Dream Job | Gina Glocksen

By Mark Zonca
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Gina Glocksen captured the hearts of millions across the nation with her signing talent during American Idol seasons five and six—eventually making it all the way to the top ten in the sixth season. Today, the west suburban mother continues to live out her dream job by singing and entertaining new audiences with her band, Gina Glocksen Band (CGB).

How did you become interested in music and singing?

Music has always been a part of my life. It starts from my father’s side of the family. It was just normal and natural. Some families wake up, brush their teeth and start their day. My family woke up, put on a musical and then started the day.

What was the experience like to be on American Idol?

My experience on American Idol was surely one of the most amazing moments of my life. I’ve never been put through so much stress, joy, heartbreak and reassurance in my whole life than what I was put through in six months. I made so many friendships, not just with contestants, but with the crew as well. I can’t wait for my daughter to grow up so I can sit and tell her about my experience and how I was able to follow one of my many dreams.

You cover a wide range of musical genre’s when you perform. Do you have any favorites?

GGB (Gina Glocksen Band) aims to appeal to every age and every genre. Although I do adore my acoustic songs I get to play with Kyle Gansel (guitar player), GGB, as a whole, really shines with classic rock and country.

Do you get nervous when you perform on stage and if so, do you have any rituals or routines you like to do to calm your nerves before going on stage?

I absolutely get nervous EVERY time I perform. Whether it be a national anthem for the Chicago White Sox, or while I’m singing karaoke. I know that music is my first language, but I always worry that other people won’t enjoy what I have to offer. As for rituals, for the adults reading this, a whiskey on the rocks helps me. For the 21 and younger audience, I do breathing exercises and lip buzzes.

You are very active with your band The Gina Glocksen Band, do you find it challenging to juggle your career and your new family life?

I believe that being a parent in general is challenging, so when our daughter Daenerys “Dany” was born, it was scary to think how the balance was going to change. I am so very lucky to have a husband that understands the music industry and understand the rest and meditation I need before a show. We have such a great family that helps with Dany and makes sure she’s well taken care of while we balance GGB and our family life. They, very quickly, have turned the “challenge” into a blessing.

What advice do you have for someone trying to get started in the music industry?

My advice to someone hoping/trying to get into the music industry, is to grow thick skin. People can be very rough and very straight forward. I also think it’s very important for musicians to know who you want to be as an artist, what you want to accomplish and how you want to make people feel.

What do you like to do when you’re not busy performing?

When I’m not performing, you can probably find me at our uncle’s lake house in Wisconsin, performing! We love playing around a campfire for our family. On a regular night at home, we’ll play with Dany before bed, and then open a bottle of wine and play Scattergories until our brains can’t take it anymore.