After delivering his incredibly well-received debut single 'Paperman' earlier this year, New York's self-described "anti-pop" artist Gurba has now returned to deliver his hotly-tipped follow-up cut 'Saw You There'.
Influenced by the 2000s British art-rock scene, the song blends dreamy electric guitars with lush synthesisers, and sits somewhere between 'In Rainbows' era Radiohead and The War On Drugs. With its pulsing production measured effortlessly alongside his own rich and soaring vocals, this newest offering looks set to see the frontman become a huge talking point in the months to come.
So with his new release currently doing the round, we thought that now would be a great time to sit him down and find out more about who he is and where his influences lie.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Definitely singing.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Haha it’s pretty basic, but The Beatles have always been my biggest inspiration.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I listened to a lot of alternative rock bands. My favourite was Arctic Monkeys, hands down.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
Probably 'Love Me Do' by The Beatles.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
I usually wake up with a song stuck in my head, so I tend to listen to whatever that is.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Hmm. I don’t really know. Growing up, I wrote a lot of songs about made up scenarios. Maybe a lyric would be about someone, but rarely. My main focus was crafting a good melody, and the meaning would come second. As I’ve gotten older, I can say that all my lyrics pull from situations with people I’ve known. I wouldn’t say my songs are necessarily about anyone. It’s really just centred around my perspective. I share what I’ve been through, and people will always be a part of that story.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
When I dropped my first single, ‘Paperman’. You only debut once.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I don’t really have many hobbies, music is all I do. When I’m not working, I love being with my friends. I do love playing chess though.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I really have no clue. I’ve never been able to imagine anything else.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?
There’s no pressure, just enjoy being creative.
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Gurba's new single 'Saw You There' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.