"Life can be so many different ways, feelings, and emotions, and I want to talk about all of it. I want everyone to experience it. I think we all live lives worth living and sometimes we just need someone to help us feel not so alone in doing so."

Kevin "Sonny" Gullage: Go Be Free

Kevin "Sonny" Gullage cuts loose on his inspiring and electrifying second single and video "Things I Can’t Control". A single from the NOLA blues singer-songwriter and keyboardist’s upcoming debut album -due Aug. 23 on the legendary Blind Pig Records- first single "Go Be Free" is an anthem of gospel salvation and blues-based self-realization sets the tone for the album. The 12-song Go Be Free was produced by four-time Grammy winner and nine-time nominee Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Susan Tedeschi) and features a guest appearance by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, showcasing the next generation of standout blues artists. Born with what you might call blues wisdom — a mixture of empathy, sensitivity, and keen observational skills — Sonny wrote his first song about the BP oil spill’s devastating effects at just 12 years old. Now at 25, Sonny draws upon a lifetime immersed in the richness of blues and gospel, influenced deeply by his New Orleans roots and a family steeped in musical tradition.

(Kevin "Sonny" Gullage / Photo © by Ingrid Nacole Williams)

His father, bassist Tony Gullage, has performed with Henry Butler, Dr. John and other prominent musicians, and his grandmother, Sister Alberta Gullage, released gospel records in the 1960s. Sonny is also believed to be a relative of the legendary Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter. Sonny’s career took a significant turn when he became an artist in residence at B.B. King’s Blues Club in New Orleans. Following the club’s closure during the pandemic, he auditioned for American Idol, advancing to the Showstoppers round. Since then, he has embarked on a robust touring schedule, captivating audiences in the U.S., Brazil, Germany, and Europe.

Interview by Michael Limnios                  Archive: Kevin Gullage, 2021 Interview

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?

The biggest way I’ve grown as an artist since I first started making music is by finding a way to relate to others. When you’re young, you start off by making music that entertains yourself and you expect people to enjoy it because you enjoy it. When you get a bit older, you write music that entertains yourself as well as resonates with others. Now in growing, you learn to keep the good things about who you are. I think I present the most genuine Sonny I can give people and that makes all the difference. If I try to sell you on someone I’m not, it can’t resonate with you, because in truth it doesn’t resonate with me.

Where does your lyrics creative drive come from? Is there a message you are trying to convey with your music/songs?

I try to write in a way that gives life to words on a page. As I begin to write, I think of how I’d like to be told something. I want to be a listener of my music as the writer. It makes it personal. I try to convey life in my music. The good, the bad, the hard times, and the fun times. Life can be so many different ways, feelings, and emotions, and I want to talk about all of it. I want everyone to experience it. I think we all live lives worth living and sometimes we just need someone to help us feel not so alone in doing so.                                              (Kevin “Sonny” Gullage / Photo © by Ingrid Nacole Williams)

"I have to say that getting to travel has really changed my music life the most. Everywhere I go, I see so many amazing musicians who’ve been doing this for a long time. Most of them share helpful tips or encouraging words or a story of when they were in my shoes."

Currently you’ve your debut release with Blind Pig Records and Tom Hambridge. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of “Go Be Free” album?

When my band, The Blues Groovers and I were touring last year, we played the Grolsh Blues Festival and from that festival, I was offered a record deal with Blind Pig. Jeff Shrodle (CEO of Blind  Pig Records), hired Tom Hambridge to produce “Go Be Free”. Instantly there was such a synergy between Tom Hambridge and I. That made the process really fun and easy. Even the idea of who might possibly be on the album and even the chance to actually play one of Buddy Guy’s guitars, Tom Hambridge made me feel really welcomed the entire time!

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

I have to say that getting to travel has really changed my music life the most. Everywhere I go, I see so many amazing musicians who’ve been doing this for a long time. Most of them share helpful tips or encouraging words or a story of when they were in my shoes. From my time on American Idol where I got to talk to Lionel Richie, to my most recent experiences with Tom Hambridge and all of the musicians who played on the album. They all have something to teach me, which is good because I always want something to learn.

What has made you laugh and what touch you working with your father, veteran musician Tony Gullage?

Working with my father is always an amazing time! There’s always a laugh to share and a lesson to learn. My first time flying to Brazil, my father told all of us about his first time in Brazil. He went to his hotel room and called up a great deal of people saying, “… yeah. I’m out on the road, playing in Sao Paulo.” And by the end of the trip, he’d accumulated a hefty hotel phone bill. We laughed and laughed when he told us, but hidden in this funny story was a lesson:

1. Don’t let your ego make you unwise.
2. Hotel phone bills are extremely expensive, so long distance calling is a bad idea!

"The biggest way I’ve grown as an artist since I first started making music is by finding a way to relate to others. When you’re young, you start off by making music that entertains yourself and you expect people to enjoy it because you enjoy it."  (Kevin "Sonny" & Tony Gullage / Photo © by Franky Bruneel)

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

I prepare in many ways. Before we go on stage, the band and I might get together and say a prayer. I think a lot of this for me is remembering it’s not just me out there. I’ve been blessed with great friends and family who support me. My father is always there backing me up. I’m blessed with great opportunities to play in so many amazing places. I always say thank you for the opportunity. That holds up my spiritual stamina. When it comes to the mental side of the question, I have to say that comes down to what I allow in my life. I practice putting  my trust in places where I know it’s safe. I keep my life fairly stress free and that allows me to find outlets that support my music.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of Black American Music in today’s society?

It’s important to preserve all forms of music, but the blues is a music that is American. So much of American culture is a mix of other cultures influences, but the blues was born from American struggle. It was born from the American experience. It’s so unique and full of so much history and lore that it needs to be preserved as a true testament of history. I think that American music has changed the way the world turns. I am black, I am an American, I am a musician, but when I’m gone and the only thing about me that lives on is my music, I don’t want to be seen as someone who made strides in “Black American Music.”

I want people of all walks of life to say, “Wow! He was one of the world’s greatest musicians.” I want people to think of me the way they think of Bach or Beethoven. I want to resonate with them like BB King does with people all over the world. It’s great to recognize that the origin of the blues is Black American Music, and it’s important to associate that with the authenticity of the blues, but when I’m gone, I want to be seen as a musician who made everyone smile.

Kevin Sonny Gullage - Blind Pig Home

(Kevin "Sonny" Gullage / Photo © by Ingrid Nacole Williams)