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IN THE CHARTS
 
9 times in the Global Top 40
February 2024 #32 - Global Top 40 Hyduc Street (track)
January 2024 #39 - Global Top 40 Hyduc Street (track)
December 2023 #18 - Global Top 40 Hyduc Street (track)
TRACKS
 
4 times in the Global Top 40
1 time in the Global Top 40
2 times in the Global Top 40
2 times in the Global Top 40
VIDEOS
 
BLOGS
 
Eight years to write a four-minute song: it’s not good, is it? Aliens (Don’t Belong)

Is the title of our next song which is currently in the recording stage and due for release sometime in May/June if all goes according to plan (which it seldom does). It’s a song that explores the disconnect felt by people when they feel excluded – green people from outer space unfortunately don’t play a big ...
Hyduc Street: Marketing but perhaps not as you know it! Writing a song about the place where you live can be a bit of a challenge I found: it has to be clear to the intended local audience so that they feel they are in on the 'secret' but also vague enough so other people don't feel excluded from the musical conversation. Places that are nowhere can be anywhere. Many references were made to things pe...
PHOTOS
 
About: gary
About: Smile
About: Smiling Knives Concerts
About: Smiling Knives at the Midi Festival 2014
ABOUT
I am currently collaborating with singer Mac Austin from White Door, a successful former New Romantic/electronic band, and together we are mashing up styles under the name of Mac & Gar. Our latest release (Nov 2023), "Hyduc Street," is the second song we have released, an homage to our hometown. We have previously performed together in successful rock bands before pursuing individual projects.

In a varied and sometimes colorful career, I have busked on the Chinese underground, been banned from playing festivals by the PRC Communist Party, sung at the opening of a kitchen appliance shop, and appeared second on the bill to a singing dog! In addition, I have also played at major music festivals and events. My work follows in the folk tradition of telling stories through song. Thematically, in my case, this can include just about anything from what happened to the Mary Celeste, to Northern Soul music, alien invasions, and the story of the love affair between UK photographer David Bailey and model Jean Shrimpton - anything goes. I try to capture the spirit and emotion of the subject, looking at the world through a different lens, using a little spare poetry to develop the dynamic. In the end, though, it is just about words and music, both of which I hope you enjoy.
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