Dan's Papers - April 18, 2008 - Gavin DeGraw to Perform at WHBPAC

With Billy Joel at the top of Gavin DeGraw's list of musical influences, it was only a matter of time before the singer/songwriter came to perform on the East End - and no venue was more perfect than the 425-seat theatre at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. Although DeGraw admits he can't resist the "electrifying" energy of a big venue, he said, "I love the intimacy of a small room. It's got honesty."

Rabid fans or those who have only heard DeGraw's song "I Don't Wanna Be" during the opening credits of the television drama "One Tree Hill," have to agree that his music has a universal appeal - his lyrics are sweet, his melodies are catchy and he's incredibly likable. Because his lyrics are personal and straightforward, listeners may think he draws only upon his own experiences when writing a song - but it's not always all about him. "Typically, I write about my own life or the people's lives around me, but these are not autobiographies," he said. "The songs are more of my emotional take on the issues that come across my desk, so to speak."

With his self-titled album Gavin DeGraw set to release in May, the talented musician isn't wrapped up in the belief that the sophomore album sets the tone for an artist's career. "Although I don't think it's the be-all-end-all, the second album definitely holds a lot of weight for an artist, but I try not to over analyze that type of stuff," he said.

DeGraw grew up in South Fallsburg, New York, a place he described as "not pretty, great or safe," but credits the upstate hamlet as an influence in the music and lyrics that paved his way to success. "I grew up in a small prison town - my father was a prison guard - and I think that has shaped me in a very particular way," he said. "That place has reality written all over it and definitely has made its way into my lyrics and sound."

After attending the Berklee School of Music, DeGraw headed back to New York to start his career. After years of playing the local bar and club scene in New York City, he was signed to J Records in 2003. His debut album, Chariot, included hit singles "Follow Through," "I Don't Wanna Be," and the title track "Chariot," and sold over a million copies. "It's been a hell of a ride," said DeGraw.

Chariot was re-released a year later with a bonus disc, Chariot Stripped, featuring acoustic versions of the album's 12 tracks. Stripped was completed in just 29 takes, giving it an authentic feel and raw insight to DeGraw's style.

"I made that album in one day. It was a blast," he said. "It's important to give my audience something fresh. I think that's my job."

DeGraw is hopeful that his latest album, featuring the pop rock single "In Love With a Girl" that has been gaining significant airplay in the last month, will reveal his artistic growth. "My singing has greatly improved as far as my sensitivity to the lyrics and melodies," he said, "and my writing - it's becoming more natural to reveal myself in lyrics." He also now has the confidence to be direct with his audience, explaining that poetry is nice but honesty is powerful. "I'm not tempted to marble-mouth my way over a lyric because I think it sucks. I really took the time to avoid writing poor lyrics," he said.

Like Chariot's tracks, the new songs, written over the course of a year on both guitar and piano, express the sentiments associated with love and life, but with more of a classic rock vibe this time around. "This album pays serious respect to Chariot," he said, "but it also adds some size to the sound of my songs."

DeGraw has shared the stage with Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder and Elvis Costello. As his success continues to grow, so does the size of his audiences and venues - but he said he tries to stay "normal."

"I really love to tour," he said. "I didn't have the opportunity to travel as a kid, so this has been a real addition to my life."

DeGraw's performance this weekend at WHBPAC will feature old and new songs - giving the audience a sneak peek into his new album two weeks before its release. "There are moments of excitement mixed with moments of intimacy," he said. "I'm just excited about the possibilities."

Gavin DeGraw will be performing at WHBPAC on Sunday, April 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $60/$75/$90. For more information, call 631-255-1500.