Walker’s Cay is an original rock band based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Members include Gary LaBarr and Mike Swain. That is all I knew when Michael introduced me to these guys. After doing some research I learned Gary is an accomplished performed and Mike spend over 30 years as a licensed control technician at a nuclear power plant. Without knowing their influences, I am getting a lot of Def Leppard meets Journey and you can tell they have chemistry when playing together. No idea what the name means but it is my pleasure to introduce you to Walker’s Cay.
Is the name any relation to the northernmost island in the Bahamas?
Gary: Yes! The name Walker’s Cay is exactly that… The Northernmost “out island” of the Bohemian Island Chain!
How do you guys know each other?
Gary: Well, I own a radio station, and Mike just happened to be a guest on one of the radio shows. After I heard him speak about music and technology, I was intrigued. So I just started talking to him about music, bands, (and the entertainment industry in general), etc. I then found out that he was a guitar player, so I asked him if he would consider maybe being in any future musical projects that I would have. He stated to me, “Sure, give me a call!” And the rest (as they say) is history!
You are originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. What is the music scene like there and where are some of your favorite places to play?
Gary: Well, actually, I am originally from New York State. But Canada, (and Toronto) has been my home now for over 16 years. I absolutely love it! The music scene here in Toronto is so complete and diverse! So many GREAT venues to name that it would not do me, (or your readers), justice to only name a few. It would not be fair if I left out any, so I will leave that to your readers. Go online and check it all out! Amazing places to play!
Mike, you worked at a nuclear power plant. Tell me more about that experience.
Mike: I had an excellent career in the nuclear power industry. I was involved with the technical side of things. I was an Electrical Electronic Technician/Technologist. So many very cool and interesting aspects of that science/industry. Amazing what you saw, what you learned, and what you did to keep cities (and entire region’s) in Canada up and running regarding power!
What is your songwriting process like? Do you sit down to write a new track or do they just come to you over time?
Gary: The song writing process for me personally is pretty much quite straight forward. I look at all aspects (and situations) of life that affect people, and then I (try to) convert them into a song. Sometimes I get inspired by a melody or chord structure in my head, and sometimes I get a certain lyric idea from something I see or hear, and then, the rest is history.
You’re not far from Niagara Falls. Do you ever get down there to visit?
Gary: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is my most favorite place in the world! I have traveled all over this great big beautiful earth of ours on many blessed occasions. But I always tell everyone that Niagara Falls is my most favorite place of all! I know that it has a lot to do with me growing up as a child in New York. There are five siblings in my family, and growing up my parents could not really afford any big expensive (or luxurious) vacations with all of us. So since New York State borders Canada, and we could get to Niagara Falls pretty quickly, and that was to be our yearly vacation! It was always a great time, and we loved it! As I say, such grand memories!
Tell me about your experience working with MTS Management Group.
Gary: Our experience thus far with Michael Stover of MTS Management Group has been divine! It has been such a pleasure to work with Mike. He is the consummate professional in his field, and very intuitive in his entertainment quests and goals for his artist’s! A true blessing!
Your single “Tell Me” is popular in South Africa. Why do you think that is? Have you had a chance to visit?
Gary: In all actuality… We have NO idea why our song “Tell Me” is doing so great in South Africa. However, we are VERY grateful and thankful to say the least. Mike and I have never been there as of yet, but I guess that IS coming! “Hello South Africa!”
What is the best concert you’ve been to?
Mike: I would have to say to see the band Boston. An amazing performance. Tom Scholz is a genius. Just listen to what he writes, and he pulls it off live! Incredible!
How often do you practice?
Mike: I try to practice everyday. There is ALWAYS something new to learn, (and experiment with). Anyone who does not practice (or put a lot of time into their craft), is really short changing themselves regarding their talent. Go for broke!
COVID-19 hit us hard a few months ago. Are you still planning to tour this year?
Gary: Of course we would love to tour! That is what it is all about! But as you know, we will have to see what the entertainment market will bare… It is up to the venues, agents, talent buyers, and record labels. However, we are in no hurry to tour if it will keep us, (and our fans) safe!
What happens if you make a mistake on stage?
Mike: You mean besides laugh? Ha! You recover from the mistake, and continue playing. You know the old adage, “The show must go on.” Well it does! No big deal. Every band and musician will always make a mistake here and there. There are so many variables performing live that it is inevitable not to make a glitch here and there no matter how prepared you are. We are only human, and, “To err is human, to forgive divine!” We just hope that our fans are divine!
Tell me more about your latest singles “Tell Me” and “Why Oh Why.”
Gary: Both of those songs are about human nature, the problems, concerns, and questions that we all have had, (or will have) at some time in our lives. They hit home so to speak. People can relate to both songs. They are meant to try to explain some aspects of our lives. Impacting songs, they tell a story.
How many different guitars do you own?
Mike: I lost count! No, actually, about 20 guitars right now. My collection includes Gibsons, Fenders, Jacksons, Lado’s, Krammer’s and a bunch of other ones that I cannot remember right now. But I love them all. However, my favorite guitars are Jackson Guitars. Hey Jackson, can I have an endorsement?!
You have a store on your official website. What sort of merchandise can fans buy? Are you planning to add more items soon?
Mike: Yes, we do in fact have an “official store” on our website. You can purchase some great merchandise there including hats, T-shirts, and CDs… More items will be arriving very soon. Just click on the “store” tab on our website. Thank you in advance!
When performing, do you only do originals, or do you mix in some cover songs?
Mike: We only do our own original music, no covers.
What can fans expect from a live performance?
Gary: Well, do you mean when we are not making those mistakes? Only kidding! A great show of ear pleasing music, tasty melodies and chorus lines, and a bit of humor all thrown in! Be sure to be in the first couple of rows, (or standing as close to the stage as possible) to get one of my “throw’s” of merchandise to you!
What’s next for Walker’s Cay?
Mike: We really want to get back into the rehearsal studio to get our chops back up and running. Also, we are starting to work on two new music videos to support out two new songs “Tell Me” and “Why Oh Why”. So lots to get to as soon as we can!
Thank you for doing this. In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Gary: Thank you very, very much for the promotion of the band, it is most appreciated! Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay blessed.
Mike: I concur!
Connect with Walker’s Cay:
Website: http://www.walkerscay.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkerscay
Twitter: https://twitter.com/walkerscay1
