INTERVIEW with GRIFFIN HOUSE
by
Kate Corriero | Age: 21 | Western Mass.
When it comes to splendor and delight, singer/songwriter Griffin House knows precisely how to charm those aspects of life to the absolute fullest of his existence. Aware of his talents, in such a rare form of modesty, Griffin states, ìTo be honest with you, I never imagined myself to be where I am today. When I was almost finished with college, my fellow classmates were attending Job Fairs and getting ready to begin their careers. It just happened that I was the one who ended up sitting in a crummy apartment writing songs. Eventually, I was on the other end of the spectrum heading to where I am right now. Music comes easily to me. I am more than happy to follow where it leads me.î
Griffin exudes a polite and sure sense of self when speaking of his decision to hop on the path to musical success. Originally from a small town in Ohio, the young musician claims he is ìin too deep nowî to consider a try at something different. In fact, Griffin is very aware of the intense impact music is able to have on an individual, and so he grows more anxious every day to share with the world what he has to offer. The world seems all too ready to listen.
Griffin Houseís recently debuted album is titled Lost and Found. Lyrically speaking, his words are of such powerful and earnest quality, one would think he fully understood the drive behind the feelings in his songs. In actuality, Griffin is simply blessed with the gift of song, and so his every passion is naturally poured into every piece of what he writes.
ìIn every song that I write, there is something different in each. There is never an exact way of putting a song together, either. Sometimes, I have a piece of paper filled with words that I need a melody for. On other occasions, I have a melody that I will play over and over, listening for what it is pushing to say. Lyrics and melody must, equally, do each other justice. If there is a certain something that draws feeling into a song, I would have to say that I never really thought about it. It just happens. When I know that the words and music fit, I know a song is done. Playing a song once complete, I play with any feeling that would make you feel good.î
It is interesting to think that music is able to come so freely to a human. On a planet of chaos and drama, it is a comforting thought that a person is able to live their life through such a beautiful thing as their own music. Griffin has not only tapped into the ability to seduce the sources of musical magic, but he is also very understanding of the senses he is surrounded by. After having spent a few months overseas when in college, Griffin explains that while dwelling in the environment he was face to face with, he was given chance to find balance between his faith and his being liberated. ìI realized that there is no difference between faith and liberation. Faith is liberation.î A powerful statement closely related to the same form of power inflicted upon us by his guitar strums and his fresh voice.
Alongside his strong grip on faith, Griffin admits that "Lay Down In Your Field" holds more sentimental value to him than any other song he has written. ìThis song is about family. So, in that sense, it is a very personal song.î When asked if there is a particular song he prefers to play live against most others, Griffin says, ìI love playing the new stuff. Of course, I enjoy playing every song I write, but I get especially excited when I get to play a new song.î
Perfect melodic creation after another, Griffin House is climbing his way to the top of the tallest tree... getting ready, with every stretch, to rock out on his guitar when at the top. With much dedication and love, he will reach the ears and hearts of many more than he already has.
(Griffin House plays at Hilltown Folk in Shelburne Falls, MA on Jan. 28th. Photo by Martin Dam Kristensen)