Life & Work with Garrett Collins of Atlanta GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Garrett Collins.

Hi Garrett, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Garrett Collins — blues guitarist, singer, and frontman of The Garrett Collins Project. I bring raw energy, technical fire, and a deep love for Southern roots music every time I hit the stage. My style blends electric blues with the grit of rock and the soul I was raised on. People say they hear shades of Freddie King and Stevie Ray Vaughan in my playing — I just call it telling the truth through six strings and sweat.

I grew up in the church in a small middle georgia town, where music had weight and purpose. That’s where I found my voice — a soulful growl that can tear the roof off or bring a room to silence. I learned early how to feel every note and make people feel it too. From grinding it out 200+ shows a year across Georgia clubs to winning the Atlanta Blues Challenge and heading to Memphis for the IBC three times, I’ve stayed rooted in tradition while carving out my own lane in this thing we call the blues.

I’m also part of the ATL Blues Cartel — a Six piece band featuring Cannonball Red, sax man Steve Arnold and myself! Together, we bring high-octane blues revival to every stage, no backing tracks, no gimmicks — just real players with something to say. The blues ain’t some museum piece to me. It’s alive, it’s electric, and I’m here to prove it every night.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I didn’t take the smooth road to get where I am. Truth is, I’ve seen some dark corners — moments when the pressure, the doubt, and the weight of trying to find myself almost swallowed me whole. There were times I let the wrong voices get too loud in my head and almost walked away from the gift I was given. Playing music saved me more times than I can count, but there was a season where even the guitar felt heavy. I had to learn the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup — not for the stage, not for anybody.

Getting my mental health in check wasn’t a straight line either. It took breakdowns, time alone, uncomfortable truths, and people around me who weren’t afraid to hold up a mirror. But I fought for peace — and I’m still fighting. I started digging into the root of my pain, the patterns I was stuck in, and what I was really chasing. Once I began doing that inner work, the music got clearer. The fog lifted, and I started playing from a place that was real — not performance, but purpose. I’ve done gigs where nobody showed up. I’ve played sets that felt like a punch in the gut because they didn’t go how I planned. But I kept showing up anyway.

I’ve put in years of work behind the scenes that nobody sees — hours of rehearsal, long drives, gear breaking, chasing opportunities, hearing no, and pushing through burnout. Today, I’m standing tall, not because everything’s perfect, but because I know who I am and what I’m made of. I’ve come through the fire, and it shows in every note I play and every word I sing. I’m here to give people something honest — not just a show, but something they can feel in their bones. And if my story can help somebody else keep going, then that’s a win bigger than any spotlight.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My name is Garrett Collins. I’m a blues guitarist, singer, and bandleader, but more than that — I’m a worker. I’m someone who believes in showing up, day in and day out, with purpose. Music isn’t just what I do — it’s how I tell the truth. I was raised in the church, and that early connection to gospel, soul, and community shaped everything about how I play and how I carry myself. My sound is rooted in the blues, but I bring in rock, gospel, and raw Southern energy to make something that’s mine. I play with heart, I sing with grit, and I lead with conviction.

Hard work means everything to me. I’ve spent years grinding — long nights, rough shows, miles on the road, and learning every lesson the hard way. Loyalty is big in my world. I don’t forget the people who stood by me when I was figuring it out, and I don’t change up just because the room does. What you see is what you get. I don’t believe in chasing trends or being someone I’m not. The guitar is my voice, and every note I play is meant to say something real — not polished, not fake, just me.

What keeps me grounded is simple: God and family come first. That foundation reminds me why I do any of this. I’m not here to impress — I’m here to connect, to bring people together, and to make music that matters. Whether it’s a packed-out venue or a small room with a few real ones in the crowd, I give everything I’ve got. Because at the end of the day, I know who I am, I know why I do this, and I know who I’m doing it for.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
One of the things I’ve come to love most about being an artist is collaboration. I’m always open to co-writing and building something fresh with other musicians, because I truly believe music is meant to be shared. There’s a certain magic that happens when different voices, stories, and styles come together — you get something you could never create on your own. I don’t let ego get in the way. Whether it’s sitting down with a songwriter, jamming with a new band, or just bouncing ideas around, I stay wide open to the possibilities. Iron sharpens iron, and every time I create with someone else, I grow as an artist.

I’ve had some of my favorite moments in music come from late-night writing sessions, spontaneous grooves, or just vibing with someone who brings a different energy to the table. It’s never about who’s in charge — it’s about telling the truth together and letting the music lead. I’m always looking to connect with folks who are serious about the craft, who come with heart, and who aren’t afraid to dig deep. Whether we’re writing blues, soul, rock, or something in-between, if it’s honest, I’m in. To me, the best songs come from shared experience — and I’m always ready to build with people who want to make something real.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://garrettcollinsmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegarrettcollinsproject
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegarrettcollinsproject

Image Credits
Martin Khrone, Jesse Kolb