TRACK REVIEW:
AKA George
Manic Machine
9.5/10
Manic Machine is available via:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIhojXTMVVo&feature=youtu.be
GENRES:
Alternative; Rock
ORIGIN:
London, U.K.
RELEASE DATE:
12th March, 2018 (video)
_________
THIS review…
sees me visit a musician who is pretty hard to pin down! I will explore AKA George soon but, for now, I want to study artists who are out there on their own; the musicians that inspire the new generation of stunning musicians; solo artists and why unique voices are needed and demanded this year; having a true Rock spirit and creating excitement in a fading genre; turning down record deals and being independent – those who produce and play everything themselves. I am writing a piece later that investigates musicians who are out on the fringes and producing music that sounds like nothing else. AKA George is one of those people who can bring you in with an accessible edge – the more you explore, the bolder and more intriguing it becomes. I am not suggesting he is a bonkers, Captain Beefheart-like artist who barks down the microphone and throws odd sound effects into the mix – more, he has a sound that differs from the commercial breed and takes your mind in weird directions. Listen to AKA George work and you feel a man who is free and unshackled. I interviewed him last year and, when looking ahead to this year; he talked about his influences and why he wants t stray away from the predictable. He said, and I concur; there is that need for artists to jump on what is popular and attach themselves to a sound. Originality is an uneasy and difficult thing to achieve. The risks of departing from the safe path and doing something that could, in theory, alienate you from a large sector is always a gamble. When listening to AKA George; I hear the bones and flesh of older artists and legends that have helped push things forward. All the best musicians of the past few years have understood and appreciated what the masses want – music they can bond with and has elements of past sounds – but goes away from the safe and vanilla blends we hear in the mainstream. It is risky being safe and cautious: it is equally risky doing your own thing and trying stuff out.
AKA George grew up in a household where music was part of the fabric. I know, as I will explore later, he grew up around artists like Ramones and, I suspect, a bit of Jimi Hendrix. He is a big fan of The White Stripes and gravitates towards people who get into the head and provide genuinely stone-cold classics. I was going to mention Jack White when looking at AKA George – I am going to pen a piece around White later on. AKA George, in a way, reminds me of White. The way the artists control their music and are, most definitely, not slaves to the conventional is evident. White’s latest solo album, Boarding House Reach, is his craziest and most experimental album to date. He shacked himself up in a small cabin and recorded to four-track recorded. One can argue that location and setting provided the chance to concentrate and depart from the distractions of the world. Jeff Buckley took a similar tack when he laid down the meat for his unreleased second album, My Sweetheart the Drunk. He sojourned to Mississippi and holed himself up in a cabin and put stuff down on four-track. It is tragic the songwriter never got to record the songs and see them come to life – he drowned, aged thirty, before he could get into the studio. Going back to the AKA George-Jack White dynamic and, like White, AKA George prefers the purity of creativity and not being lured by technology and a familiar course – having to produce what other people want; fitting into moulds and holes. You get the impression, when AKA George starts writing a song, he has old-skool vinyl and artists around him. Vibing from heroes gone and the desire to do something different; his thought process means he looks at what is out there and consciously strays away from that. There is an eccentricity to his music, sure, but a relatability that means you are impressed and enticed by an odd magic – kept there by some likeable and comfortable threads.
I will look at Rock and artists AKA George reminds me of but, right now, a taste of the solo artist and why their stock is rising. It is the case, I think I can say, that the solo musician is more demanded than the band. We have great bands emerging and making strides – Shame and IDLES are names I often throw in – but, more and more, it is the lone star that gets under the critics’ gaze. It is easier being a solo Pop artist because, more often than not, you do not need to play many instruments – or any – and produce your own music. Many artists are working in a genre that means, so long as you can write a song and imagine it; other musicians can help realise it and flesh it out. That might sound like I am taking shots at Pop: in reality, I am telling it like it really is. That is not a bad thing, mind. It is tricky putting music together and a solo artist doesn’t necessarily have to do everything themselves. It is a hard and challenging life but, for some reason, the worth and value of the solo artist is rising. Pop is playing a big role in that explosion. Bands work in a different way. They are not always a democracy and, in my view, are more geared towards producing commercial sounds. Bands are still in demand at festivals. As such; many write songs that have that big and crowd-uniting sounds. It can be risky moving away from that and writing songs that are more contemplative and diverse. Solo artists have no limits and can do whatever they want in music. They can cross genres and splice in new elements; write E.P.s./albums that cover a lot of ground and never sit still. AKA George understands he has that freedom and, as such, his music is extraordinarily diverse, nuanced and personal.
