But never in his wildest dreams did he believe that he would hear his own music being played as a hot recommendation on national radio.
Gerard, 53, admits that he only sent off the demo CD of Love is Bad as a shot in the dark - and it was only when a friend told him that he realised that his single had been picked up by BBC 6 music’s Steve Lamacq and included on his Best New Music list.
“I was totally amazed to be honest - it’s difficult to get my head around it.”
His success has inspired Gerard, with the support of his wife Alinka, to continue recording his music in earnest.
“I’ve really got Alinka to thank to be honest - she bought me an Apple Mac and I’ve found that the Garage Band software that comes with it has really helped me to unlock the creative ideas that I have always had with me. It’s made it really easy for me to give a voice to my music and I hope that other people enjoy it as well.”
Gerard, who describes himself as a bi-polar vegan, explained that he draws influences from a wide range of styles, citing artists such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young as well as beat poets such as Allen Ginsberg - and he says that he is planning to work the words of Ginsberg’s Sunflower Sutra into a recording he will make with music backing.
Gerard, who will also be releasing music with girl group The Shivettes, has set up his own record company SN3 records to allow him to distribute his own music and poetry.
The record label will be holding a record release party for Gerard’s latest single ‘Walk Away’ on Saturday 16 December at 4 Carlisle Avenue, Old Town, Swindon.
Tickets are available for £5 for two tickets or £10 per person on the door.
For more information, call 07743 776987 or email SN3Records@gmail.com
