Gary Borden is in the house!! I knew Gary was an amazingly talented musician with a hustle like no other. What I didn’t know about Gary was what an incredibly kind soul he is. From our first conversation on the phone, I knew we were going to have a great discussion on creativity, the entertainment industry, process, and matters of the heart.
One of my favourite moments of the interview was listening to Gary talk about his brother and how he valued their relationship and considered him to be his mentor as a musician. Truly inspiring and heartwarming episode on Cue To Cue this week!
Come join the conversation! Have a listen!
Gary Borden: Learn To Bring Your Heart To The Hustle
A little About Gary:
Born in Thunder Bay Ontario, Canada, Gary was the youngest of three children. His family later moved to Dryden Ontario, where he attended Dryden High School. His parents were both musicians and started the family band “The Bordens”.
Being the son of musicians, music was one of Gary’s earliest passions. By the time Gary was 8 years old he was drumming in the Borden band and a few years later they released their first album. Gary started playing guitar at age 15. Some of his early influences include Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Jeff Beck, Brian May, and Albert Lee.
His formal education included studies at G.I.T. in Hollywood, California and after graduating, Gary moved to the Toronto area, where he began to establish a career as a freelance musician. Gary is a talented songwriter and producer. He has written music for many film and t.v. shows and has produced songs and albums for indie artists to Sony Nashville Songwriters.
Gary won second place in an international guitar playing contest sponsored by Fender/G.I.T./Eric Clapton.
He has also hosted instructional seminars supported by Boss/Roland and Charvell Jackson Guitars.
Gary has played live with artists such as TORONTO, Sass Jordan, HELIX, The Guess Who, Ray Lyell and the Storm. He has also shared the stage with Johny Lang,Tanya Tucker, Humble Pie, Rascal Flatts, Barbara Mandrell, Loverboy, Eddie Money, Gowan, Lonestar ,Brian White, LeAnn Rimes, Nazareth, April Wine, Peter Frampton, Honeymoon Suite, Headpins, Platinum Blonde, David Wilcox, Stampeders, Doc Walker, The Roadhammers, Grand Funk, Lee Aron, Lighthouse, Harlequin, The Kings,Sloan,Trooper, and Phil Naro.
Gary’s original project Blood of VanGogh (BOVG) is named after his great-great-uncle Vincent VanGogh.
BOVG received incredible reviews from around the world after their debut album was released in 2013.
After a lineup change, Blood of VanGogh has been releasing their second album one song at a time, with video.
In 2018, the first video single “LIES” featuring Ronny Munroe (Metal Church, Trans Siberian Orchestra) was selected by ten Film Festivals, receiving Gold, Silver, Award of Acknowledgement. Expect to hear more special collaborations on the next singles…
The instrumental album “Chasing A Dream” on which he collaborated with Nashville drummer Rory Faciane was released in 2015 by Tangerine Music Group. The album consists of 8 tracks and is available on itunes.
Gary continues to be an in-demand studio and live musician and is currently recording and writing for numerous projects.
Connect with Gary!
Facebook: Gary Borden
Instagram: @vangoghblood
Twitter: @vangoghblood
Photo Credit: Sarah Stewart Photography
Did you enjoy the podcast?
What spoke to you the most today? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
Hello there.
I totally enjoyed reading all here. It was all about our dearest Son Gary. You brought out many things that I didn’t even know of the people he has been involved with. We are so proud of him. Gary is my son , and my now Husband Ken’s step son, whom they both adore one another.
Thank you so very much for bringing so much out of Gary. He is shy to a point , but over the years has come out of his shell .He is the most wonderful person anyone could meet. He now has the confidense that is needed in order to succeed in this Musical world.
I HAVEN’T HEARD THE BROADCAST AS YET BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT.
Thanks again. If you have anything to say to me I would be honoured to hear from you. I always en my emails with the following. Love and Hugsssss from Jeannette and Ken Denby
Very good Gary. I’m impressed with all the talent you have but shouldn’t be surprised. I know how much you and your brother loved making music when you both were little. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. The last time might have been when we were recording the ‘Good Times’ Borden album. I think that was in Winnipeg but can’t remember. I know we met the Street Heart band who were recording at the same time we were. I agree with everything your mother said. You’ve always been one of the nicest people I know. It’s just natural and that’s how I’ve always remembered you. Congratulations on your success doing what you love to do.
Part 2. LOL. I commented earlier before listening to the interview. I didn’t plan on listening tonight but once I heard a few minutes I had to listen to the whole thing. Gary’s voice sounds just like our uncle Maurice. After moving from Thunder Bay to the US in 1987, I lost touch and this interview was like a 30+ year catch up into the amazing life of my cousin Gary. I didn’t know the story about how he ended up going to GIT in LA and so much more. You asked some really good questions Chelsea and much of what Gary said reflects the caring, artistic, creative blood line on his mother’s side. Thank-you.