Often called the 'man with the golden voice', he is regarded as the finest Indian artiste in the field of western popular music. A bass baritone, who sings just as easily in the tenor range, Gary Lawyer is equally comfortable with every genre of music - be it rock, pop, jazz, country or folk. His varied musical influences include the great Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, Elvis Presley, David Coverdale, Bon Jovi, U2 and most of all - the legendary Jim Morrison, to whom his voice is often compared in texture and phrasing.

A classically trained voice, Gary began his singing career in New York during his stay there in the 80's, singing at showcase theatres and nightclubs to a tremendous response. Just as he started gaining recognition as a singer / composer, personal circumstances forced him to return to India.

Stage shows then took prominence for Gary who always wanted to do something like his idols. He staged two 'Doors' concerts which were 'sell outs', and was later involved in a powerful musical called 'Are You Lonesome Tonight', where he played the part of young Elvis Presley to incredible rave reviews. Since then Gary has performed concerts all over India and abroad to packed houses. He was sent by the Government of India to the Festival of Russia to represent India in the pop / rock category.

With music taking a major turn for him, he released three albums on the HMV / EMI label. His first album - 'This Cannot Wait' shows his versatility and varied musical influences. 'High Standards' - an album of jazz standards recorded with Indian jazz great Mr. Louis Banks was his next offering while it was his third album ' The Other Side Of Dawn' that catapulted Gary to the heights of stardom and made him a household name.

With a lot of success coming his way he recorded his fourth album 'Arrow In The Dust' a collection of some of the most hard hitting, soulful, heartfelt and original songs, and tagged along with ‘Unbelon’ (a Black and White’s tagline)in December 2004.

Gary proves that even after more than 30 years in the business, he’s still got the spunk to create waves.

The Parsi born young lad, is now an aging rocker who gets better with each passing year and surely a stalwart of the Indian rock music scenario. We met Gary at Mumbai’s Hard Rock Café, Andheri, for s short chat, minutes before he took the stage for a live performance.

Ecerpts from the interview.

How has the music journey been like?

The journey has been wonderful and very rewarding. I have got to do everything, I have got to live life my own way as a professional musician and I have done my share of albums. I am a purely western musician in an Indian society and I have challenged the entire system with it.

Your last album was Unbelong released in 2004. After that you have not released any new album. When can fans expect a new album?

Actually that was not the last one. After that we did something called ‘The Best of Gary Lawyer’ in 2007 which was a compilation of all songs from various albums. Speaking about the new album, everything is absolutely read, I have recorded thirteen songs and out of that we have a lead song called ‘Heavens Child’ where the video is going on VH1 and YouTube in the next couple of days. So the new album should be out in the next couple of weeks.

Recently we got to know that you have released a single on Vh1 music channel.

That’s a song called ‘Heavens Child’ which will go up on all avenues and every has liked it which is a good sign.

You have also done some work in mid 2000 for Bollywood. Can you tell us something about it?

That was just a one off thing I did for a composer who I liked very much as a person and he was very keen that I give it a shot and dint demand anything from me. Also I am not a Hindi singer.

You also do covers of songs by Freddy Mercury, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, The Doors. Among all these who do you look upto as your favorites?

I don’t think we should name anyone as such. People come to hear my voice more than people come to hear my composition. Every song for me is a prayer so I think we should not use the word ‘Covers’. Also when I sing a song, be it any song, it’s a tribute from the heart.

In 2009 you did a song - Save the Tiger for National Geographic channel. How did this project come about?

It’s a topic I very strongly support. I am an animal person. I have always loved animals all my life. It is one of the greatest sagas in India as to what I happening to our tiger population. I always wanted to do something for animals and music was the only way I could do it and it was not composed for National Geographic, it’s just that when they liked it they said that they will make a video around it. I would like that song to be played everywhere in fact because it is a song from the heart. I don’t want to promote myself but I would want to promote the love for animals through the song. I am looking for the message to go cross.

Have you also done any other kind of animal rights songs or campaigned for such causes?

Not really, because for that matter you can go on with campaigns like ‘Save the Whale’ or ‘Save the Rhino’. For me ‘Save the Tiger’ is a symbolic song because the lyrics are such and it has a very deep meaning. I think we should learn to take care of whatever has been gifted to us.

How do you get the inspiration for writing songs right from the beginning of your career to now? What do your songs speak about?

The inspiration is inbuilt in my personality. It’s by the things you see around you that one gets inspired. For example if you see a scenery or if you see a bird or a beautiful motorbike for that fact. Anything and everything inspires you. I am a song writer at the first place and I constantly get various idea in my mind. If I see a bird on a tree I will automatically put down something. It’s a creative process. My songs speak about everything. I write love songs, I write songs on career for example ‘No Turning Back’. There is a song called ‘Heaven on Wheels’ that is about my motorcycle.

Has any of your children taken up music?

Not really, they could have but I never encouraged them too much. I am a purely western musician and I don’t know much scope there is in our environment to do it professionally and I am not the kind of a person who imposes my thoughts and views on anyone unless I am asked for it.

EDM is the new in thing in music for youngsters, or do you think it’s a phase that will pass out one day?

All human beings are different and each one has his or her own choice of music. Everything has his own lifespan. I cannot predict or say anything about it. It’s not that music dies but yes, everything depends on the listener.

What do you think of the current music scene in India?

Speaking about the western music scene in India, I don’t think there is much support, there is no platform. Even the best of the western musician would find it difficult to earn a living in India and that’s the reason I always say that I have worked a miracle in the country. There is a lot more we should do for western music. After all we are an English speaking nation and western music is a very much part of our culture.

Are you still very fond of motorbikes? Which one do you use presently?

I love motorbikes. I use a big Kawasaki 900.

You have played at HRC many times, what is your best experience about it?

Every experience has been great. I recently played at Hard Rock Cafe, Pune and it was all packed. I enjoy playing at all Hard Rock Cafes across the country. We have started doing tours again where we travel across cities.

Have you played at any overseas outlets of HRC?

No, it’s quite strange actually because I have lived so many years in abroad. I am absolutely through with travelling. I know it sounds strange but its great being back home after short journeys. If there is something Hard Rock Cafe overseas, I would love to do it because I know it will create a tremendous impact.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira