George Stanford Doesn't Ignore his 'Band Geek Days' While Recording New Music

(andPOP) - George Stanford is 26 years old and he still lives in his parents' attic. But the singer-songwriter from Philadelphia wouldn't have it any other way.

Stanford is traveling in support of his recently released, "The EP," and he's rarely home. When he does return to Philadelphia, Stanford says he wants to spend as much time as possible with the people who inspired his love of music: his parents.

"They introduced me to blues, jazz, R&B, and country," Stanford tells andPOP over the phone from Los Angeles, where he recorded his yet-to-be-released first full-length LP. Reminiscing about his days as a band geek, Stanford stresses that his parent's never pushed him, but always supported his "big dreams" of becoming a musician.

Stanford, who grew up listening to The Beatles and Bob Marley, says he loved channeling Los Angeles's musical history. "Some of the greatest music of all time was recorded there."

Stanford raves about working in studios where Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson had once recorded. Stanford's music is obviously influenced by older artists, but he strives to keep his music sounding current and relevant.

These days Stanford is hyped on the new Kanye album. "Hip hop is what's fresh to me," he says, adding that he loves the Roots and is inspired by how hip-hop pushes the envelope.

But most of all, Stanford wants to combine his love of different types of music into his own sound. He even plans a return to his "band geek days," by adding some trombone to his new record, due out in early spring.

The record, which features Stanford's eclectic sound, is sure to continue comparisons to classic acts like Paul Simon, as well as new songwriters like John Mayer and Chris Martin.

Stanford appreciates his music being compared to artists he respects, but he intends to develop a name of his own.

"Hopefully one day," he says, "they'll say George sounds like George."