(andPOP) - George Stanford is proof that even with talent, brains, charisma and drive, you still need someone to open the door for you to make it to the big leagues.
This exciting new artist wasn't exactly on top of the world in March, playing at SXSW for a bunch of jaded industry types who were more interested in their handheld devices than the talent. But luckily for Stanford, there was one set of ears honing in on his sound.
"I was feeling pretty bummed out. But sure enough, Carson Daly came up to me after my set," Stanford told andPOP. "He was really excited. He said 'I love what you're doing!'''
Daly promised to have him on his late night talk show, and just a few short months later, Stanford was bringing his unique sound
to a national audience.
Though his appearance on the show is only the beginning of what will hopefully be his rise to fame, Stanford has certainly paid his dues to get to this point. The 27-year-old has been playing music his whole life, learning the guitar, piano and trombone - all of which he plays on his upcoming album, "Big Drop," scheduled for release on June 3.
Coming from a musical family definitely helped. Though his parents are not professional musicians, Stanford credits them for introducing him to a lot of good music. His favourite artists range from The Beatles to Buddy Guy, and his sound certainly reflects that.
"I like to combine a lot of elements from old school music with a new take on the world. People can expect a lot of musicianship from the record. I have a unique voice, which in itself distinguishes me - well, that's what people say," he said, just a tinge of bashfulness mixed in with pride for his work.
Stanford had a lot of time to perfect his craft, living above - and working at - a laundromat in Philadelphia. When he wasn't fluffing and folding, Stanford was spending all his time in his home studio. Though he had been enrolled in a prestigious jazz college program, Stanford didn't feel that he fit in, and had dropped out.
"There was a high degree of jazz snobbery. I love jazz, which is why I initially went there, but a lot of people seemingly look down on other styles, other art forms. But I'm open to anything. I feel that, as an artist, you're really obligated to."
Luckily, an A&R rep for what is now Mercury Records was open to Stanford's sound. When the label heard Stanford's simple demo, they brought him right to the president of the company. "He was immediately on board," Stanford said of the meeting.
Being signed changed everything. Stanford went from travelling around in a van to… well, travelling around in a van. Okay, so maybe his life is still a blur of bar nights, playing for drunken crowds more interested in fighting him or using him to secure their own record deal. But getting to shoot
his first music video - which took weeks to rehearse the one-shot style but only 11 takes to nail it - definitely ups the ante.
The song, "My Own Worst Enemy," is a love song to music itself, according to Stanford. But the lyrics make his calling seem like more of a vice than a lover.
"I think many artists can identify with being frustrated with the thing you have to do," he said. "It was very cathartic writing the song. It's about saying, you've taken me so many places, we have great moments and crappy moments, but I will follow you wherever you take me."
Wherever the music takes him, George tries to find little pieces of culture in a country being taken over by franchises and superstores. "It's everywhere you go!" Stanford said of the landscape of Wendy's restaurants and Wal-Marts he sees all too much of. "You get the sense that the little guy is losing."
Seeing as how Stanford himself is a mere 145 lbs at 5'9', I sincerely hope that he finds his place in the music world where the little guy can come out on top.
