A Q&A with G4

20 years since X-Factor – and ready for an anniversary…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
20, so called because it’s to celebrate our 20th anniversary as a band since we appeared on the X Factor. We really are so humbled to think we are still going strong two decades on and have such a loyal fanbase that have stuck with us!

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
There are so many elements that need to come together at the end of the process, with a large number of people involved, so it is a logistical puzzle!

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
Two of us (Jon and Mike) are the Executive Producers. Our music really doesn’t conform and has the element of surprise, but no one could be more passionate than we are about what we do, so for us this is an absolute privilege!

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
A totally unique album, taking you on a contrasting and emotional journey and showcasing G4’s trademark harmonies and vocals ranging from heartbreakingly intimate to high-octane.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
It starts with brainstorming song ideas, listening to the radio and streaming music for inspiration, then trying things vocally, which naturally eliminates certain songs, and we end up with the best selection. Once we have a song, we create a full edit of the song and work out what we want accompaniment-wise and arrange the vocals and harmonies. This is then transcribed into orchestra parts and the recording process starts.

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
As singers, there are many artists who have been a huge inspiration to us both individually and as a group, however when it comes to songs on our album, we don’t like to be swayed by anyone as we want to be unique and not be compared to others.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
We would love to tour Asia, having already performed in South Korea, and would all love to perform at Sydney Opera House.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
It is difficult to choose one as every song is contrasting, and it’s the variety in the album that makes us unique. If you want to head back to our roots as a barbershop quartet, listen to ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ which is ‘a cappella’ just as we sang it 20 years ago. If you want to hear us take on the biggest song of last year turned on its head and sung in Italian, go for ‘I Fiori’ (Flowers).

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
We are looking to tour internationally next year, as this year we are focussing on the UK where it all started for us for our anniversary celebrations.

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Don’t judge an album by its cover!

For more information about G4 visit g4official.com, and follow them on Instagram