I am not sure whether bands will come back into the fore and whether, as we look at musicians who can change the game, they will be able to counteract the imbalance. To me; solo artists are not constrained by festivals and what organisers are looking for. If a band member has a different view and wants to explore something new and challenging – how many of their bandmates are going to jump on it and agree?! It is hard having a democracy that places emphasis on the music and pushing sounds in new directions. I am drawn to artists like AKA George because he takes his time to brew music and writes what HE wants to hear. Music needs to change things and bring us all together. The way to do this is to subvert expectations and create something genuinely stunning and unexpected. I feel solo artists are more likely to achieve this feat. I can assume the young songwriter has his sights set on glory and success. Already, he has gained millions of YouTube views and played sold-out gigs. He has gained a lot of heat around London and made his way onto many Spotify playlists. That all sounds impressive but, what is more striking, is the quality of the music. We throw the word ‘unique’ around but, in many cases, you can hear artists that sound like those we proffer. AKA George has some clear influences but never brings them too far into his music. I have mentioned Jack White and how he takes guidance from The White Stripes. I will leave this argument aside, but it worth noting why AKA George’s music is proving so popular. He is an artist we need to see more of and encourage to grow. I am excited to see where he can go and what he can produce as we make our way into the spring and summer months. He has already shown, in the past year, what a strong and dominant proposition he is.
I have mentioned the likes of Jack White and Jimi Hendrix already. These are Rock icons and artists who have set the music world alight. White continues to do so – although, some might argue he has lost his edge a bit – and there are others coming through that keep that Rock spirit alive. One of the oldest arguments in music is whether Rock music is truly dead. Many say it has lost its spirit and not as potent as it once was. There are plenty of new artists arguing that assumption is false: things are good and Rock is well and truly alive! I know there isn’t the same explosion as we saw in past decades. Other genres have come in and the scene is busier and more open than ever. It is hard to unite people and create a Rock genre that inspires new generations and recalls the glory days. That being said; you look around and there are plenty of good Rock artists around. Whether they sprinkle in Punk or mix it with Pop – you cannot state Rock is completely dead. AKA George is one of those artists who cares not for any of those arguments and shows the young breed are pushing Rock forward and keeping it relevant. I think a lot of the problem arises when we look at the total Rock package. The sounds might be intense and on-point but, now, a lot of Rock artists do not have that swagger and personality. Being a Rock musician used to mean having some attitude and owning the stage. Now, we have some great acts who retain that but, more often than not, there is a rather muted and soft personality. AKA George is not exactly destroying hotel rooms and spitting at the crowd – he is a man who draws you in and has an odd sense of attraction. You are hooked on his music but, when watching his videos, you know you are seeing a genuine Rock personality come to life. He might be less explosive than some of the older legends who changed the game. What we do get is music that blows the mind and makes you believe he can go all the way and do something immense.
