After spending the last year releasing a flurry of bright and uplifting indie-rock ditties, Newcastle-based artist GULZ is back to unveil his latest upbeat offering 'Welcome Home'.
Lifted from his forthcoming sophomore EP, which is set to land in the coming months, 'Welcome Home' makes for a wonderfully enjoyable listen. Taking his cues from acts like The Strokes, this fresh and driven new delight sets him up for a strong and positive future in the months to come.
So with the new single out and about, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The guitar. I must have been about 8 or 9 when I started posing with it in the mirror. About 10 when I learnt my first song (Stand By Me) using YouTube tutorials for the chord structures. Since then I haven’t really been able to let it go. It’s been a bit of a constant in my life.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
A whole range of guitar/indie music mostly, with the occasional bit of RnB / rap in there for good measure. Arctic Monkeys, Jamie T, The XX, The Wombats alongside some classic Kanye West albums too (Graduation being my favourite). The Beatles have always part of my listening habits since birth- that hasn’t really faded even now.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album/ piece of music I remember listening to was ‘Sam Cooke: Greatest Hits’. My parents were/ are really into motown and soul music. That album seemed to be on repeat on our CD player/ boombox all the time around the house. Think I probably know every word on that record- ‘Twistin The Night Away’ is a real stormer.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Bohemian Rhapsody - not even sure how you’d go about thinking of the concepts to write/produce that. That track is just songs within songs and encompasses a whole different mix of genres/ cultural references. You could probably retire after writing that. Either that, or ‘All I Want for Xmas is You’- Mariah Carey. You could definitely retire after that one.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
No - I like to try new things with every song I write. Whether it’s use different chord patterns/ experiment with different melodies, or write about different subject matter, I never really want to write the same song twice or it doesn’t feel like I’m moving in any direction.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Sports Team, Idles, Willie J Healey, Shame. The new Kings of Leon/ Killers albums have been really strong too.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
The Rolling Stones, or Beyonce. Either one would probably be alright.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Writing/ producing songs is free therapy. You get a lot off your chest without even really noticing/ being aware of your subconscious emotions. Think you find out a lot more about yourself too, for good or worse. Also, every song made is different from the last so your attention is always maintained.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The financial instability, the lack of job prospects, the government’s disregard for art in general, the unpredictable career trajectory... It’s pretty much impossible to be a professional musician and live ‘in the real world’.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Always remember to enjoy it. Otherwise, what are you doing it for?
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GULZ's new single 'Welcome Home' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.