Yogi-G and The Family Tree Talk New Album, Single And More

Yogi-G and The Family Tree will release their eagerly awaited album ‘Show Me The Truth’, on 23rd May 2025. Gaz Whelan—co-founder, Ivor Novello winning songwriter and drummer of the legendary Happy Mondays chatted to us about the album, single and more: 

 

Who is in Yogi-G and The Family Tree how did you meet and what do you play?

 

We met at the studio in Warrington few years back when The Happy Mondays booked in to rehearse there.

I play acoustic guitar and vocals, Latch is co-writer and producer plays Keys and electronics /production strings etc.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

When did you begin songwriting?

 

Your new album ‘Show Me The Truth’ is released on 23rd May 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

The album had an organic approach….I recorded some few yrs back in Toronto and had no desire to record an album. It just developed  then after we had 6 or so songs finished we decided to organise it into an actual album.

 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

We had some fun moments but it was quite a dark period. Both Latch and I lost our fathers and two musicians who played on the album died before its release.

We had the demo files for a song called ‘THE BALLAD OF DAVID BOWIE’ and when Latch loaded the files he noticed the bass was labelled ‘Paul Ryder’. I had forgotten he played on the demo, so we kept it…God rest his soul…he was my best friend and constant in The Happy Mondays…he now lives on with my solo work.

 

Do you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I am sure Latch would know. I have no idea or interest in equipment just as long as it works.

 

You have also released your new single ‘Shine On (Brother)’ .What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

 

The inspiration was a movie I saw in North America ‘Jesus Revolution’.   I wrote the lyrics in the movie theatre as I watched it – then my mind wandered to PAUL RYDER as he had died less than 12 month the earlier. So it became a tribute to him – my best friend. 

 

Do you have any special guests on the single with you?

My wife’s niece Victoria or QUEEN V provided the vocals and Chris Barton co wrote and sang the chorus. I met Chris in North America which is quite bizarre because he grew up about 10 houses away from me in Manchester. We didn’t know each other as he is much younger, he went to the same school as Paul Ryder.

 

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

 

The video was an after-thought. Chris Barton had a guy in Australia who did crazy 60’s type Yellow Submarine animations so he used some of that and my wife Venessa did some live filming and took it to her other niece’s Husband Adam who is a film maker and pulled it together with him – a real Family tree effort.

 

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

Happiest track- ‘The Ballad of David Bowie’.

The angriest- ‘Show Me The Truth’.

the most reflective- ‘Black Symphony’.

 

Was it a difficult album to write?

No. I never really found songwriting difficult. I don’t feel pressure. I have no goals or crazy ambition. 

 

Who designed the album artwork?

I designed it as a logo that’s easy to recognise…and my friend and fellow musician Wayne Edwards pulled all the graphics together. Wayne also played guitar and Bass on the album and his band FOLKLORE SOCIETY are supporting us at shows.

 

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

Hope folk got value for money and leave happier and more reflective than when they came in.

 

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

I like a delay guitar pedal and a blues Booster. Just for the Dub sections and Blues for the chorus boost.

 

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

Swinton Salford West Manchester. Working class, many Indian restaurants.

 

How do you look after your voice?

I have not looked after it in the past and lost a couple of shows because I was trying too hard.

I have stopped drinking recently and that has helped massively. I do an ancient form of yogic breathing (don’t judge me) and some Kung Fu exercises that relax my muscles in throat and upper body. Again don’t judge I’m not a pontificating musician abut Eastern philosophy that’s so cliché.

 

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?

Oh GREAT question –  Probably EVERY book by Samuel Beckett? Waiting for Godot being the obvious choice or ‘I Claudius ‘ by Robert Graves.

 

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

From the Beatles , Stones, Sex Pistols, Marvin Gaye, Reggae , Gospel. Paul Weller, Echo & Bunnymen the list goes on. BUT the two biggest for me are LEONARD COHEN & BOB DYLAN.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

Just Bury on Saturday 17th May 2025 at Wax n Beans. An album launch – great venue and people.

 

What makes Yogi-G and The Family Tree happy and what makes you unhappy?

Music makes me happy and the modern world makes me unhappy.