Nottingham singer-songwriter, George Gadd, is becoming more accustomed to being a solo artist. Although he hasn’t abandoned being the frontman for post-hardcore/emo upstarts Little Bribes, in recent months Gadd has put more focus on his solo project. In January, he released an EP titled ‘Better Shape’ followed by supporting the influential Kevin Devine in his hometown. The aforementioned EP sees George bare his soul through a set of poignant folk-punk songs.
Tomorrow night (Friday, May 19th) sees Gadd play a rare full-band headline show at The Bodega in Nottingham. He’s also scheduled to play three sets at the Dot To Dot Festival before shifting his focus towards Little Bribes’ debut full-length.
On the eve of his headline show, Already Heard reached out to George to talk about music by numbers; his favourite songs, venues, albums, his influences and more.
1 Artist You Couldn’t Live Without…
Probably The Beatles. They have such an extensive back catalogue and I love getting lost in the solo stuff. So many of my formative years growing up were soundtracked by them.
2 people you know, that shaped your passion for music…
My parents both had a varied taste in music. My Dad is like an encyclopaedia of prog, hard rock and the odd chart stuff from the 70s. My mum likes Leonard Cohen and cheesy pop music. She bought me a guitar initially.
I discovered punk/emo myself and I’d say Blink-182 were my gateway band. Music television and magazines were something I always occupied myself with growing.
3 songs you wish you’d written…
Poke by Frightened Rabbit
Pinegrove – Aphasia
Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run
4 bands everyone should hear…
Kermes, Some Skeletons, Daudi Matsiko, Thomas Jefferson Aeroplane, The Shrives, Buenos Treehouse, Putin and The Dolphin, Mutes, Yr Poetry and Get Inuit.
5 songs you love…
Father John Misty – Smoochie
Mac Demarco – Chamber of Reflection
Ryan Adams – Amy
Death Cab For Cutie – Transatlanticism
Bob Dylan – The Man in Me
6 bands you’re keen to play with…
Mac Demarco
Father John Misty
Ryan Adams
Andy Hull
Brand New
Bruce Springsteen
7 places you’d love to play…
Rock City in Nottingham
Owl Sanctuary in Norwich
The Monarch in London
Soup Kitchen in Manchester
Red Rocks Ampitheatre in Colorado
Shea Stadium in Brooklyn
The Stone Pony in New Jersey
8 essential tour items…
Clean underwear!
Hand sanitiser (that’s a big tip from Joe McCorriston)
Loyalty cards. If only Wetherspoons did one, (’d be reeling it in!
Fuel
First Aid Kit
A decent playlist.
Phone chargers (multiple!)
Snacks
9 words to describe your band…
Folk punk for punk folk. Probably hungover or drunk.
10 favourite albums of all time…
Ryan Adams – Ryan Adams
Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run
Nightmare of You – Nightmare of You
Brand New – The Devil & God Are Raging Inside of Me
Weezer – Pinkerton
The Get Up Kids – Something to Write Home About
The Front Bottoms – The Front Bottoms
Pinegrove – Cardinal
Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning
Death Cab For Cutie – Transatlanticism
‘Better Shape’ EP by George Gadd is out now on Under the Bridge (UK) and Safe & Clean Records (US).
