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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned London singer George Pelham to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I‘m from London and I’ve loved music ever since I was young. I used to sing a lot in choirs and just played guitar in my room really. When I was in uni, I kept falling behind in my course as I was spending all my time learning covers for the open mic night, and I just suddenly realised it was what I wanted to do for a career.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
My influences growing up are quite similar to the ones as I have now. My dad is really into Motown and my mum is really into the Beach Boys and Californian music – I’d say my music is a combination of those styles. But I also really like modern production – I’ve been getting quite into Lauv lately for example, so I’m hoping to bring all those three elements together!

How would you describe your sound?
Forward-thinking, feel-good soul.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My latest release is a song called Guilty. I wrote it a couple of years ago when I was out in LA, and the chorus hit me at about 3am while I was having a little stroll. This one in particular was heavily influenced by the sounds of the 60s, especially Frankie Valli and Roy Orbison. I was also trying to channel a bit of Grease into it.

What’s your local music scene like?
The music scene where I live is excellent. There’s a venue called ‘The Cellar’ around Earl’s Court where I’ve played a lot of shows; the Troubadour is also great. Living in London, there are so many places to play, so it’s meant I’ve been able to get to know the city really well since I started gigging around 6 or so years ago.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Mainly I want to keep releasing music as I have so many songs I need to get out there, but I want to make sure each one has its own moment, so that means more music videos, acoustic versions, the lot! I’m trying to get more into production as well as it’s something I’m really passionate about. Life-wise, I’m moving to Margate, so I’m excited for that as well.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
There are loads of producers who I’d love to work with – Jimmy Napes, Ian Kirkpatrick and Danger Mouse to name a few. In terms of artists, Tom Misch and Bruno Major spring to mind – I love their music and they’re both completely in their own lane, which I really respect.

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?I have quite a few of these! I was once asked to play a gig in Camden Market. When I got there, the promoter set up the microphone and faced it towards a brick wall – I asked him whether or not we should turn it around so I could face the people listening, but he wasn’t too keen on that idea for some reason… it was bizarre.

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
That there’s not a record label or anything like that interfering with the music or the production or the videos – it’s all very personal and DIY. But mainly, I hope they enjoy it and it makes them feel a bit better about the world for a bit.

You can find out more about George via Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Twitter or YouTube.

UPDATE: On 28th February 2024 it was announced that George has signed with Soho Music Records, congratulations George!