The O-town Scene

Casual Chit Chat Each week, we have a casual conversation with a member of the community. This week, Music engineer Garrett Cadwallader of Crown Studios and Cassandra Miller chit chat, casually. Do you like win- ter? Yes. I like winter because, for me, it’s a time to grow. If you like to be produc- tive, and you can be productive indoors, there are no distractions, and you can lock yourself inside and get things done. It’s a time of rebirth, and then comes spring, when your work blossoms and every- thing you had time to de- velop in winter starts to come alive. I don’t like walking to Latte Lounge and stepping in puddles and getting my feet wet, though. What’s your favor- ite drink to sip at a swanky bar? Club soda and lime. If I’m looking for a good feeling, I’m a big tequila drinker. With a lot of salt. I’m a salt addict. It’s not really good for me. It has to be good salt, too. I’m picky. What non-music hob- bies do you have? I love cooking _ I cook ev- ery day. Also, photography. But I have yet to photograph my food. How did you get into photography? I got my start working at a company called Glamour Shots. It’s a chain, so people probably have heard of it. It was so fast-paced and hectic. I learned to maximize my time. You’re only supposed to show 30 to 40 photos to a client _ if you show more it’s overwhelming. A lot of pho- tographers take lots and lots of photos, but it takes time to edit so many shots. So rather than snapping away, I would be deliberate about framing the subject and making sure the photos were right from the start. You’re a self-professed “non-student,” but you went to school in St. Paul, Minn., for a year, and then a few semesters at SUNY Oneonta. What did you take away from your time in college? The first thing I learned at Minnesota is to let go of everything you knew and to be open to all styles of music and history, because if you’re not, your options are limited. In high school, I was close-minded and was completely into indie rock and bands that hadn’t broken it big yet. I was closed off to pop and country and world music and jazz. In college, I learned to appreci- ate something in every piece of music _ the harmonies, drums, lyrics, there’s always something to appreciate. Now I’m on the level of all kinds of music. I love it all. If you went back to school, what subject would you want to study? History. Because I think history is the greatest story that’s ever been written. My brother was just telling me about Alexander the Great. I knew about him. Everyone does. But, my brother has a way of telling stories to make them as engaging as pos- sible. We talked for a couple of hours about him. Who were your favor- ite musicians growing up? The Beatles. Jethro Tull was the first concert I ever went to. I was probably 12. It was at Jones Beach. I love classic rock. I grew up on classic rock. I love REM. What are three songs you’re crazy about right now? One of the songs I’m in love with right now is a rendition of a Bill Withers song by John Legend and the Roots of “I Can’t Write Left-handed.” It makes me tear up every time I listen to it. John Mayer Trio, “Vul- tures,” another live rendition. Sam Cooke, “A Change is Going to Come.” You’re a charming guy. How important is charm in the music industry? Very important (he says with a wink). Your ability to communicate with people and your drive to go out and get what you want is impor- tant. You’ve got to put your name and face out there. It also helps to have a positive attitude and ability to get people excited about what you’re doing. Since moving back to Oneonta three years ago, you’ve worked at an Italian restaurant and a coffee shop. What skills have you learned from working in the service industry? How to charm people. How to work quickly and efficiently. If you’re working directly with people at the register, you have to be able to address a problem and fix it quickly. You have to not be awkward _ awkwardness won’t get you good tips. What is your favorite Disney movie? My favorite Disney movie is probably “Aladdin.” The music is phenomenal. It’s probably one of my favorite scores of all time. I love the story. I love Robin Williams, and he makes the genie. Aladdin is one of my favorite characters. Who inspires you? My parents. My mom is very wise and is not afraid to be herself or express how she feels. She’ll speak up when she feels something is wrong. She’s a strong, powerful woman, and she’s inspired me to do the best that I can in this life. And my dad _ for his end- less amounts of patience and attention to detail. He’s the charmer. I’m thankful for him passing along his charm. What’s the best part about living in One- onta? Having the opportunity to grow. Jan. 20, 2011 O-Town Scene 7

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