John Galea Talks New EP, Collaborating And More

Singer-songwriter John Galea has released his new EP entitled ‘The Art of Collaboration’. We were intrigued by the project and spoke to him about the EP:

When did you begin songwriting?

I had been writing little hooks from age 8 but the first fully made song was when I was 12 and I wrote on my piano and it was called ‘How Does It Feel To Be In Love’. My Dad found an Electric Organ one day and brought it home and that started my music journey. The song wasn’t bad but from there I started to write lots of songs and study the great songwriters on how you write a song.

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest would be getting up and singing on my karaoke machine in my back garden as my brother filmed me. I made a lot of tapes of me singing as a child which probably drove my family crazy – I still have copies of them.

Your new EP ‘The Art of Collaboration’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?

I wanted the E.P to feature all the collaborations I have had the privilege to be part of so far in my career and also bring something new and fresh to the table. I definitely wanted the E.P gel with my other 5 E.P’s as I think it will be my last as I am working on my debut album.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

Most of the E.P I recorded in North London with a producer I work with called Oscar Lo Brutto who’s amazing and has had hits with Wretch 32, Wiley, Chipmunk To name a few, but other tracks like ‘Golddiggin’ were produced by Grammy nominated Producers The Monarch who are based in L.A and have had hits with Kelly Clarkson and Chris Brown. So the E.P really is a collaborative effort from producing to songwriting with the Rapper’s features to the Singers. It was an amazing project to be part of.

Who collaborates with you on the EP?

Various rappers and singers including Ironik, Grime rapper Scorcher, TJ Dreamz and Singers like Nate James and Opera Singer Hannah Long.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I hope the audience has been entertained and uplifted. I also want to leave a positive mark on audiences and hopefully they have as much fun on stage as I do.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

No as long as they work. Piano wise I do like Yamaha – I have been an ambassador for them and did a live show at their headquarters a few years ago which was fun. Overall I’m quite flexible really and can adapt.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My hometown is in Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and a village called Caister On Sea where my family are still living. I go back a lot where I can – It’s a very special place being born by the sea and I enjoy the memories and seeing family and friends when I do go back. I am a very proud Norfolk Boy.

One of the tracks is ‘Old School Love’ with Nate James . What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

The song is about longing for the old fashioned love that everybody is after. I wrote the song a few years ago and I knew it needed another voice and I worked with Nate James past producer David Brant and I remember hearing his alvim Set The Tone and loving Nate’s Voice. So I sent him the track and loved it and we got into the studio and he added something very special to the track.

How do you look after your voice?

I try to have lots of rest and water and generally do my vocal exercises where I can. Like an athlete the voice needs to be taken care of and I certainly try to not strain or abuse it too much , I’ve never smoked and limit my drink consumption where I can.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Funny you should mention this, I am working on a novel that’s based on my first album I’m working on so – I guess it would be my first album whenever that is released.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I love great Singer/Songwriters – The Bee Gees, Carole King, Mariah Carey but also songwriters like Diane Warren, Max Martin – there’s too many to mention.

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Happiest – Is probably ‘Trailblazer’ feat Maya Miko – its a positive track about celebrating the best of you , Angriest would be ‘Don’t Wanna Die’ feat Ironik – that track is all about being stuck in an bad relationship that you are addicted to and cant get out of and Reflective probably ‘Hero Within You’ with Hannah Long – which is all about finding the strength within yourself.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024?

Not at the moment as I’m working on the debut album – but watch this space show news is on its way!

Was it a difficult EP to write?

No not really – it’s been a joy and form of therapy for me and the fact I have had the ability to work with such amazing musicians and rappers and singers has been an extra bonus.

What makes John Galea happy and what makes you unhappy?

Writing Songs and being able to perform them – When I have too much time away from my piano – that’s what makes me unhappy the most.