Exclusive Interview With GEORGIE WESTON

Georgie Weston creates a fusion of jazz, soft rock, and retro soul that he refers to as “Nu-wop.” Typically, you can find him sitting behind the ivory keys, tapping out lyrics on his phone, or whistling a tune while strolling along the Mersey River. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

GEORGIE WESTON: I grew up in Northern England and moved to Liverpool when I was 18. The big reason I chose Liverpool was down to the The Beatles. They had a massive impact on me as a teenager, I just couldn’t get my head around how 4 working class lads brought up in post war Britain could write so many amazing songs in the space of 7 years! I remember hearing ‘A Day In the Life’ for the first time. The surreal Lennon verses mixed with down to earth charm of McCartney’s part, sowed together with orchestral madness. Just felt like a real moment of ‘ah ok, THIS is how it’s done’

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

GEORGIE WESTON: Mainly self taught really, my dad showed me some chords on the guitar and piano, Fmaj7 was the one I remember learning on guitar as it’s the first chord in David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’. My Dad always wrote songs, and everyone in the family loves to sing. There’s definitely a music gene being passed around!

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name‘GEORGIE WESTON?

GEORGIE WESTON: I suppose I’ve already mentioned those lads from Liverpool, but definitely Billy Joel. His tunes always strike a chord with me. I don’t think anyone can write a love song quite as good as him. There’s actually a video somewhere of me singing ‘Just the Way you are’ I think I was about 6 or 7. Weston is my middle name, and it comes from my Great Grandfather who was actually a pianist back in the 30’s. He played in across the local dance halls in South London.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

GEORGIE WESTON: I think melody is something I’m always searching for when I’m writing. For me my songs need to have a strong melody. I actually try to avoid recording voice memos to see if it sticks in my head without any record of it’s actual existence. I usually try to create a strong narrative, for me each song has a story. It’s even like it’s own movie/film. I’ve always loved those old romantic films, the ones with Audrey Hepburn in. A lot of that sort of imagery is something I like to play with.

5. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

GEORGIE WESTON: Last year I made my American debut, when I played in a cocktail bar in Brooklyn NYC called Sleepwalk. I think just performing my own songs in that setting was just a real dream moment for me. I have had the honour to show Sir Paul McCartney one of my songs back in 2021. I’m still pinching myself to this day.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative,and entertainment?

GEORGIE WESTON:

I have this one tune on the E.P called ‘Sad Centenarian’ which is kinda a prediction into the next 75 years and how the world will look. There’s phrases such as “Rich People in Space” and “the waters so high” and “back when we could speak to one another face to face”. I paints this picture of a kind of dystopia where the human race are hanging in there, but not thriving quite like they were. Classes are even more divided, global warming is coming home to roost and people hardly bother to meet each other in person due to the convenience of technological advances.

7. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?

GEORGIE WESTON: I think it took me a while to arrive at where I am now musically, but I always looked up to the artists that pushed the boundaries and never settled on one formula for their creation. I’m always experiencing new things and learning so that never really stops. I suppose to be forever in transition is a nice thought as you’ll never really settle something or be too precious about work you’ve previously finished.

8. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

GEORGIE WESTON: For me, a mix of these approaches work for my music. I love to make my own demos at home to get an idea of my vision. I’ve been lucky enough to work with a super talented producer and engineer called Jacob Weinreich who takes my music to the next level in the studio. I absolutely love to play live. If I could just tour for the rest of my life I would. Nothing comes close to that feeling of performing and it’s even more rewarding when it’s songs you’ve written. I always look at Elton John’s 70’s performances on YouTube and try to embody some of that crazy energy in my set.

9. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

GEORGIE WESTON: I suppose sometimes I’m on the hunt for that killer chorus melody, but then sometimes I prefer the approach of choosing a narrative/theme and running with that whole vibe. For a tune called ‘Greaser’ on the E.P, I tried to create that whole world of 50s American suburbia. The big Cadillacs and milkshake bars. So that’s sometimes the way to go too.

10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

GEORGIE WESTON: I think a mixture of both is perfect. There are certain lines that will resonate with some people more than others, but I think the music will make you feel something if the words don’t, through the arrangement and performances on the tracks. I love the idea of people relating themselves to my music.I think all art should be up for some kind of interpretation.