Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Gill
Hi Cody, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started music later than most professional musicians, I started playing drums at 19, piano at 20 and guitar at 21. Having had a lucrative career in my childhood, I was very fortunate to have the freedom to pursue my passion for music full time. I first started by trial and error, I really had no idea what i was doing in the beginning, but along the way I learned by watching and listening to the greats, studying their stories and talking to friends who were musicians.
I began my musical career in Los Angeles and performed all throughout the different cities in that area. I started a Muse/Radiohead tribute band which really taught me how to lead a performance on stage and it helped me become more comfortable with my own original music. I would perform as much as I could, whether it was with my tribute band, my own music or side projects I would do with friends.
I was always interested in classical music and orchestras, so I gradually started working with violinists, cellists and others who could accommodate the music I was composing. This eventually led to me performing with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra when I was 27 and ever since then my vision changed from doing the rock&roll thing to achieving my ultimate dream of becoming the maestro of my own orchestra.
I am now living in Europe working with classical musicians, performing as much as I can throughout different cities and also composing for short films and other projects to earn a living.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t say that it has been necessarily a smooth road or a rough road, but definitely a slow road with bursts of opportunities that come out of nowhere. I’m a person who wants to see results quickly, but I’ve learned over the years that good things take time and what I wanted when I was 24 is not at all what I want now. If I got what I wanted when i was in my early 20’s, I’d probably be dead or completely disillusioned about the music industry and the machine that drives it.
The biggest struggles I’ve faced would have to be the rejection from trying to get my music onto the radio or into big TV shows. The lack of interest by the public when I release new music can be rough or losing my inspiration for a certain amount of time and being unable to work efficiently on my original compositions is also a big challenge.
What I’ve learned throughout my career is patience is key, for every 10 “No’s” you will probably get 1 “Yes” and that “Yes” might lead to something far greater than you previously planned. I’m also learning the evolution of your journey is a greater reward than you can imagine.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a composer and performer of both rock and classical music. I write all my own original music that I call “VEIL”, this is usually in the form of alt/rock music with classical overtones similar to Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Sigur Rós etc.
I also compose music for independent short films and social media channels under the name “Cody Gill”. With film scoring, I provide anything from large orchestral works down to simple undertones or whatever the project needs.
I specialize in piano, guitar and singing, where I primarily perform in venues across different cities. I’m currently living in Europe, bouncing between Berlin, Prague and Vienna mainly where I perform solo at small venues like cocktail bars, hotels and private parties. I perform larger shows with “VEIL” more sporadically because I like to focus on more of a spectacle and larger ensemble. It is my ultimate dream to create my own theatrical show similar to Cirque du Soleil with big acrobatics, stunts, costumes, and a full orchestra with me at the helm.
I am most proud of my opportunity performing with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra. That was an absolute mind bender and a dream come true.
What sets me apart from others is probably my blending of musical styles. Combining rock and classical in the way that I do, I think is very interesting and I hope it brings other artists like me more exposure or inspires others to keep these genres alive.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am definitely a big risk taker. I don’t think life is worth living without taking risks that frighten you. The biggest risk I’ve taken was when I quit my first career and completely went off on my own to pursue my musical dream. It scared me to death when I first committed to it, but the thought of living a life that I didn’t want, just because it was safe, was more terrifying and depressing.
I also think my decision to move to Europe in order to see what opportunities lie here was a big risk, but I’m very happy I did it and I’m excited to continue on and see what unfolds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.veil-online.com/
- Instagram: VEILMEDIA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@veilmedia9419
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/veil-5
Image Credits
All photos are by: Ohad Grodzenski
