Gorran
Following up his single “Hush”, English singer/songwriter/producer Gorran released his latest single “I Don’t Love You Anymore” on September 20th.
The self-written/produced single paints a poignant and emotional record showcasing Gorran’s personal story.
“I was finding it incredibly difficult to express exactly what I was trying to say lyrically in those last few weeks of being with her - it was only once we ended the relationship that I found I was able to completely let go and properly finish the song. It really helped me come to terms with how I was feeling, and how I had been feeling for quite a while,” explains Gorran.
As the London-based artist is getting ready to release his new single “Roses” on November 8th, you can catch Gorran perform at the Wild Paths Festival in Norwich on November 18th. Click here to purchase your tickets.
“I Don’t Love You Anymore” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Cocoa Laney
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
Hey, my name is Gorran, and I’m an artist from east London.
What's your story?
I’ve naturally enjoyed singing all my life. I’d sing constantly as a kid; around the house, at school, walking down the street - literally everywhere. The local shopkeeper would call me ‘the singing boy’. This love of singing developed throughout my childhood, and I ended up getting into acting for quite a few years when I was a teenager. This is really what got me comfortable on stage, and set me up for what I’m doing now. I decided to audition for The BRIT School for college to study music, as I realised how music and singing had always been in my blood, and felt like the most natural thing for me to go into. I was obsessed with music. Since starting at BRIT, I have gradually developed into the artist I am today.
How would you describe yourself today?
These days, I’m feeling really self-assured and honestly just happy. The drive to succeed is still very much there - I’m a bit of a workaholic. I’m only allowing myself to be surrounded by people who love me for who I am, and people who push me to move forward. I feel like I’m on the right path in life currently.
What did you grow up listening to?
As a kid, I would hear my parents playing music constantly at home. It would range from classical music, to pop, punk, and a bit of everything in between - I remember hearing Bowie, The Beatles, Queen, Motorhead, Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie Sioux, The Sex Pistols and so many more. I think hearing so much music at such a young age meant I processed a lot of information that I’ve ended up subconsciously bringing with me through life, and I think this information comes in handy when writing my own music. The structure and emotion of a song can often be traced back to music you used to listen to I think.
Growing up, what were your favourite records to sing along to?
When I was about 9 or 10 I first started listening to and following the charts. One of the first songs I remember hearing on a chart show was ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ by The Script. That song started my obsession with pop writing really.
What did your time at the BRIT School teach you as an artist?
BRIT mainly taught me that the music business is very much a people business - it’s all about who’s around you. It’s important to make sure you’re surrounded by people who push you to be your best, and vice versa. I made some great friends at BRIT, my guitarist Antonio being one of them.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
It’d be rude of me not to say my mum and dad. They have always been ridiculously supportive of all of my goals, and continue to be. I love them loads.
You recently released your new single "I Don't Love You Anymore" - what's the story behind this song?
The song is about the time that I realised I no longer was in love the person I was in a relationship with. It was time for me to let go. Although obviously very sad at it’s core, the song also evokes a deep sense of relief, as it was the moment I made the decision to choose my happiness over trying to keep the relationship alive - enough was enough, and it was time to move on.
When did you start writing this song? Could you describe us the songwriting process?
I started writing the song around a month before my relationship actually ended. I’d been feeling defeated and unhappy for some time by that point, and I think subconsciously the song was telling me that something was very wrong. It was only after we broke up that I felt I could properly finish the song, as I had been holding lyrics back whilst still in the relationship. Once I had let go, I felt free to let my true emotions out in the song.
What did you feel when writing this song?
I felt incredibly sad. The whole writing process was happening during a period of time when my heart felt genuinely broken. Around the end of the writing process though, around 2 months after the breakup, I felt a great sense of relief that I had got out of something that was making me so unhappy.
You self-produced the single - what was the inspiration behind it? Could you describe us the production process?
The production only really consisted of piano at first. I was definitely keen to keep it as simple as possible, only adding elements that would compliment the original piano arrangement. I added a very simple sub bass on the chorus, which subtly lifted the track sonically at that point. The synthesised voice that runs in the background for the duration of the track just fit so perfectly. I felt there was real emotion and grit within the sound that completely suited the vibe of the song and the message I was putting across.
What does singing make you feel?
I sing every day of my life, as it brings such great joy into my life. Without it, my life would be far less colourful.
What do you like the most about creating your own music?
I love the fact I can create my own little worlds with each song I write. I definitely see certain colours when writing, depending on the song. This is why each release of mine so far has had a main colour in the artwork - ‘Easy For You’ with the sky blue, ‘Hush’ with the midnight blue, and ‘I Don’t Love You Anymore’ with the colourless vibe. My next single, ‘Roses’, which is coming out on November 8th, will feature a deep, blood red cover.
Production wise, where do you get your inspiration from? Any favourite producers?
Just like with songwriting, I love the fact I can make my own little worlds with each production. I love Lauv’s production - how sparse it is and the warmth he creates. I’m also a massive fan of everything Louis Bell is doing at the moment.
As an artist, what are the biggest challenges?
I think the biggest challenge is staying inspired enough to write great songs as often as possible, and establishing a healthy balance between working and resting. It’s okay to give yourself a mental break from writing every once in a while, as it can be very emotionally draining. I definitely go through periods of overworking, and I shouldn’t let it get to that point.
What do you want to accomplish as a human being?
I want to make a real impact with my music, surround myself with people who make me genuinely happy, and one day I want to start a family grow old with the one I love.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Peace, love and acceptance.
What biggest life lessons have you learnt so far?
To be as kind as I possibly can be to everybody, and to put my mental health and happiness first.
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