What is your name?
AKA George.
What is your genre of music?
Pop bangers. My criteria for a really good song is that it’s a fusion of electronic, pop, rock, and it has to sound like it could fill a stadium.
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m 23 years old. I’m a songwriter/musician/performer. I moved from the countryside to London 2 years ago. I now live in east London.
What made you go in to music?
I was at a wedding when I was about 5 or 6, and there was a band. The drummer had a drum solo and I was immediately obsessed. I spent the next 10 years being a drummer, but once I realized they were always at the back getting no attention I came forward and started to sing. All of that’s true, but in seriousness music is everything to me. It’s been my whole life and always has been. I love the way it communicates and I love the way it makes people feel. It’s universal.
Are you a signed?
Not yet, but I’m ready to work with a label. It has to be right though.
Your new single ‘Stone Cold Classic’ is set to release, tell us more about it.
Stone Cold Classic is at the rockier end of my musical spectrum! I was listening to a lot of songs that make you feel good. I made a Spotify playlist called “I’m Amazing” and I wanted to write the quintessential song for that playlist. Stone Cold Classic is about recognizing your self worth, even when you’re at a low point. We go through life taking a lot of knocks, so it’s about going “come on, get back up now.”
What was the naming process like?
It was just a phrase that I liked, and it felt strong. I like really CLEAR, BIG song titles that stand out and have character.
What was the writing process like?
I was playing around on guitar, trying to come up with a riff. I had a load of delay on the guitar, like Let’s Dance by David Bowie, and by some accident the delay crashed and I was left with the raw riff which sounded entirely different. It immediately stood out to me and became the backbone of the entire song.
What was the recording process like?
Once I had that guitar, it was very simple – I wanted the song to have a lot of space. Sometimes I can get lost adding layer after layer to my music, but I didn’t want that to happen on this one. I laid down the drums, then bass, then vocals. It happened very quickly.
You also shot a video, what was that like?
Again, I wanted to keep it really simple. I wanted to show the process of the song in the video. The guy who shot it is a young videographer called Conor Muir-Cochrane and it was his idea to shoot it black and white.
Describe the track in 2 words.
Bombastic and Bold.
Do you have any gigs or tours coming up?
I just did an amazing packed out headline gig in Camden, so I’m talking now about future gigs. Every now and then I like to do a secret gig, which I announce last minute. I’m thinking of doing one of those soon.
You had the opportunity to work with Pharrell Williams and Nile Rogers, why did you turn it down?
That was a couple of years ago.. I’d put up a video of me doing a cover of a Daft Punk song, and they got in contact because they loved it. But it was just too much too soon. I admire them both greatly, but I didn’t know who I was and I couldn’t work with other people at that point.
What was it like to have an opportunity like this to come to you?
Scary at the time. I’d handle it better now, but I wasn’t good enough then.
Did you receive any advice from anyone after you told people about this?
Yeah. Actually because they’re both such fantastic artists, a lot of people had opinions. Most people thought I was mad not to jump at it, but I knew what I was doing – and some people got that.
Do you play any instruments?
Yeah, I started off as a drummer and then moved onto piano and guitar.
Who are your influences?
As a kid I was into rock music like Green Day and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, then as I got older I got into hiphop. These days I listen to everything from Kanye to The 1975 to Ennio Morricone.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
It comes from different places, like anyone’s songs. Sometimes it’s just a way I’m feeling, sometimes it can be an inspiring story that feels pertinent to me, and sometimes it starts as a vibe in the studio. It always ends up being something that connects with me on a personal level. I don’t think a song would be right for me if it didn’t.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Evolving, growing. I’d like to be playing much bigger venues, and writing better and better songs.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I spend most of my time either in the studio writing or performing, and when I’m not doing that I go on long walks around Hollow Ponds in Leytonstone listening to music. One of my favourite places in the world is Westfield in Stratford. I know it sounds weird, but it’s nearest I can get to the peace of the countryside.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
I went to see Watch The Throne when I was 16 and it changed my life. I was sick in a girl’s hair, but apart from that it was a life affirming experience.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Use conditioner and your hair won’t be so greasy.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Take your time. Stick to your guns. Be open.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“There is no elevator to success — you have to take the stairs.”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
I didn’t live anywhere near a town. I lived in a very remote location. The nearest town was Ludlow and that was the big city bright lights for us. We used to love it as kids to go to Ludlow Castle. Apart from that it was woods and fields, and lots of sheep.
Your straight off tour;
1/ where do you go?
2/ who do you see?
3/what do you eat?
1/ I’d go for a long walk on my own.
2/ I’d probably be on my own for a while, to get my head straight
3/ I’d have a warburtons giant crumpet with marmite and peanut butter.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1/ Spare trainers. I like converse onstage, and chunky trainers for meeting people afterwards
2/ Plectrums, but my guitarist Jay usually has them anyway, and as long as I don’t forget him we’re alright
3/ Setlist.
4/ Water flask (otherwise known as my special golden bottle).
5/ A kettle, for making tea.
If you had to give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Don’t worry so much. Don’t be so self conscious. Trust in yourself more.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yeah, come visit me. Thanks for the questions MOTF x
