Gary and Lisa Wertz’s story began 21 years ago in San Francisco when Lisa was in town on business. On one serendipitous night out at the Hush Hush Lounge, she was introduced to Gary by a mutual friend, Donnie. The first thing Lisa thought was, “I hope this is the guy I am supposed to meet.” The second was, “I’m going to marry that guy.” Fast-forward to today, and here they are, ensconced in their home with their young daughter, Loretta, at Sacred Dog Ranch in Nashville, Tennessee.
The couple moved to Nashville in 2018 and transformed the ranch into a creative commune and homestead that reflected their creative sensibilities. Gary himself is a musician who has worked with Rita Marley (Bob Marley’s widow), Junior Reid, and other talented artists across various genres. His take on music isn’t rooted in one genre; it’s about creating a new sound that is wholly his while leaving room for interpretation.
“Nashville is Music City, but I’m not a country singer—I’m more of a ‘genre outlaw.’ I write everything: rock, reggae, hip-hop, soul. Our new album, Stereo City, reflects that—it’s all about collaboration and connection.”
The word “our” is constantly used whenever Gary speaks about his relationship with his wife because Lisa isn’t just playing one singular role in Gary’s life; she is his partner in all ways. For example, Lisa helped inspire him by producing his albums, all while juggling the role of mother to 10-year-old Loretta and ensuring that daily life on the homestead ran smoothly.
“It’s been a wild, beautiful, productive relationship—we’ve learned and grown together in so many ways,” says Gary, glancing over at his wife and smiling.
Lisa’s personal journey to environmental stewardship began when she witnessed the devastating impact of the California wildfires on the state’s ecosystem. This prompts us to reflect on the extent of damage to homes and businesses caused by the changing environmental landscape. Because of this, the couple decided to move their entire lives out of Mendocino County.
“It was shocking,” says Lisa. “I wanted to find a better way to live with the land—no poisons, no plastic, no damage. That inspired me to create sacred, sustainable spaces. Music was always part of that too—it’s healing and deeply connected to nature.”
Gary agrees. “Exactly! Nature is everything. It’s been an honor to create the soundtrack to our journey—so much of my music was written while doing everyday farm work: digging holes, tilling soil, feeding animals. Inspiration is everywhere.”
Their land is more than home; it’s a living collaboration between earth and art. Sacred Dog Ranch sits in a pocket of Tennessee forest—a refuge bordered by clean water, open sky, and 50,000 square feet of healing herbs. It’s a place where musicians, healers, and artists come to reset.
“We’ve built cabins, a studio, and gardens,” Lisa shares. “It’s a creative sanctuary, but also a space for rest and reconnection.”
Sierra Ferrell once filmed a music video there, drawn to its energy. Future plans include turning the ranch into an eco-wellness and creativity retreat—a place for tinctures, sound baths, and shared meals under the stars.
“We want it to be a sanctuary for the senses,” she says. “A space where you can feel what it means to be human again.”
Nashville, often defined by its country roots, became for them a space of reinvention. The city’s musical soil proved fertile for experimentation—a place where roots, reggae, rock, and soul could coexist.
Their latest album, Stereo City, is proof of that. It’s textured, borderless, alive—recorded partly in Kingston, Jamaica, with reggae legend Junior Reid. The cover art, drawn by their ten-year-old daughter, Loretta, nods to Gorillaz and dream journals, merging playfulness with depth.
“We call it the new Nashville sound,” Gary says. “It’s where authenticity meets innovation—where a banjo can sit next to a dub groove and it feels right.”
Before moving east, the couple attended Kaya Fest—a gathering that would forever shift their creative trajectory. There, surrounded by sun and song, they met Rita Marley, Junior Reid, and a host of artists carrying reggae’s spiritual lineage forward.
“Rita asked me to write her a song,” Gary says, recalling the memory of that day. “I performed it at her birthday party at the old Bob Marley mansion in Miami. It felt like standing inside history.”
That moment deepened their reverence for reggae—not just as a genre, but as a philosophy. When Gary later reimagined Bob Marley’s “Guiltiness,” he didn’t cover it. He interpreted it his own way.
At Sacred Dog Ranch, their home just outside Nashville, creativity and spirituality blur until they’re indistinguishable. Inspiration isn’t forced—it’s invited.
“My family and nature keep me inspired,” Gary says. “It’s like breathing. As soon as I wake up, it’s there.” Lisa nods in agreement. “We call them divine downloads. We just follow where the flow leads. Creativity is how we live—not something we do.”
At the heart of their music and their mission is a simple truth: everything ripples.
“Nature is our church,” Lisa says softly. “We tell people, ‘Mind your ripple.’ Every action affects everything else.”
“Energy never disappears,” Gary adds. “Every small ripple continues forever. That’s why what we do—how we live, love, and create—matters.” On Stereo City, the opening track “Teach Yourself” captures that philosophy perfectly: “Get to know yourself, get to know others.” It’s a mantra of unity—a reminder that art and empathy are two sides of the same coin.
“The world feels chaotic,” Gary reflects, “but love and creativity keep us centered. If we hold onto that, we can endure anything.”
Photos by Jana Schuessler
Check out their socials here: www.grwmusic.com | www.sacreddognashville.com | www.lasthurrahrecords.com/grw.html | music.apple.com/us/artist/grw/182801442 |
