By Abby Epstein – Arts & Culture Editor

Otherwise known as “Greg the Hip Ginger,” Gregory Wands, who releases music under “Abu’s Vision”, landed on the name this past summer after eight or so name changes. “Abu” is a name he chose for himself when he was growing up in Rio Sucio, Columbia. “It’s always been used by people who love and support me and it strikes deeply at the spiritual level.” He says, “I wanted a name that really resonated with me. This is who I am at a fundamental level.”

In addition to being a producer and songwriter, Wands is also a second year student studying preclinical psychology with a minor in mindfulness and contemplative studies. He draws inspiration from many facets of his life and education. “I am very flexible,” he says. “At the core of my belief system is malleability. The ability to understand others and the self without judgement. Working on my awareness and my expectance.”

“As I work through my journey of learning, it affects what I write. What I write is a reflection of the new things I learn, no matter what it is – even just idle conversation. It all coheres and that is reflected in my music.” Wands’ current exploration is of trusting himself and his creativity. “Out of the blue,” a single released in late September, is a realisation of his creative freedom. “I’m letting go of musical preconception and just letting the sound be what it is.” “Playgrounds,” released in early October, celebrates that freedom. “Embracing all the thoughtful moments,” as he puts it, “and letting imagination go.”

When writing a song, he tries to be organic to the process. Concepts come most easily to Wands, who recounts how he was born tone deaf.  He taught himself tones by feeling the vibrations of his guitar. Wands studied guitar for three years until a wrist injury made it prohibitive. That’s part of why he got into producing, after years of playing at folk and grunge shows. He also simply loves the creative aspect. “I rarely enjoy playing other people’s stuff,” he says. “For me the biggest draw to music is creating and showing my creation.”

More than the final product itself, Wands is an apostle of the process. “I hold great importance in non-judgment. This is an artistic process. This isn’t factory farm music, this is music that touches my soul.” Part of this investigation into himself, music is the way Wands brings it all up to the surface. He says it’s how he begins to understand different perceptions – how he can try to help others in their own life journey. That’s what it’s about for Wands. “Abu’s Vision doesn’t just refer to me but the way I see the world through the lens of thousands of people I’ve encountered. It’s a name that’s larger than myself.” 

At Bishop’s, Wands is an almost mythical figure, walking through campus playing his beats. It’s his authenticity that grounds him, connecting him to a diverse range of students. “It really touches me to know that I can touch people. It’s powerful to know that art has such an impact on people’s lives.” Very different, he says, from the environment of his home in Alameda, California, where it’s really competitive. “I have less of a reach there. Here I can reach people with a certain lifestyle here. Very different way of going about music and performance back home. Plus, there’s no windows in the basement,” laughing, “I have my own room here to create in.”