Singer, songwriter and producer; G.Logan is an artist with many a musical string to his bow, be it production credits for the likes of Kelis, Jay Sean and Craig David or writing and producing the UK top 20 hit ‘Never Wanna Say’ as Soundbwoy in 2006.
This week G.Logan released his debut single ‘How Did We’ on Defected Records; a warm, soulful house anthem with a beautiful narrative focusing on two people coming to terms with their relationship with one another. Earlier in the week we spoke with him to discuss his divergent journey through the music industry, Bob Marley, jazz fusion and – naturally – roller-skating.
What first got you interested in pursuing a career in music?
I started playing the keyboard at 8. I was given one for my 8th birthday and instantly became very fond of it. Writing and producing would be the last 10 years! I started producing professionally 10 years ago and started writing properly two years ago. I started largely because I was surrounded by a talented group of people. It encouraged me. I love the process of building a song, seeing an idea become something tangible not just for me, but to anyone who will listen. That’s why I love it. I get to share what’s going on in my head. I think music is how feeling sounds. Seeing that translate and then someone actually ‘getting it’ is truly a privilege.
Who are some of your musical heroes, the people you grew up listening to and particularly respect today?
That’s a big question! I love Babyface as a writer, producer and singer. He is so talented and has ten Grammys as proof. I’ve always looked up to him, his achievements within speak for themselves.
Bob Marley is a musical hero. His writing, his voice and the way he inspired people, unified and gave them pride; all through his music. The man is iconic for all the right reasons, a purist. What he believed in, he reflected in his beautiful music. Also I really love Bob James. I grew up listening to his work. I love jazz, smooth jazz, jazz fusion - all of it! My dad is also really into the music, he plays the trumpet and through him I really think I developed a love for the genre, and Bob James.
The last person I would probably add to the list (which could go on and on) is Dwele. I love his story. He started off selling music from the trunk of his car and in doing that he caught the attention of Slum Village and J-Dilla! He recorded a classic with them and then the rest is history. Dwele has such a special vocal quality and a great writing style. This combination results in him creating great music.
Oh and as a producer Rodney Jerkins! He has worked with everyone from Michael Jackson, to Beyonce, from Lady Gaga to Lionel Richie. He remains current working with guys like Justin Bieber and even The Saturdays.
How important is where you live in inspiring you to write? Do you think you would sound different if you lived elsewhere?
Where I live, which is somewhere between town and country, definitely helps. I’ve spent half of my years in London and the other half in Essex. I think if I didn’t grow up in the environment that I did, my music would sound a bit different. I think different areas have a different musical culture attached. Certain sounds or trends originate or grow popular in certain areas. Where I have lived I have sort of seen and heard a lot of that. It definitely helps me find a balance I think with my sound.
London has a diverse range of musical scenes… which of them are you involved in and how do they influence your music?
Well obviously the house scene now! I’ve always been fond of deep house it certainly has influenced my production, which is evident in tunes like ‘How Did We’. R&B is in my blood, even though the UK doesn’t have much of an actual R&B scene which is a real shame. I think over time we have seen a few domestic R&B or even Soul acts pop up, but sadly they have never been brought to the fore at the same time. This means we haven’t really been able to build a movement or create a real scene. I think some acts have also struggled for consistency and purity. R&B is the evolution of what I grew up listening to, something I consider mine. The genre has been able to adapt and grow. I love the feel and journey good R&B brings and takes you on. The space for vocal expression is huge and somewhat unique to R&B. I love it!
I really quite like D&B too; this came from a love of Jungle which I was exposed to a lot of as I used to skate a fair bit when I was younger. Tunes like ‘Fantasy’ and all that. Good music. The way I feel about D&B has recently influenced my work a fair bit. I’m working on some material with D&B producers Angry Angels. I’m really enjoying the experience and love being able to dabble in another genre. The stuff we are coming up with is pretty exciting for me.
When did you write How Did We? Is there a particular story behind the record?
I wrote the record in January 2010. It’s a true story. It is as it sounds, to be truthful. The song reflects what I was feeling, where my head and my heart was at I guess.
Where did you shoot the video? Is this something you produced yourself?
All over the place between Southwark and Chelsea both in a friend’s bar and a friend’s flat. Oh and in Hamstead – I’ve got a rich uncle! Haha. I didn’t produce it, the director Remi and my manager Kav looked after it and they did a great job. I really like the video because it has a clear story and so does the song which was something that was really important to me. Something like this, that’s inspired by a real life situation, needs to tell the story visually – and I think it really does that.
I loved working with the entire cast and crew. The actresses Lucy and Amina were amazing, and they are so cool. Also Chuku the lead is one of the best blokes you can meet because we just had such a great time just vibing. Getting to know them and them getting to know me, not just through the song, but also the experience of seeing our perspectives merge on screen. It was mad for me seeing what was in my pen come to life, a little surreal even. For me, it was so crazy but such a privilege to see, hear and understand how everyone related to the song in their own way, through their own personal experience of relationships and all that. I think because we all brought our own experiences to the video it has given the visual a wicked chemistry.
Aside from the current single, what else are you currently working on?
I just finished producing for an act on Island Records, currently working with a couple of other producers such as S.Chu and Angry Angels. I am putting material together for my next project, which we are looking at having ready for autumn. I am really excited about it. I’m feeling really creative, and eager to innovate and blend. I know I have grown loads as a writer and musician and that is evident in the material I am working on at the moment. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?
I like Notting Hill in West London. I would love to live there one day. That area has so much personality and history and great places to eat which you need! I love to skate (quads only) and I ride my Vesper real hard.
How Did We is out now with remixes from Jovonn and Friend Within - buy from Traxsource
