INTERVIEW: George Simpson — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Jay Hillyer

George Simpson

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HIS music is already known and…

adored by BBC Radio 2. George Simpson has performed on Jeremy Vine’s show and, himself, shows immense promise. I ask him about his new single, Finding Myself (officially released on 23rd February), and working with Kezia on the track. He reveals plans regarding forthcoming material; the artists who have inspired his sound and direction; how it feels to have his music acclaimed by big sources – and some new artists who strike his mind.

Simpson talks about his start and upbringing; playing in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire; which albums mean the most to him; whether he gets more inspiration from new or older artists; what he hopes to achieve this year – and why he came to music rather late.

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Hi, George. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m good, thank you! Very busy planning out my releases and album tour! A bit stressful - but in an exciting way!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Yes, of course. I’m George, George Simpson. I’m from the heart of the U.K.: Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. I’ve been writing songs for about ten years - and have been releasing music for five years.

A lot has happened in the past five years!

Finding Myself is out on 23rd February. Tell me about the background and where the song came from?

Last year, after having released a few albums previously; I wanted to find some inspiration and a slightly new direction and, having watched the Nashville series; I fell in love with Country music. So; I guess Finding Myself shows this, stylistically! The song is about my first love and how it turned sour. I was living in Leeds at the time, I was nineteen, and it was the first time I had to collect my thoughts, move back home and start again to ‘find myself’.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jay Hillyer

Kezia features on the track. Did you write the track alongside her? What was it about her voice that led you to feature her?

I wrote the song and I wanted it to be a Country duet and my producer, Ben Haynes (from Spondon, Derby), had produced some of Kezia’s work. I loved her voice when I first heard her - and we both thought she would be perfect on the track! Her voice is so powerful, distinct and she is (just) great!

Your music has got love from some of BBC Radio 2’s biggest D.J.s! Is it quite daunting and flattering knowing they back your work? Does it spur you on?

Yes it does - although they aired my previous singles a few years ago now; it gives me confidence that, although I am independent, the sky is the limit with what you can achieve on your own!

Do you think there will be more music coming later this year? What are you working on?

Yes. My third album, Hearts and Gold, is out in April. The title-track will be my next single (also out in April).

PHOTO CREDIT: Mike LB

I know music didn’t impact you until your teens - you didn’t start recording until your twenties. Why was it quite a late revelation for you?

Yes, that’s right.

Like I mentioned before; I released my first single five years ago (when I was thirty!). So, it really late! I picked up the guitar when I was eighteen and joined a cover-band at twenty-two as a singer; playing in pubs and functions etc. - but it’s only in my late-twenties when I got into writing. As soon as I could play an instrument, the writing began! I was always sporty and that took up all of my time. There was no desire to get in to music any earlier - which is unusual for musicians I guess.

Music is one of those things where people look back and wish they had started when they were young.

Do you get inspiration from new artists – or are you more compelled by older sounds? Who are your main influences?

My influences are really varied. From a writing perspective and as a singer, George Michael is one of my older influences. More recent influences, from a writing perspective, are the likes of James Bay and Jason Mraz; London Grammar, RHODES - naming a few. I love HAIM and generally modern, commercial music. I’m a song-lover.

If it’s a great song, I love it no matter what the style.

IN THIS PHOTO: Howard Rose

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

The new artists I follow and like, without naming obviously-famous commercial acts that we all have heard of, are: Howard Rose. He is an Alternative-Soul-Rock singer-songwriter with a blistering voice. Also; the Folk singer-songwriter, Daniel Duke (from Northern Ireland), who has the most calming and soothing voice (and beautiful songs). Check those guys out!

An artist who hasn’t quite made the big-time is RHODES. But I love his music. Cinematic Pop; epic tracks that I get lost in! Love it!

PHOTO CREDIT: RHODES

If you had to choose the three albums that mean the most you; which would they be and why?

With albums; I’d have to go back to the ones with pure nostalgia: 1990s albums when I was listening to loads of albums.

Stereophonics – Word Gets Around

Me and my friends would sit around singing along to every word. Great times!

(There is one! God this is hard! I’m not going to think too hard about this - but I’ll give three different examples!).

Second; for just being able to listen to it through and getting lost in time: RHODES – Wishes

Huge, epic production- really, really emotive – love it! Love to drive to it.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jay Hillyer

Fleetwood Mac - The Dance!

Sitting in the back seat as a kid on the way to Devon with my parents with the album blasting out, with us all singing along! Happy memories - and what a great album.

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

Yes, you can! I’m currently planning a tour - but the album launch is in my hometown of Melton Mowbray on 19th April. There are numerous of dates around the U.K. in April and May - and I’ll keep you posted on those!

What do you hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

I’d love to move forward in the industry! Things have changed: streaming is the thing, now, where it wasn’t as much a few years back. So, I’d like to move forward and gain new fans and listeners – increase my fan-base this year and really try and market myself well; to let people know who I am and hear my music! I’d love to get a really good support slot with a reputable act; get out and enjoy playing my music again!

PHOTO CREDIT: Scott Choucino

Do you get time to chill away from music? What do you like to do when you’re not creating?

Yeah. I keep fit and go to the gym every day! That is a good release. I love cooking and also (just) going out eating and drinking when I’m not writing! I still play a bit of football, too. I don’t watch much T.V., though.

I’d rather write songs!

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Ahhh, yes I have loads, actually! They would have to be live shows! Three that stand out to me, were performing on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show live on air. That was an experience! Seven-million listeners - so pretty intense! Also; my second album’s launch at Melton Mowbray Theatre – 350-seat, sell-out crowd; me playing new songs with my band. That was incredible. I'll never forget that!

I’ve also supported Dirty Sanchez with one of my previous bands, Maslow, on their tour. They were crazy - and we shared backstage with them. It was also quite random to have us playing a support set to their fans that weren’t really there to see live music. So; the whole thing was random but special - and magical in a weird way! One of the guys necked a bottle of vodka before going on stage (Dirty Sanchez)!

I’ve got loads more - but those three stood out!

PHOTO CREDIT: Mike LB

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Ah, thank you! Could you play Do Something Beautiful - Colour Colour. This is Howard Rose’s band (who I mentioned earlier). It will give anyone a morning lift when they hear it!