Meet Rising Star Col Gerrard
The singer's new track 'Come on Over' is out now, following the success of 'Sun & Sky'
By Alex Ford
Following the success of his debut single, ‘Sun & Sky,’ released earlier this year, Col Gerrard is back with his highly anticipated new track, ‘Come on Over.’ With each release, he’s solidifying his place as one of the most promising rising stars in the singer-songwriter scene. Ahead of this release, we sat down to chat with Col about his new single and journey so far. In our conversation, Col reveals everything from his creative process to his biggest influences, and how he works to stand out from the competition.
We love your new single ‘Come On Over’. What is the main message behind the song?
The song is about giving a relationship chance after chance, knowing in your heart that it’s not going to work. It’s in conjunction with the quote: ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’
What was the creative process like?
I tend to come up with a melody first. Lyrics can be a chore for me sometimes, as I hate to repeat myself, but from time to time I do just that. However, if something works…
The melody flows or it doesn’t sometimes, so when the song comes together quickly, fine. But I know other songs I like that I wrote took a lot of labour and many hours to put together, sometimes weeks coming back time and time again to make sure it feels right.
What/who were your biggest influences when creating it?
Nothing or no one in particular…but my influences tend to ride between R&B, Soul & Pure Pop. Nailing down influences isn’t easy for me. There are so many musical paths that I revere and respect for their musicality and especially, originality. So, the list would be too long to mention, but…. Bowie, Gaye, Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Bacharach, Aretha Franklin, to name a few. You can never go wrong listening to artists with that kind of creative reach.
What made you decide to pursue music?
My family has always been musical… in the genes I expect.
I started hammering away on the piano when I was around four or five, took some guitar lessons at one point but realised that piano was what I really loved the most. Although I think the digital revolution has been fantastic for music, nothing is stronger or resonates more than a piano or a guitar with strings attached. The vibrations you feel when you play are far stronger and deeper than l could ever get from a digital signal.
You’ve got such a rich history in terms of travel, how has this influenced the way you create music?
Everyone has a story to tell…travel just makes them sound more interesting. I’ve been lucky and blessed to have been able to visit over 50 countries, so far. The diversity of culture, music and people always stays with you. I love cities that are culturally diverse, like New York and London…and many others. Great things come out of that.
What is one of the things you are most proud of when it comes to your music?
That I’m a musician first. I don’t have a problem with sampling, it’s not for me, but it’s here to stay and now AI, unfortunately I believe, will pull creativity down an empty elevator shaft. As Prince once foretold: ‘eventually they’ll be sampling the samples.’ When you spend time with musicians, your opinion will change to see and hear the talent of a person like Jeff Beck, the incredible Funk Brothers out of Motown, The Wrecking Crew, The Nashville A-Team, The Memphis Boys or how a Bacharach song like ‘l Say a Little Prayer’ where the time signature goes all over the place, from 4/4 to 10/4 and back, climbing to 11/4 on the chorus.
There are so many thousands of great musicians around the world. This is what makes music for me.
How has your musical taste changed from when you first started playing to your latest release?
I’ve become more aware of the power that a good musician brings to the table. In years to come, we will remember the people that were creative.
Speaking about David Bowie, you mentioned that ‘His lyrics haven’t always had a message, but they have always had a meaning and a feeling.’ Is this the same for you, and if so, how do you convey this meaning and feeling?
Some of his best songs (Bowie, as well as many others) for me, have the most powerful lyrics to them, but also some of his great ones are completely based on feel. If the words in music just sound right, it doesn’t always mean they make sense. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
The album, produced by the wonderful Chris Potter (The Verve, Richard Ashcroft, The Rolling Stones), will be released in the new year along with some live shows…and back in the studio in May for a follow up.
In partnership with Blinding Talent
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