Photograph courtesy of Graylen and Laura Eastwood
The Punk Globe was blown away by a recent pre-pandemic clip of drummer Graylen Eastwood drumming at the Viper room on Instagram. Punk Globe is excited to catch up with Graylen following a recent road trip through the South West.
Punk Globe: Who is ‘tombolo?’ Can you tell us about the two Instagram clips of your bad ass drumming at the Viper Room?
Photograph courtesy of Graylen and Laura Eastwood
Graylen: Tom Bolo is a talented guitarist that I’ve worked with on numerous gigs in LA.
Punk Globe: Who and what are you listening to during the pandemic?
Graylen: Classic Motown, Funk, Patti Smith, Jazz, and as of late Tech House.
Punk Globe: How’s what you’ve been listening to different than what your listening to on your recent road trip through the South West?
Graylen: Not too different, add in a little Disco and Classic Rock.
Punk Globe: What’s your earliest musical memory?
Graylen: My earliest memory was my father rehearsing in his studio.
Punk Globe: Did attending the Berklee College of Music change your musical style and preferences?
Graylen: Yes and No.
Punk Globe: What can you tell us about making the two short fantasy films Masque D’Or and Parzival?
Graylen: While at Berklee College of Music, I worked on both scripts and recorded the narration for "Parzival".
Punk Globe: What do you remember about playing on your Dad, Kyle Eastwood’s 2005 LP Paris Blue release? Was that your first recording experience?
Graylen: When I was 8, living in Paris, I remember composing it on the piano while my parents were in the kitchen making dinner. My mom said "that's beautiful, what are you going to call it?" To which I replied "Sad Song System". And she said "you might want to rethink that title." Yes, that was my first recording experience.
Punk Globe: You’ve inherited such a broad musical legacy - everything from your father’s work beginning on Honky Tonk Man, to his current Jazz band; your mother’s pioneering 80’s Parisian electronica release “Sans Frics,” to your grandfather’s interest in bebop and jazz beginning from the age of 15, and culminating in Bird, and his beautiful accompanying film soundtracks. You’ve grown up in such a musical family, yet your own style seems funkier, than the jazz that seems to have been ubiquitous throughout your childhood and upbringing. What can you share about these influences?
Graylen: They've all influenced me! My grandfather's composing, my father's love of Funk & Jazz, my mother, who recorded covers of "I Would Die 4 You" introducing me to Prince, and Lou Reed of Velvet Underground. Overall, I think I'm still most passionate about Parliament/ Funkadelic.
Punk Globe note: Graylen’s uncle, Spencer Gomez founded with Eric Fournier, and he was the executive producer of the San Francisco record company Adolescent Records. Adolescent Records produced and released Factrix and The Sleepers Painless Nights LPs. Graylen’s punk and avant garde roots run deep.
Punk Globe: Tell us about your latest projects? Do you currently have a band? What are you playing, and recording?
Graylen: I just completed a Tech House song with Motoe Haus that's going up on Soundcloud for Christmas. Not currently. No live performances. 2020 - the lost year. I've been writing a lot and doing some recording in Studio City.
Punk Globe: Can you play drums /make noise at your apartment in LA? Where do you rehearse?
Graylen: Yes, I rehearse in my home.
Punk Globe: It's been a pleasure talking to you and Punk Globe looks forward to seeing you drum post pandemic. Do you have any links you would like to share with our readers?
https://www.instagram.com/heresgray/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6xb9tBc-k/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-rWqZnh-kw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZFdYWrqV64
Punk Globe: Any final thoughts for our readers?
Graylen: Well, I think I'll quote Audrey Hepburn. "I've been lucky. Opportunities don't often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them."
While the Eastwood name, may open doors, Graylen has the talent, drum licks and chops to back that up. Punk Globe says, check her out!
