John Galea – Don’t Wanna Die

By starrymag | August 11, 2023

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Singer/Songwriter Pop

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) There’s been so many artists who have influenced me over the years from Mariah Carey to the fantastic Bee Gees, etc. But also songwriters like Dianne Warren and Max Martin have made a massive impact on my music.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Don’t Wanna Die.”

A) “Don’t Wanna Die” was written about a toxic relationship I was once in and I couldn’t break free from. Most of my songs are written from personal experiences I’ve been through and this one of my most personal to be fair.

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

A) I guess it’s the theme of heartbreak and being in a turbulent relationship and overcoming that. We all have that burden we need to overcome I guess and that’s something we can all relate to.

Q) What was it about Ironik as an artist that made them the perfect feature for this track?

A) Ironik is such a great artist, and it was brilliant working with him on this track. I sent over the demo to him to see if could wanted to write on the third verse as I thought he would be brilliant on the track and what he did was so good. He took the song to the next level with his writing. He’s a special talent.

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

A) For the video we wanted to explore the Bi Visibility theme. As a proud member of the Bisexual Community, I wanted to not only share the story behind the song of heartache but also help the Bi Visibility cause. So, the idea of using Romeo & Juliet – the stereotypical straight storyline – was used and we changed it to have a LGBTQ+ theme. It was great fun to film as well and the actor who played Romeo, Shojon, was great.

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

A) l’m not sure I have one to be fair, but I know most of my song ideas start at piano and go on from there. It all depends on what I’m working on or who I am writing a song for. So, sometimes the hook comes first, other times the chords – it all depends on the situation.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I co-produce everything I have recorded. I love to work with other producers and writers who I can bounce off of. When it comes to producing, though, my attention for details does kick in a lot and I can’t leave a song until I’m one hundred percent happy with even the smallest of details be it mix or BV’s. I do love the recording process, especially recording Backing Vocals.

Q) You’ve had FIVE successful EP already. Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) So, “Don’t Wanna Die” is taken from my last EP I’m releasing called The Art of Collaboration, which as you guess is all tracks with other artists. But, yes, there is a debut album all ready to go. It’s just a matter of timing and where to release it, etc. So much goes into a release nowadays it’s so crazy!

Q) You’ve toured with the likes of McFly and Boyzlife. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) l do love performing for my home crowd in Norfolk. I played Norwich Pride in 2017, I think, and it was so amazing to not only be completely myself in my hometown but also be able to give back to the LGBTQ+ community. There’s nothing like hearing people sing back the words and melodies you’ve written.

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

A) l love working with Singer/Songwriters and soul singers and there’s a new song on the new EP with an amazing UK Soul singer Nate James that I got to work with. There’s so many singers and songwriters I would love to work with. I’d love to work with DarkChild again on a track or Max Martin, but we shall see.

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

A) I’m really loving Lady Blackbird’s voice and vibe at the moment. I can’t wait to hear what’s coming next there.

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

A) It is so important, more than I knew before I started to be honest. The more I used it the more instant reaction I got and that’s amazing to see what works and doesn’t from your fans directly. It really builds a close relationship that I really treasure. I really do love my fans and the support they have shown over the last ten years.

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

A) All I can say is thank you so much. Your love and dedication and support has meant so much and keeps me going. They truly are Trendsetters.