GOLDEN BOY PRESS INTERVIEW #53
George Barnett is an English recording artist, musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, video director, and multi-instrumentalist. He writes, plays and performs his own compositions and is known for his recordings in which he plays every instrument, sings and produces himself.
Could you introduce yourself?
Hi, my name’s George Barnett and I’m a singer/songwriter/musician.
What made you choose music as your creative outlet?
I saw someone playing drums in a band at a wedding when I was about 3 years old. Ever since then I’ve been hooked.
What do you want your listeners to experience when they listen to your music?
I want to move them in some way. If it’s not something they can dance to, it might be something that makes them think. Sometimes it can be both.
How have you grown since you started making music?
I used to HATE electronic drums, synths and loads of reverb on stuff… I used to think everything should just be real instruments and vocals should be recorded totally dry. Now I find some of the most interesting & creative music is made outside of those standard sounds. I’m listening to Hudson Mohawke, TNGHT and Burial at the moment. Also there’s this guy called Todd Terje. I don’t know where he came from but I love him.
What music did you listen to growing up? How does that play a role in your passion today?
I started off on drums and always wanted to be a professional drummer one day… So as a kid I always listened to a lot of stuff that was powerful drum-wise. The Hives, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day were my childhood faves. I think that sense of rhythm and power has carried on into my own work.
When did you discover you could play such a variety of instruments?
There wasn’t really a definite point. It just happened over the years. If I needed to work out something, I’d borrow a guitar. Then if I wanted to hear how it sounded on a piano, I’d have to work it out on there. It happened organically.
What sparked the idea of combining them to create a one man band?
Living in a remote area. When I was nine I moved to the country (which is where I still am now) and I came to wanting to record an album. There was no one around that wanted to help me, so I just recorded the parts myself. Since then it’s just become the way I like to do it.
Top five music artists that inspire you?
The Neptunes, Rick Rubin, Prince, David Bowie, Questlove.
What’s been your favorite cover you’ve made so far?
I like the Kendrick one… Good Kid Maad City, the album that the original is taken from, is one of the best rap albums of the last 20 years. I hope I honoured the original whilst putting my own stamp on it.
Could you give us a hint on what direction you plan to go with your music in 2014?
Loads of different ways. I don’t feel any pressure. I reckon I’m going to put out loads of videos and then think about an album with the best ones. It’s better to share lots of your work than hold ideas back.
An empty house. My dog. My cat. Recording. Service stations on tour.
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