Shelly Peiken – George & John

By starrymag | June 8, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) In general, I’d say I’m a pretty mainstream singer-songwriter — Carole King meets Carly Simon. But on this particular record (“George & John”) I’d say my sound is more…trippy? Yes. That would be the word. We purposely wanted it to sound like a Beatles record that could have been produced by George Martin in the 60s.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Not to be repetitive but…Beatles, Carly Simon, Carole King. [smile]

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “George & John.”

 

A) On a writing trip to London I told Phil Thornally, a fellow Beatles super fan, that I always wanted to write a song that was emotionally analogous between losing half of myself in a heartbreak and losing half of the Beatles. His eyes lit up. A couple of weeks after I returned home, I received an MP3. I didn’t want to press play because I couldn’t imagine that any piece of music would be good enough but, of course, I listened. And…it was perfect. Magical even. I didn’t take the headphones off until every word was written. No, not written. It was channeled. I really believe that.

 

Q) Why do these two members of The Beatles standout so much to you?

 

A) Because, sadly, they’re no longer with us.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that really resonates with listeners?

 

A) I’ve often said that a stand-out song is one that has a universal concept but is written with a unique point of view. I think there are millions of people like me, whose youth is intertwined with the Beatles, but no one ever equated the absence of half of them with the loss of half of themselves. And that makes the perspective fresh. I also think they probably dig Phil’s Beatle-iscious production.

 

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

 

A) The trippiness of the video pairs with the trippiness of the song.

 

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

 

A) When I’m co-writing, I do like some musical energy to get me started. But if I’m writing by myself it usually starts with an idea, a concept or a title and then I beeline for my guitar or piano.

 

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

 

A) It’s more like … the producer gets started and then I’ll tell them what I think. More this, less that. I admit I can drive them crazy, especially if they have a strong vision to which they’re attached. But most producers are open and interested in my point of view. There’s no right or wrong, you know. If you sleep on it sometimes you wake up and that other vision makes total sense. Sleep is good.

 

Q) Your album 2.0 etc comes out this Summer. What are some themes you will be exploring on it?

 

A) Self-identity, unrequited love as well as appreciation for the love I have.

 

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

 

A) Small clubs, living rooms, backyards and most recently (as a result of this ongoing global pandemic) right in front of my computer Livestreaming to the virtual world. If people tune in at a time when so many performers are taking it online I know they must connect to what I’ve been doing.

 

Q) You’ve written songs with a number of legendary musicians. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Oh boy. You know, I don’t necessarily think I’d write remarkable songs with my heroes. I’d probably be too nervous or self-conscious and that’s the last thing you want to be when you’re creating. I’m not sure there’s any way around it either. “Shelly, it’s only Paul McCartney, just stay on your game girl.” No. I don’t think so. I wouldn’t mind being holed up with some of my favorite collaborators —ones who have never disappointed me before — (Greg Wells, Wally Gagel). But the thing is there’s just not a lot of opportunity to pitch songs these days so most producers are reserving their time to work directly with signed artists who are actively making records. I also have to say, I’m enjoying working alone more than ever. This may be due to the current social isolation, but perhaps it will turn out to be a silver lining.

 

Q) Who are some artists on the rise that you think people should look out for?

 

A) Milck, well, she’s been rising for a while but I think she’ll keep going. Hamish Anderson… Plays Blues/Rock and has a great not “try-hard” voice… If he were more arrogant, he’d probably have gotten further by now. But he’s not. And that’s why we love him. It’s just a matter of a little more time.

 

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

 

A) The Strokes (Room On Fire). They are Tasty, edgy and they appeal to my inner teenager. Anything by Chihei Hatakeyama because he calms my turbulence. Yola (Walk Through Fire). She’s soulful, classic and not trying sound like EVERYBODY else.

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming songwriters?

 

A) Forget the algorithms. Lyrics matter. Make sure you want to do this even if you’ll never be able to quit your day job. (But there’s always a chance you will!)

 

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

 

A) If you’re savvy and target correctly you can find tons of people who relate to what you do. And that’s exactly what you want, right? Thus, the follow, the save, the stream, the tickets, the merch, the masterclass, etc.

 

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

 

A) It’s crowded out there. Thank you for making room for me.

 

 

Listen to “George & John”

https://cmg.ffm.to/spgj