Today we’d like to introduce you to Ed Gerhard.
Ed, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was ten years old, I saw Andres Segovia performing on TV. The sound of the solo guitar instantly hooked me. I switched to steel string guitar and knew that we would be companions for life.
After years of composing and performing in New England, I finally had enough material to record my first album. I was rejected by four record labels so I released the album myself in 1987. My First album “Night Birds” was chosen by The Boston Globe Critics’ poll as one of the Top Ten Albums of the Year. My record was well received which led to recording more records and touring all over the US. It was about this time my wife and I decided to start our own Records Label Virtue Records (1991).
After being featured on the Windham Hill Records’ Guitar Sampler my music was introduced to audiences all over the world.
This led to invitations to play in Italy, Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, Switzerland and the Slovak Republic. Even the Glastonbury Festival in England.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Because we chose to release my music on our own label, the challenge was how to get the music out there. This was before the internet. And as an independent label marketing budgets were small.
Along the way, we got stiffed by three record distributers- two that went bankrupt and one that was run by a coke head.
We just kept plugging along…
In 2005, I was featured on a compilation CD released by another independent record label. It was a collection of Henry Mancini tunes called Henry Mancini: “Pink Guitar.” I arranged and performed ‘Moon River.” This CD went on to win the GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album of the year.
Virtue Records – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Virtue Records is my own exclusive record label. We have grown to include Virtue Publishing which releases my music in songbook form.
In addition to performing and composing music, Virtue Records produces and promotes several of my concerts here in New Hampshire.
We will be presenting our 35th Annual Christmas Guitar Concert this year in Portsmouth, NH.
“…considered to be the premier holiday event of the Seacoast.” -Portsmouth Magazine
Maintaining control over every aspect of our business has allowed me to do what I want without compromising my art. My music is known for the quality of my compositions and arrangements and my guitar tone.
I am deeply flattered that my music has connected with so many people all over the world.
In 1997, I was asked to co-design the “Ed Gerhard” signature Guitar Model for Breedlove Guitars in Oregon. It went on to be one of their best selling guitars.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
One would think that the GRAMMY would be the pinnacle … but for me, the fact that I have been able to do what I love and continue to do it on my own terms is deeply gratifying.
More than a business, more than a career. It’s been an amazing life.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.edgerhard.com
- Phone: (603) 664-7200
- Email: info@virtuerecords.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/edgerhard
Image Credit:
Marcus Vichert
Tanaka Noriharu
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