Ones To Watch February 2014: George Ezra

George Ezra, Bristol singer-songwriter, has blossomed through the nurturing of the BBC, from playing Glastonbury’s BBC Introducing Stage to finishing as 5th in 2014 BBC Sounds List.

The Indie, Folk and Rock ‘n’ Roll singer and guitarist began his interests in music as a student in 2012. Having played in numerous band arrangements, he realised his dreams would be easier and more achievable if he were to go it alone, so he jumped on the open mic circuit of Bristol. With him, he brought his talented vocals as an owner of a deep and soulful voice, with guitar work and lyric writing just as capable to match.

From putting on shows with promoters in Bristol and pestering his friends to come down and see him live, to playing a Glastonbury stage, George Ezra has swooped into the limelight. Despite having never played a festival before, at Glastonbury, Ezra stunned a tent into admiration and almost silence, other than those unable to avoid the temptation to sing along to his soothing and harmonious melodies.

Used to travelling the country via train, with him only having himself and his guitar to pack, George has several dates across the UK set this year. He also has dates lined up in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

He currently has just the one EP released, ‘Did You Hear The Rain?’, varying from ballad-like and woeful ‘Budapest’, to the happy and humorous ‘Benjamine Twine’, which tells the tale of Ezra and his best friend stealing a car. His latest track, and taster from his next EP, vibrant Rock ‘n’ Roll feeling ‘Cassy O’, has achieved Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record Of The Week’.

George is currently working on his debut album, which he says uses inspiration from travels in Europe.