Interview with George O’Hanlon.
Interviewed by: Sarah Evangelista
For fans of Briston Maroney and John-Robert, here’s a new artist for you: George O’Hanlon. The singer/songwriter just released his debut track, “The Storm”, and it’s a perfect tune to add to your late night drives playlist.
We got to chat with him, via zoom, about the song, and all things music.
Sarah: I know you’re playing a sold out show at the end of May. How are you feeling about finally getting to play live again?
George: It’s good! Obviously, I haven’t played a gig in over a year now. Before the first lockdown, we had one around March 20th ish, so we’ve been anxious to do more gigs since then - and never got around to doing them obviously. Getting back out is going to be amazing!
S: Obviously you’ll be playing “The Storm”, but have you planned out which tracks you’ll be playing?
G: We’ve got 3 more tracks from the EP to come out, and a lot more music as well. We’re getting the band back in, I haven’t seen them all together since October. I think once we get back in a room, that’s when we’ll decide what we’re doing then.
S: Sounds great! Do you have a fondest musical memory?
G: That’s a hard one. One of my earliest memories is Red Hot Chili Peppers, I used to listen to that with my mom when I was about 3, before I went to bed. I remember dancing in the kitchen! That’s probably the earliest and fondest memory.
S: That’s a great night time ritual - listening to their albums before bed!
G: Yeah,“Can’t Stop” was probably the one.
S: You’ve been in school choirs and have been getting ready to release your first single for years now. Was it nervaking at first?
G: Not that I’ve had huge of an audience to release it to, but I think as soon as you let something go it’s not yours anymore, so yeah. Also because I’ve had it close to my chest for such a long time.
S: I could imagine! And you don’t have a big following right now, but I have a feeling you will soon.
G: Thank you!
S: Let’s talk about “The Storm”! It’s your debut track, and when I heard it was supposed to be an angry song, I was surprised. It’s more on the chill side until maybe 2 minutes in. Was that always the idea?
G: Yeah! I think when I make songs, I start with instrumental idea and then that change was a big part of the original idea. You know the song “Heroin” by The Velvet Underground? I was listening to that whole album at the time, and it’s all just a bit weird at points. I think it’s those big moments from nothing to something.
S: I can’t wait for what’s to come next from you, is there anything you can hint at?
G: Obviously, the rest of the EP will be coming out very shortly. There’s a couple other videos with been working on, some large stuff. It’s been a weird year to try and get as much stuff together, in and out of different restrictions. There’s a good amount of stuff to come!
S: I can’t wait! Describe your music as an animal.
G: Like a pigeon.
S: A pigeon?
G: {laughs} I don’t know why.
S: That was the best answer I’ve ever gotten. Do you have any favourite artists at the moment?
G: Phoebe Bridgers, and Celeste are my top favourites.