In The Spotlight // GEORGE O’HANLON
‘In The Spotlight’ offers the chance to get to know the acts we are most excited for in 2021.
You’ve heard about some of the artists that we’re most excited for this year. Now, get ready to hear from the artists themselves as we shine a spotlight on their personality, the year just past, and their most anticipated musical artists. This week, we catch up with George O’Hanlon, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter who stirs the soul with his powerfully evocative debut EP, The Storm.
Inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke, O’Hanlon emerges on the music scene with a strong vision as he adapts a storytelling approach to his songwriting. With a fresh perspective, he effortlessly marries the sounds of the past with modern production, offering an insightful glimpse into the emotional vulnerability of his works. The EP’s title track is a carefully-paced portrayal of anger, soaring high with intense passion and instrumental drive, whilst the slow-burner The Weight reveals a more tender side to O’Hanlon’s songcraft. Flawlessly executed and viscerally poetic, The Storm EP cements O’Hanlon’s position as one of the UK’s most promising young songwriters. Celebrating the release of the EP, we caught up with O’Hanlon to chat about his artistic views and his hopes and dreams for the next 12 months.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
For me it’s just about being passionate about what you’re doing, writing or recording or performing. Making sure what you do keeps you excited.
Are there any behind-the-scenes stories of recording your debut EP The Storm that you can share with us?
We did most of it in two days at a studio in London it was my first time in a proper studio and we worked flat out for the two days. I think we recorded about 8 songs we didn’t even know what they were for at that point but I loved it.
How would you describe the project to someone at a dinner party that’s never heard of you?
Imagine if Radiohead, Jeff Buckley and Nirvana got together and wrote some songs.
What advice would you give to your pre-lockdown self?
Don’t stress about the small things you’re about to have a whole lot more on your plate.
How would you sum up your 2020 in one sentence?
What the fuck is going on?
Name one thing you can’t imagine your life without.
A guitar.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can do a pretty good chip shot on a pool table.
What are your hopes and dreams for the next 12 months?
Just want to keep gigging and working on new music. It would be nice to do a bit of travelling as well.
Which artists excite you the most this year?
Michael Kiwanuka, Phoebe Bridgers.
And finally, what does your music say about you?
A lot of the music relates to things I’ve experienced or seen so whatever you feel about the music then that’s me.