"The soul is what we're born with but technique helps you bring it out. The blues is the foundation of all the most popular styles of music listened to today that's why it's Important to Preserve and spread the blues."

Greg Sover: Blues & Rock Experiences

While Greg Sover’s friends in his Philadelphia neighborhood, where he grew up, were listening to local rappers he was immersed in classic rock, country and the blues ever since he first picked up a guitar at the age of five. On his fourth and latest album “His-Story” to be released by his own independent Grounded Soul Records label on July 21, 2023, Sover’s musical career has come full circle, as he’s joined on two songs by legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsies bassist Billy Cox, a cover of “Manic Depression” and a rare track from the great guitarist, “Remember,” originally recorded for the international version of Jimi’s first album, “Are You Experienced”. Greg cut his performing teeth as a bassist in the church while in his teens, then played guitar in various bands, including heavyweight champion Joe Frazier’s group, before “muscling up” as a vocalist and bandleader himself.                  (Greg Sover / Photo by Stacie Huckeba)

Sover soon became an integral part of the local Philadelphia music scene, releasing two full-length albums, 2016’s Songs of a Renegade (S.O.A.R.) and 2018’s Jubilee, and 2020’s Parade six-song EP, performing locally and at festivals with the likes of the David Uosikkinen's In The Pocket, Yardbirds, Jeffrey Gaines, Jimmy Vivino, Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers, Walter Trout, Sonny Landreth, Popa Chubby and the Marcus King Band. Sover and his band made the semifinals for two consecutive years at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and won the 2015 Hard Rock Rising competition at Philadelphia’s Hard Rock Cafe in 2015.

Interview by Michael Limnios                        Archive: Greg Sover, 2018 interview

How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Both Blues and Rock music showed me that no matter where we are in the world we're somehow going through the same things whether it's heartbreak or some type of joy, we all experience these things.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

I feel like I'm a better guitar player and the more songs I write the more I understand the technic of songwriting but the making music process is still the same.

Currently you’ve one release with Billy Cox. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album His - Story?

I wanted to do a version of Manic Depression and we thought it would be cool having Billy on it. He reached back out and we made it happen. It went so well that we ended up doing another song.                           (Photo: Greg Sover & Billy Cox)

"Both Blues and Rock music showed me that no matter where we are in the world we're somehow going through the same things whether it's heartbreak or some type of joy, we all experience these things."

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as an artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?

The hardest obstacle has to be staying on the journey itself, there are so many distractions from bills to not knowing when you're going to eat that would make the artist want to give up, but these experiences are what we write about. These ups and downs helped me become a better blues musician.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Becoming a father. Ever since I've been more motivated.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

1. Be Professional
2. It takes a team
3. Make sure the music is good. It doesn't matter how well you play the guitar
4. No such thing as overnight success

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? Why is it important to preserve and spread the blues?

The soul is what we're born with but technique helps you bring it out. The blues is the foundation of all the most popular styles of music listened to today that's why it's Important to Preserve and spread the blues.

Do you think there is an audience for music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Yes, there is definitely an audience for music in its current state, and there is a strong potential for young people to become future audiences and fans. Music will always resonate with people of all ages. Especially live music.

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(Greg Sover / Photo by Stacie Huckeba)