Gabriel Bernini on Northampton, MA, and who stole his cowbell

Gabriel Bernini just released his favorite record yet called “Record For Bailey,” for which he made all of the songs on his own in his basement on Lovefield St. in Easthampton MA. He has another record in the works at the moment called “Sweeties” that should be out later this year. We featured his song “My Girl (Pass the Mic)” on our #41 podcast.

My favorite thing to wear onstage:

Makeup. It feels like putting on a mask of some kind, so I can really be an onstage character rather than trying to be myself.

My favorite musical instrument or item that I purchased recently is:

MXR Phase 90. It fits guitars into the mix really easily and makes the whole track nice and squishy.

Responsible for Van Halen’s “Tone in a Box” sound

The musical instrument or item that I really really want is:

Cowbell. Someone took mine and it’s been a real bummer when I want some cowbell on a track.

The artist who has influenced me most is:

Bob Dylan. He so tapped in. We all strive to tap in as much as Dylan.

Something I wish I’d known before joining a band:

Protect your ears!

I live in this city:

Northampton, Western MA. I grew up here and went to college here.

The general vibe of this city is:

College town. Great music scene, lots of artists, lots of food.

Editor’s note: That is the Northampton flag. Bet you didn’t know they had a flag.

The best place to play music here is:

The Parlor Room. They’re nice people.

The best place to SEE music here is:

Any basement show. It’s a real scene.

My favorite local band (aside from my own):

Sun Parade, Carinae, Kind Radio

I collect:

Vinyl Records. I love buying, listening and looking at vinyl records. It’s a great hobby. It’s such a thrill to find a record you’ve been looking for at the right price. It’s a real high.