“I see my life just like a painting in the MoMA, Different shades, bold colors,
Define a playa persona,
You can look if you wanna,
You might hardly scratch the surface,
Grab a chair and deeply stare,
Take a listen, bet it’s worth it”

- An excerpt from the Greg Knight rap from
“Earthling or Alien?” (6/12/21)

Just like paintings in the MoMA, there are a variety of different shades and bold colors used to create each individual picture. Having a variety of colors and shades are extremely important - as they affect everything from composition and visual appeal to the viewer's (i.e. our fanbase) attention and emotions. 

This is essentially the same thing when looking at a band like Goose. The music and community that surrounds the band are important to understanding the overall picture that they’re trying to paint.

Continuing with our theme this volume, today we head down the pathway to the Great Beyond with Greg Knight, PR and Music Publicist for Goose.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Greg! Could you give our readers who might not know you a little background about yourself? Growing up, who were your biggest influences? Do you have any favorite memories as a kid that still resonates with you today? Did you have any favorite hobbies?

Thanks so much, Jon! It’s great to chat with the leading source for Goose news and interviews. Someone should really create a podcast about this band, it would be amazing. I grew up in the rolling hills of Connecticut. I’d say the environment was… almost painfully “normal.” Despite my lifelong quest to process the doldrums of CT’s mind-numbing homogeneity, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that life there presented (family, friends, education) – they certainly prepared me to pursue my goals.

I grew up with one older sister – she always was (and continues to be) both a role model and a source of inspiration for me. Although I would never admit it back then, most of the hobbies I enjoy stem from a desire to be just like her. She was an excellent violinist and she started playing in elementary school. As soon as I was old enough, I began taking piano lessons because her love of music was infectious. Outside of music, I was always in to sports, specifically basketball. Although I’m not quite the superhuman athlete I used to be, I try to keep up when I have some free time.

Did you know that you wanted to work in the music business early on? What was your first concert?

It’s hard to say. Music has always been a passion of mine, but (much to the chagrin of my wonderful wife), I’ve always been whimsical. I knew from an early age that regardless of where I landed, I would always find fulfillment through music. So, I guess I just knew I wanted it to be a part of my life. Like most folks involved in the jam world, the first concert I attended was Usher at The Meadows in Hartford, CT. Specifically, Usher’s 8701 Evolution Tour, featuring Faith Evans, Nas, and Mr. Cheeks.

Having been in the music industry for over a decade, what are some of your biggest takeaways and lessons you’ve learned? Your work ethic is unmatched, balancing and representing so many talented artists.

It’s interesting to hear you say I’ve been in the industry for over a decade, since the path to where I am currently was so circuitous.  I played in a couple of bands in college, DJed for several years, produced hip-hop for a few artists, and somehow my current work as a publicist is an amalgamation of all those experiences.

In a certain way, I still feel like I barely have my foot through the door in the music industry, and I’m learning a hundred new things daily. Although I’m confident I’m on the right path, I don’t necessarily see what I’m doing at this moment as the be-all end-all for me.

My biggest advice would be know your worth, trust your gut, develop your communication skills, and know when to take a break. I appreciate the kind words regarding my work ethic, but the last piece of advice I listed is the most important one I can think of. So often, when we’re in pursuit of our dreams, we can develop this inescapable tunnel vision and over-commit (this is me apologizing for getting these responses to you late). Juggling 100 tasks at once isn’t healthy, and it can really inhibit productivity.

As far as talented artists go, I’m perpetually inspired by the drive and creativity of every musician I work with. They make the job easy.

Outside of the music industry, you’re involved with a variety of humanitarian efforts, serving as Junior Board at Change For Kids and directing Turnaround Arts: New York City (a Kennedy Center initiative that transforms under-resourced schools through the arts). How did you end up getting involved with these noble causes? We commend you for helping make a difference in the lives of so many, especially the younger generation!

