Interview with Georgio Farina
RockMeetsGospel is conceived as a show and concert experience of a special kind. A seventeen-piece rock big band that is connected to a gospel choir. The experience is mediated by moving live surround sound and impressive lighting effects. The plot of the show includes film sequences.
Alan – Hi Georgio, it's been more than two years since we spoke. Time flies.
Georgio - Hi Alan, you're so right! I hope you're well!
Alan – For readers who don't know who you are and what musical project you are involved in, could you briefly say?
Georgio - I am the music producer, composer, and bandleader of Rock Meets Gospel; a music show that combines rock with gospel music and aims to bring the teachings of Jesus closer to people.
Alan – We will talk again about your music and project. But just for fun, besides music, you are connected to Africa. Here you could also say a few sentences about yourself. What about you and Africa?
Georgio - Alan, you're confusing something. I have ties to the Dominican Republic and some ties to Haiti. My adopted home is the Dominican Republic. The only thing that connects me to Africa is our singer Jean-Michel Byron ex TOTO. I had an aid project there, which unfortunately was running on a bit of a back burner due to time and staffing constraints. I've also decided to focus more of my life on the Dominican Republic because I consider this island a safer, protected space than the rest of the world. Especially after the coronavirus experience.
Alan – How far along are you with your projection? You had a marquee where you played and a few performances. How was it in 2024? And this year, 2025? Is there more interest in your show? Well, this can't be done just as a stage. You have to have big spaces here, so it's always quite difficult to implement it. Tell us.
Georgio - To be honest, it was very disappointing and frustrating for me because in 2024 and 2025, pretty much everything related to the live show went wrong. None of the German promoters had the courage to tackle this issue. Sometimes I think I must be the musical Mel Gibson, who had a very similar experience with his film "Passion of Christ." As soon as the topic somehow involves Jesus, they all brush you off.
Alan – Let's lighten things up a bit. Funny experiences from your stay in Africa? Did a hippopotamus chase you?
Georgio - In fact, I had a very entertaining and funny encounter in a small bar with a famous fellow musician, Pete Townshend of The Who! I'd rather not say what he advised me!
Alan – And funny experiences with the band? From performing or from preparing for the show?
Georgio - It's interesting and at the same time depressing to watch how my fellow musicians are all keeping their heads above water. They're such great people and musicians, and they're all literally fighting to survive. I'd have to cite the things Pete Townshend told me. So, unfortunately, nothing funny.
Alan – What new things have you done in the last two years? I've seen a few singles.
Georgio - Yes, in my isolation and frustration, I've finished unfinished songs and composed new ones.
Alan – Regarding the singles I mentioned. Are you preparing a new show? A new album?
Georgio - I'll soon release a new album. As you mentioned, there are already a few singles. We even managed to reach number one in the charts with two songs, or rather, the fans. That gave and still gives me hope.
Alan – Will you have it in a different spirit? Or will you still keep the rock focus ala ToTo?
Georgio - The next album is a little different. Without a choir, more earthy and direct. The lyrics are also sharper. But the spirit is the same. We are all human beings and God's children. We just don't behave like them, unfortunately.
Alan – Thanks for the interview, and we'll see when we see each other.
Georgio - Thank you, dear Alan, and for your interest in Rock Meets Gospel! By the way, the website will be redesigned in the next 1 to 2 months, and then everything will be even more compact and detailed, especially with more background information! Perhaps there's a promoter in your country who'd be brave enough to help realize the show? Who knows?!?!!?
Stay healthy and God bless! 1. CC 13
https://rockmeetsgospel.com
https://www.facebook.com/GFLLPB
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYvRhKzWr8-sfrENAw6w8bg
