Over his career spanning more than a decade, Griffin House has been celebrated for his raw talent and powerful live performances. His latest release, So On and So Forth, presents an introspective and vulnerable side of the singer-songwriter, inviting the listener to reflect on their own experiences.
Perhaps that’s what led Griffin House to the Rubin. On Friday, March 17, 2017, he will perform an especially intimate, unplugged set at the Museum as a part of our Naked Soul series.
In advance of House’s concert, we asked him a few questions about his music and the upcoming show:
What art forms other than music influence your work?
I have a song on my new album called “A Painting by Hieronymus Bosch.” I saw the painting in the Prado in Madrid when I was in school abroad in Europe. Museums have always been a place to find creative inspiration for me, paintings and sculptures. Being outside too and just seeing the art and beauty in nature is always inspiring. Other music and poetry. Life, in general, can almost all be seen as one giant work of art, so I guess I just write about the stories that are constantly unfolding around me and inside of my heart and mind and try to make music that expresses that feeling, hoping that that feeling with resonate emotionally with others.
Who are your inspirations?
All people. All stories. So many great artists. The trick is to pick which ones to try to tell. I tend to pick the ones closest to me that I know the best. My own family, grandparents, wife and kids, parents, close friends. My late grandpa George Griffin has inspired several songs and my latest record is dedicated to my late grandpa Jack House.
What makes the Rubin a good fit for you and your music? What appeals to you about performing in a museum?
I think playing in a museum in NYC is bound to be a very memorable and inspiring night.
Being surrounded by art and other people’s deep expressions and people who appreciate the arts is very appealing, it sounds like it’s going to be a one-of-a-kind experience!
What can visitors expect at your performance?
Several songs from each of my albums and quite a few stories. Kind of like VH1 Storytellers, only Rubin Museum of Art Storytellers Unplugged! 🙂
See Griffin House at Naked Soul on March 17.
About the Musician
“If you are looking to be blown away by raw talent, then look no further than Griffin House,” hails American Songwriter. House’s latest album, So On and So Forth, is a deep and reflective narrative. Recording and performing for over a decade, House has toured with Ron Sexsmith, Patti Scialfa, Josh Ritter, and many others. He received early critical acclaim on CBS Sunday Morning, and his songs have since been featured in countless films and television shows. Most recently CNN Newsroom invited House to perform “Paris Calling” from So On and So Forth live on the air. House has released ten albums and continues to headline his own national tours.