I grew up going to a little sleepaway summer camp in the Berkshires. Camp was amazing – I became lifelong friends with folks from all walks of life, and about 50% of the staff was international. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to broaden my world view from an early age. Leaving home every year allowed me the ability to learn independence and resilience, and I developed a deep connection to a few counselors who basically watched me grow up. I’m in touch with a few of them to this day.

I remember so many pivotal moments that define who I am today, and I think it’s important for all of us to try and model that as adults. Sometimes, a tiny gesture or a new experience can change the life of someone young and impressionable. If I can quote a song you may recognize – “Experience is all I truly know.” That’s a mantra so many people lose sight of as they grow older. So many problems that plague the world, and the way we treat one another stem from the simple fact that people lack the foundational tools of empathy necessary to consider another person’s life experience. It’s no one’s fault, that’s just the existing structure of the world we live in. I remain dedicated to doing whatever I can to increase opportunity and access for kids, because I have no idea where I’d be without the wide array of experiences I had during my formative years.   

What are some of your most favorite stories and memories (so far) that you’ve had with Goose? It must have been amazing having them play at your wedding!

Watching dreams come to fruition for a group of people I care deeply about is easily the most gratifying part of all of this. Not just the band, but the crew and the entire management team.

There are so many moments that are memorable (and plenty that are slightly fuzzy). I’ll never forget each Goosemas, Resonance, Playing in the Sand, Peach (of course), and the warm reception the band received on their first headlining west coast tour. “Earthling or Alien?” at Westville was a blast – certainly nerve racking, but I think it went over well.

I’m eternally grateful the guys were willing to play a few tunes at my wedding. Plenty of my close friends and family have never seen the band – everyone absolutely loved the performance. I mean, my mom was getting DOWN to “So Ready.” I’ll never forget it.

How did the Great Beyond podcast come into fruition? In a way, it felt like a natural extension of the commentary that you and Bruce Robinson would provide in-between sets during Bingo Tour in 2020. Did Joey Parisi or Bruce approach you with the podcast idea, or was it vice versa?

It’s interesting in retrospect – Bingo Tour came together so fast, and Bruce and I didn’t really have time to prep. We just kind of did it, and I’m so happy it worked out. We received a ton of positive feedback after the shows (and a little hate in El Goose, but if you haven’t been lambasted in El Goose, have you really made it?). A few folks suggested Bruce and I try podcasting, but none of this would have been possible without Joey. Joey took the initiative to get things started, craft a plan, and follow up with us. We’re not joking when we say he “does all the work.”

Joey’s initial idea was for Bruce and me to be the hosts, but we didn’t want to do it without him. Once we got into the studio to record our first episode, there was a tangible chemistry between the three of us. Landing a partnership with Osiris after only a handful of episodes was mind-blowing, we truly appreciate them for taking a chance on us. Thanks to my co-hosts for heading #downthepathway with so much enthusiasm, and for sticking with it. Thanks to everyone who continues to listen, and to each person who makes time to watch and contribute to our live episodes. We have plenty more in store. 

Do you have any parting thoughts you’d like to share with Goose fans? As always, we sincerely appreciate your time and value your support since we began a year ago!

I’ve been thinking a lot about how much has changed over the past few years, and all of the challenges the pandemic has presented for all of us. Watching this scene flourish through a collective appreciation for incredible music and the equally amazing folks who make it isn't something to take for granted, especially when times are tough everywhere.  

So, as we return to big shows and summer festivals, let’s not forget to be good to one another. The sense of community so many of us find our little microcosm in the musical universe really is a gift... let's make sure to enjoy every moment. Finally, for everyone’s sanity, (mostly Bruce’s) - can we take it easy in El Goose?

Thanks to Jon Lombardi for convincing me to hop in the van back in 2016, Russo for putting me on to Vasudo, Mr. Matt Kolinski for the guidance and friendship and to the band for trusting me to do this work.

Thanks Jon + co for everything you do – congratulations on everything! I can’t wait to see what you do next.