George Birge – Mind on You

By starrymag | February 15, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound is Texas story telling with hint of rock and roll. I was raised on country music and fell in love with the story telling and the way a steel guitar makes you feel, but I also loved the energy of the smoky dive bar rock shows that Austin is famous for.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) George Strait is who I have always idolized. I’ve also taken a lot of influence from, Clay Walker, Brooks and Dunn and Jason Aldean.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Mind On You.”

 

A) When I wrote “Mind on You” I was at a pretty uncertain time in my life. I had just asked out of a record deal, I really didn’t have any idea of how to start over as an artist and I thought I may just write songs for other people. I knew the song was special when we finished and, because I didn’t really have an avenue to put it out myself, I ended up pitching it to Jason Aldean who put it on hold for his upcoming record. Thanks to a few lucky breaks, a few months later I got noticed by some big industry players in Nashville and was able to sign my dream record deal. That gave me the confidence to believe in myself enough to ask for the song back to release myself. It was definitely nerve racking to go to that team and ask for it back, but they were amazingly supportive and excited for me. I can’t wait to see where this song goes.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think we all have someone we can’t help but think about. I hope this song helps listeners put that into words.

 

Q) How did you connect with Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler and Colt Ford to pen the track?

 

A) Colt was one of the first artists to really believe in me in Nashville and had become a friend and mentor. Jaron and Michael are two of my favorite writers in town and we had recently had some success writing for Clay Walker and Tyler Farr. So, really it just felt natural to get some of my closest friends in the room together and, of course, there was instant chemistry.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) Our goal with the video was to bring this song to life, blurring the lines between daydreams and real life. We wanted it to be edgy, sexy and dark, just how it sounds coming out of the speakers. I can’t wait for fans to see it.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Really we are always chasing an idea, somewhere to start. Once we have a direction, inspiration or message we are off to the races, then it is all about finding hooks either lyrically or instrumentally that stick with you and make you feel something.

 

Q) Ash Bowers lent a hand with the production of “Mind on You,” but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) One of my favorite parts about working with Ash is he is more of a guide than a dictator. He really digs in and listens to artists vision and helps lead you to the best version of yourself. Ash is amazing at bringing out the best of everyone in the room but also being aware enough to step in and give feedback when needed. Easily my favorite producer I’ve ever worked with.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Very soon, and I can’t wait.

 

Q) You also recently rose to fame on TikTok with your single “Beer Beer, Truck Truck.” What is it about this song that you think made it go viral?

 

A) I think the collaborative journey of that song was the coolest part and really something that could only happen on TikTok. Candidly, I never thought I would use that app, but one night after writing with Clay Walker I had told him I wasn’t really sure what was next for me as an artist and that I was having trouble finding direction. He suggested I download TikTok and just post a couple of songs to see what happens. I was shocked at the response, and it ended up introducing me to a bigger fan base than I could have imagined.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Austin, Texas is my hometown and will always be one of my favorite places to play because it’s the city that raised me. The few times I’ve played the Opry have felt like a religious experience, and I always love rowdy summer festivals, there’s nothing like country fans.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Some of my favorite artists at the moment are Jon Pardi, Morgan Wade, Cole Swindell, Matt Stell and Laney Wilson.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I’ve been on a big Randy Travis kick lately, one of the purest voices to ever do it.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I think the best part of social media is that it pulls back the curtain and shows that we are all just normal people.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the fans that have come on this journey with me so far. It is no exaggeration to say they have changed my life and seeing people connect with and share my music in their own lives is one of the most gratifying things in the world for me.