Meet Galand Thaxton II | Artist/Musician – “Courier” or “The Courier GT”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Galand Thaxton II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Galand, how do you think about risk?
I would say my whole career has been a risk. Art and music is a leap you take and hope there’s enough faith and fulfillment to get you through. Those that do it the best know that it takes a lot of time and there isn’t really a blueprint for it. A lot of trial and error, unsure a lot, and I’ve always liked the saying, “artists need time to do nothing,” because it is important. The creative process needs time that isn’t productive. I’ve learned to enjoy the quiet moments more and value being still.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My story is evolving and is now a distance away from the beginning objective. The goals I had to start don’t align the same with what I have now. I think of movies where the main character had plans, goals, and purpose in the beginning but what they learned throughout and the morale at the end was much different than the “plan.”

I make music, that much hasn’t changed throughout the years. I do it mostly by myself now, recording and mixing my own music, producing some, and performing less. I performed so much in the beginning I got burned out, but now feel it’s time to get back out and tap back in. The people involved have changed and I’ve moved around. Made music and performed in Denver for a long time then moved to LA for a couple years. Now I’m in Austin and look forward to joining the live music scene here.

I wouldn’t say this necessarily sets me apart but my ability to create an entire album that I think sounds better than anything I’ve ever done, while finding the composers on my own, producing some of it, recording and mixing all of it, and directing some of the mastering says a lot. I find that aspect unique and I’d say it comes out in the album. Other artists might be able to hear that I had my hands all over it. I’m excited to return to Spain in November for another show and any other shows that come my way the rest of 2024.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I’ve only lived a brief time in Austin, I’ll focus on my experience in LA. I stayed mostly on the westside of Los Angeles. We’d definitely go to the beach, probably Hermosa Beach and get food and drinks near the pier at one of their restaurants. We’d probably hit LA fitness to hoop at some point. Coffee Connection to get a caffeine fix and kick it for a bit or get caught up on anything. If it was basketball season, I missed out on getting to see Juju Watkins play this year, so we’d definitely hit a USC women’s game if they had a home game. Hiking near the Getty to get a view of the city, then go out and experience some of the night life in Venice. Oh and lastly we’d have to get breakfast down in Long Beach at Chuck’s Coffee Shop.

In Austin I’d take us to see some live music and some comedy. Maybe hit Lady Bird, Texas Wings and Grill, then show em 6th street.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s so many that deserve a shoutout for their role in my story. The efforts of my parents to get me into music at a young age and influence me to dabble in strings, choir, and piano. My dad being a bass player and my uncle a drummer and sound engineer has given me inspiration and fostered the close relationship I have with music. The support that I’ve received from my mom, brothers and close friends gave me the confidence to believe I had something special and now it has grown into something I’m sure of. My youngest brother has been huge when it comes to helping me with the process and usually being one of the first ears/eyes on it. Jax-Zen and the Chroniklez got me started with my music career and his mentorship has definitely boosted me and my all around skill set. Then just little messages here and there from random people or fans go a long way. I got a comment yesterday on a video that said “radio city loves you” from someone that went to my first international show in Spain last year. All of it means so much and individually contributes to my continuation.

Website: https://linktr.ee/thecouriergt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecouriergt

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thecouriergt