Meet Joe McGowan | Band leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe McGowan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Always be early. Listen to you clients needs. If you make promises, keep them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been a working musician for over 35 years. Like most musicians I started out in the garage with friends learning to play and progressed from there. Had my first real gig was at the world-famous Troubadour in Los Angeles. My band did not have a good night. We ran out half the house, cymbal stands fell down, guitar player threw up before our set. All that aside I was hooked. Some of the other band members didn’t want to do it again but I couldn’t wait to. From there it was answering ads, joining different bands until I finally found a group of likeminded people, we practiced all the time, played every club in L.A. put out a record and didn’t become famous. I realized that being a rock star was probably not in the cards anymore. I decided to put together a working cover band to play corporate events, weddings, casinos and night clubs. Groove Factory has been a 5 star rated working band for close to 20 years. I listened to my clients and always played to the room. My goal is to always deliver more than expected. I always try to cater to each client’s individual needs. One of the most importasnt lessons I have learned over the years is to listen. Listen to your clients. Listen to your employes. I am proud to say we have always garnered 5 star reviews. For a time, we were the number one cover band on the booking site The Bash.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego has so much to offer for visiting guests. First would be to the beach. Oceanside has some of the best in the county. We’d have to go to Tacos el Gordo for the best tacos in town. Stop in at the Lafayette hotel and have a cocktail or two at the lobby bar and the Gutter room. Head across the street to the Red Fox for some piano bar karaoke. The Gaslamp area is a must see for anyone out of town. So many bars, nightclubs and restaurants to choose from. Maybe go to a Gulls or Seals game at the Sports arena. Take in a show at one of the many great theaters like the North Cost rep, Diversionary theater, Cygnet, LA Jolla Playhouse and so on. A quick hop across the border into Mexico is a great way to spend the afternoon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
John McCloy – Always supported my musicianship, even when not deserved. Included me in many projects when he had many to choose from.

Website: www.groovefactoryentertainment.com

Youtube: https://youtu.be/RbPxbCW3qXY