You may not think you know Dewayne Gallagher, but if you live in upstate South Carolina, you probably do. Better known as “Cheezie,” Dewayne Gallagher has been around the upstate rock/metal scene for several years. He is the vocalist for Woodruff, S.C., self proclaimed “partycore” band Avast, and sole proprietor of The Gallery Tattoo and Piercing on Reidville Road. In both facets of his life Cheezie has devoted his time, energy, heart and soul, which has resulted in both his music and business flourishing. His band, Avast, is in the process of recording their first album, and they are prepping for their first video shoot.
Currently the band has secured upstate rock pantheon Ground Zero for February 16, 2013 as the location for their impending video shoot, which is expected to yield a large turn out. Over the past two years, Avast has worked hard to establish themselves a contender on scene, barreling their way into ears and hearts of fans across the South. They have played shows and previously joined forces with other well-known acts like Dr Acula, Wretched, Straight Line Stitch, Chivalry, Impale the Betrayer, and Shaokahn. Recently, Cheezie was able to take a few minutes out of his day to answer a few questions about being a new business owner, his love affair with tattoos and music, and what fans can expect from Avast in 2013.
PJ: About when can people expect the piercing side to be up and running?
Cheezie: In about a week, possibly later.
PJ: What has been the best part of being a business owner?
Cheezie: The small things, seeing the company’s name on cards and mail.
PJ: What made you want to open your own shop?
Cheezie: I've always wanted to own my own shop since the age of 11. I’ve always been inspired by body modification. Also, (knowing) I would always have a clean, safe environment to work in, and for it to always be stocked with supplies. I have always felt like leader and not a follower, so I believed it was the best for me and my future.
PJ: What has been your biggest challenge with the shop?
Cheezie: I think the biggest challenge was finding a location. It took almost six months to find a place that would accept that I was trying to open a tattoo parlor.
PJ: What is it that you love about tattoos? About music?
Cheezie: I like that it is a permanent way to make your own statement and be who you are with no consequence, for some depends on where you work! (laughs) I also love the artist/client connection. You get the chance to meet all kinds of people, give them what they want (as a tattoo), and them be happy with it even ten years down the road. Music and art have always been apart of my life, (and) with music I get to express my self through lyrics and (am) able to do it loud and proud! The feeling you get before you know you’re about to go on stage is the same feeling I get every time I tattoo- it is the best feeling in the world (and) far better than any drug!!
PJ: What can people expect from Avast in the future?
Cheezie: Avast has come a long way in the past 2 years and we feel as if 2013 will be our year. It’s been rough just opening a shop and keeping up with (band) practice and shows. We are about start recording our first full length album called “Under The Influence 2.0.” We have two new songs that are coming out and will also be on the album, (also) February 16th we are shooting our first music video and couldn't be happier. It will be at Ground Zero in Spartanburg at 3052 Howard Street with a great line up of bands that are all close friends, so that will be a great time. But yeah, nothing but good things from Avast in the near future.
You can check out Cheezie and the guys of Avast on Facebook and ReverbNation, and see some of the incredible work of The Gallery Tattoo and Piercing artists on Facebook as well. Don’t miss your opportunity to join Avast as they seek to make their mark on the scene and take 2013 by the horns!
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