AlunaGeorge Interview

2013 was definitely London based Dance duo AlunaGeorge’s year. With hit songs being played across the radio worldwide and their ‘Body Music’ album release, AlunaGeorge secured their way into the music minds of many. With no signs of slowing down, BBMLive caught up with AlunaGeorge’s more reserved half, George.

Where in the world are you right now?

In Sydney, Australia

Going back to the beginning, what was it that attracted you to work with each other and how did you find each other?

Aluna’s voice is one of a kind and I heard her in her previous band whilst looking for new music on MySpace. I then asked her band if they would let me do a remix for them and the kindly did and the rest is history I guess.

Are you grateful to have someone by your side throughout this whole process?

It’s a privileged position to be in a band and travel the world playing music to people and its awesome to share it with somebody else too.

You’ve both been making music for some time, even before coming to together, was being a successful musician always as aspiration for you? Does it feel like a crazy dream come true?

The reality can take away from the “dream” aspect of it however this is something I’ve been working for since I was 16 so it feels wonderful for that to pay off.

Your debut album ‘Body Music’ is now out, how was the recording/writing process?

It was fun! It’s the sound of myself and Aluna Getting to know each other and finding the sound for this album. There are tracks on there that we wrote and recorded in my bedroom nearly three years ago and songs on there from earlier this year.

Can you list your influences? Any that were particularly prevalent on ‘Body Music’?

It’s hard to be particular when it comes to influences but there is a lot of Hip Hop influences in there for me personally on the production side of things. The idea of trying to mix weird soundscapes and catchy melodies is something we both love to try and do and I guess a good example of that would be Radiohead who seem to mix the other worldly with the strangely familiar.

Do you ever get used to seeing yourself on TV or being spoken about online?

Not so much. It’s very, very surreal.

What have you been up to in your time in Australia? 

I managed to grab some downtime to go to the Sydney aquarium which was amazing. I went many years ago and have been desperate to go back ever since.

Where in the world would you love to play that you haven’t yet played?

We’ve been super lucky to go to most places I could wish to go that have a culture of pop music. Maybe the Caribbean next, haha!

Have you got your eyes on anyone else you’d love to collaborate with?

Not really at the moment. It’s nicer when people approach us to work with them. We’re just focusing on AlunaGeorge stuff right now.

How important is it for you to interact with fans on a ground level, using Twitter/Facebook, etc?

It’s nice to say hello to the people that are supporting our music. It’s still something I’m not very good at as it feels very unnatural to communicate with somebody in 140 characters. That being said it is awesome being able to thank people so directly.

What do you get up to in your spare time? Have you had much time to just be yourself amidst the new lifestyle you’ve found yourself in?

Spare time lately has been trying to catch up with friends and just hanging out really. Maybe watch some football or Formula 1. Other than that, listening to music and making it is still as fun as it ever was and is, is a beautiful way to pass the time.

You’ve had a huge year, but is there anything in particular that has really stood out for you?

Our album being released was massive for us and the summer of festivals was awesome. Appearing on Jools Holland was a big, big dream come true I think for both of us and a huge honour to be a part of.

Thank you for your time!

By Bryony Curtis