PHOTO CREDIT: @huntershootsinlondon
Before I go to the song itself; I want to talk about refuting a record deal and remaining autonomous. AKA George, unsurprisingly, has caught the eye of some big names. Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams asked to work with him – he declined. Whilst some might say that is foolhardy and irrational; to him, it was a chance to remain independent and unique. I can understand why Williams’ offer would be easy to turn down. As a producer, I feel he would take AKA George’s sound in a commercial direction and try and mould him for the charts. Rodgers, on the other hand, has that legacy and is not going to lead anyone astray. I feel his expertise and genius can add something to the music and bring him to new audiences. Maybe AKA George will reconsider and hook up with Rodgers down the line. Those kinds of offers can be hard to resist and turn away. Many new artists are all about Spotify figures and getting as many people into their camp as they can. That might involve relentless promotion and altering your sound so it fits into a particular scene. AKA George wants his music to be accepted and popular – that does not mean betraying his ethos and conspiring with other producers. Maybe, when he has released more music, he will be in a position to pick who he wants to work with and reconsider offers. I am impressed he has managed to remain true and not be lured by big names. It is vital, in these early stages, artists stay focused and provide music that feels right to them. You cannot get caught up with the pursuit of money and popularity. Too many musicians start off with a personal and meaningful objective, only to be tempted away from that by a record label. AKA George has been approached by labels but, rather than sign the first contract pushed under his nose; he has remained solid and knows where he wants to head. A record deal sounds ideal but, in many ways, it means negotiating and being guided by that label. That is not always ideal for artists who know what they want to sound like and where they want to head.
There are more and more artists doing everything themselves and controlling their music. The fact studios are expensive and record deals, if you want one, are hard to come by means artists are taking care of business and learning new skills. Technology means songs are easier to produce and you do not need the luxuries of a studio. That does not mean it is simple to make music this way and there aren’t challenges. Musicians are picking up skills and studying to ensure they can make music their own way and in their own time. Many still use other producers and musicians but I am seeing some great artists able to take care of every little aspect themselves. AKA George grew up around music and does not feel the need to throw too many bodies into the mix. He wants to have his say and not give decisions to anyone else. Because of that, he produces his music and goes out of his way to put his own stamp on things. I am excited seeing how that manifests as we head further into the year. One of the reasons it is good to have that control is the fact you can make music that means more to you. If you have a producer on board they can, often, have their own way and disappoint the artist. Other musicians are less demanding and pushy but, if you can play instruments yourself, why would you need to hire anyone else?! AKA George is a one-man-wrecking-crew who can see a song through from its inception to release. As his popularity grows, and more offers come his way, I feel, at some stage, he will need to give some control to other parties. That might involve getting a booking agency or having another producer work with him on an E.P. or album. It is a great time for the young songwriter – he can go really far and take music in a new direction.
It is the beats that come to mind first. Although AKA George is a master of the guitar: it is his skills as a drummer that comes to mind. The drums hiss and slam; there are warped electronics and a mood that draws you in and gets the body moving. That combination of Rock and Funk is a hard blend to perfect. AKA George starts Manic Machine with real intent and purpose. You can hear the attitude and spirit come through right away. He wants to flick switches and ash; he wants to bring the bitch – his words, not mine – to life. Maybe he is referring to a rather stale and stagnant relationship; a woman who is reserved and a little guarded. Whoever is in his mind; our hero is in no mood to pass by and take a cautious approach. He is ready and getting his engines revved up. One notices the drums working away but the scratchy and strutting guitar works down in the mix. The different elements work away and there is so much activity happening in the opening moments. The chorus mixes guitar, electronic and beats. In the same way a modern-day Jack White can retain his Rockstar status and not rely on the guitar; AKA George produces a right-out blast that has Punk, Rock and Alternative working alongside one another. I guess you can say there is Dance and Funk working together, too. The chorus sees the hero boasting he is a manic machine; tearing up the street and causing trouble. The video, humorously, juxtaposes that assumption and sees the hero making his way down a quiet street in a mobility scooter. The chorus is a fuzzed-out, belting mandate that gets you standing to attention and respecting every word. You cannot fault the intent and desire coming from the voice. The hero has a strong and fiery tone that brings the words to life and makes a real impression.
