has differently evolved. As an artist and specifically a songwriter I have more depth because I’m more authentically me. When I was in my marriage I was present for sure but it wasn’t the most authentic version of my presence. It was a watered down, tame and neutered version of GATTISON. Now…you get me straight no chaser.
What does the rest of 2020 hold for you?
Right now I am working on multiple projects that I’m excited about including my EP and other singles and collaborations. I’m definitely working hard and strategically in this wild moment in time.
Lastly we are named after the infamous Mariah Carey song. So we always ask, what is your favourite Mariah song?
The ‘Heartbreaker’ remix with Da Brat and Missy Elliot is my absolute favorite! The music video was EVERYTHING!
