John Garrison talks Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, Robbie Williams and more..."Leave Your Ego At The Door"

John Garrison: Leave Your Ego At The Door
This episode of “More In The Moni” features musical powerhouse John Garrison, bass player for James Blunt, Robbie Williams and producer for Ed Sheeran…to name a few things. I first met John Garrison in 2011. We’ve been friends ever since and we bump in to each other once in a while when we’re not busy! John knew from a very early age that music was his calling. His father, a brilliant violinist and head of the music department at Warwick University, had a profound influence on him. Growing up on the campus of Warwick, John would walk through the halls and witness kettle drums, harps, and grand pianos waiting to be played. Music surrounded him, but he had a particular love for pop music, even though his father's taste leaned more toward classical compositions.
Years later, John founded the British alt-rock band Budapest, among numerous other incredible achievements. I had the opportunity to catch up with John online while he was on tour in Europe with James Blunt. Reflecting on his journey, John shares some valuable insights gained from his experiences. He revealed, "I realised that sometimes, you can want something too much. That was definitely the case for me when I was younger. I was desperate for a record deal, and when I finally got one, I realised it was just a small piece of the puzzle.”
In recent years, John had an eye-opening experience during an audition with James Blunt. He discovered that it wasn't solely about his bass playing skills but also about the way he conducted himself. John recalled, "James is a military man, and respect and discipline are ingrained in him. It didn't matter how talented I was as a musician; what mattered was how I carried myself. It was the night out with James that sealed the deal. There is no room for egos in his world. I learned early on to leave my ego at the door. We're all on the same team.”
John's journey highlighted the importance of perseverance, humility, and being prepared for opportunities. It wasn't just about talent; it was about cultivating a strong work ethic, forming connections, and treating everyone with respect. Tune in to the full incredible interview now!