There are “paranoid dreams” and that need to wake up – a bellicose and enforced direction the hero feels very strongly about. My thoughts turn from romance and sexual conquest to sleep towns and dull communities. You can tell from the song, even at the start, there is frustration and the sense of being trapped. Maybe our man is living around people who need to wake up and see what is around them. They might be numb to reality and any sense of ambition. Like a tiger stuck in a cage; the boy is looking around and needs to be set free. The song sees the hero seize control and desire every inch of power – every moment and hour. Whereas other AKA George songs have brought the guitar in more; here, there is greater reliance on electronics and percussions. The song still plays in the Rock mould but, if anything, you sense Dance and Trance, oddly. It is a hypnotic song and one intended to be absorbed by the listener. The hero has that passion and intense need to take initiative and change things. That hunger and thirst is palpable and hugely impressive. The vocals are constantly strong and you find yourself stunned at how many talents AKA George has. Our boy wants to f*ck in the highest tower and tear things up. Maybe this need and rebellion have come from being held back and living in a rather dull space. Whatever the reason behind his explosion and strut; the hero is out there and getting whatever he wants. It is thrilling coming along for the ride – a rather slow one if you look at the video! – and being caught by the storm. Manic Machine is an intense song that snarls and spits from start to finish. The guitar barks and comes in here and there. The sound is more machine-like and industrial. The strings are twisted and robotic; the beats are tense and punchy; the electronics warped and howling.
It is that lead voice that produces the most power and potency. Look at the video and one sees AKA George with his crew – hooded and motivated – riding mobility scooters through the streets. The final minute or so finds AKA George breathless and knackered. The voice sparks and comes back in; there are strutted breathes and Screaming Jay Hawkins-like oddities. The composition transforms and the hero puts out an intense cry. It seems like things have reached their peak and this is the moment the explosion really happens. Everything races and the electronics mutate and move forward. The chorus comes back in and the heat keeps rising. It is a catchy and addictive song that gets you under its thumb and leads you astray. You are caught by the energy and hectic sounds thrown from the speakers. AKA George keeps the listener active and engaged in every note. Although there are many different sounds and layers working away; he manages to keep everything controlled and tight. The production is fantastic and you are compelled to come back to the song time and time again. The video adds a humorous edge and shows the hero has a real cheekiness and candid spirit. He is cheeky and rebellious but there is a keen wit and intelligence that rules everything. A stunning artist who has a big future ahead of him – Manic Machine is, to me, the best song AKA George has come up with. I hope there is an E.P. or album coming up. It is a great time for a fantastic artist who is doing something different and not keen to repeat everything we hear in music. He has the attitude and snarl of a Rock god but there is inventiveness and cross-pollination that adds diversity and colour to the genre. Keep your eye out for this tremendous and astonishing songwriter!
I will end things soon but, with Manic Machine out, it seems things are getting hot for AKA George. Even though the song was released late last year; the video is new and I was keen to feature the song on my site. When I spoke with him last year; AKA George teased new material and said an E.P. was being worked on. We are heading into spring – where gig opportunities will come up – and I am sure more material will come from the songwriter. He has achieved so much in a short time and looks set to join the ranks of the elite. I am not sure whether, when he gets more popular, that will lead to other big names coming his way and looking for a collaboration. That is down to the young man himself. We shall see what happens but, right now, the artist looks ahead to gigs and new moves. I have seen clips of the young man and he knows his way around the drums! Go to his Facebook page and you can see him show his percussion chops. His latest track shows what a great vocalist and guitarist he is. AKA George can own every instrument and has so much at his disposal! He connects with his fans and has proudly (quite right) been promoting his latest track. Although the playing and producing his him and his voice; he worked with other actors, and a director, on the video. It is a fantastic song, Manic Machine, and shows the talented musician is on fire right now. He heads to Dot to Dot festival in May and, I am sure, there will be other gigs and festivals in front of him. If you have not investigated the sides and wonders of AKA George; make sure you remedy that and get yourself involved! He is a prime and hungry talent who wants to add his stamp and be a big name. It is a hard industry, is music, but those who have originality and a good attitude can come through and succeed. AKA George is a testament to that point. He is capable of wonderful things and I know he will be a huge name before too long. Manic Machine is a fantastic song from an artist who keeps getting stronger and bigger. Keep your eyes peeled and see just how far…
THIS tremendous artist can go.
__________
Follow AKA George
