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It doesn’t matter who you are, being described as “One of the most compelling and powerful new vocalists around” by BBC Radio One powerhouse Zane Lowe is kind of a big deal. George Ezra’s recent track ‘Budapest’ was made Lowe’s ‘Single of the Week’ earlier this year, and now he has also been nominated for BBC’s Sound of 2014.
In this respect, BBC has had a massive impact on the growth of 19-year-old George Ezra. You might recognise ‘Budapest’ from a recent BBC Introducing advert, but it’s also racked up over 160,000 views on YouTube. His bluesy voice falls somewhere between Paolo Nutini and Newton Faulkner, while his songwriting capabilities show an imaginative and dreamy quality. The gravelly sound of his vocals has even led to comparisons with the likes of Bob Dylan.
Current single ‘Did You Hear The Rain?’ has a foreboding country twang and the quick-paced, moody sound showcases a more menacing side to the singer whose repertoire is dominated by mellower tracks. One of his first songs to be picked up by BBC Introducing is ‘Angry Hill’ which appears on the Did You Hear The Rain? EP, and on this his voice has a more vulnerable and soulful quality.
Over the last 18 months, Ezra has been perfecting his talent as a live musician, by supporting Lianne La Havas, Stornoway, and most recently, Tom Odell, alongside a slot at Glastonbury. He has also stuck to his Bristol roots, playing three residencies at the club Gallimaufry in the city. At the beginning of November however, he admitted that he is now locked away in the studio recording his debut album, which is expected to be released in spring 2014.
Tickets to George Ezra’s UK tour in February and March are on sale now.
