Synth pop isn’t exactly an under-represented genre around these parts, so when an artist emerges who take the overdone style and make it sound totally fresh and new, we sure as hell pay attention. That’s exactly the case with Melbourne duo GL, comprised of producer Graeme Pogson and vocalist Ella Thompson (who you may have seen on tour with Mark Ronson earlier this year).
Fresh off the back of releasing their glittery new single Number One, their first new music since debut EP Love Hexagon, premiered back in February, the pair are now readying themselves for an official single launch in Melbourne next weekend. They’ve also just taken the stage at OutsideIn Festival in Sydney, and are set to perform at Meredith Music Festival in December.
We wanted to get to know them a little better, so we asked them what some of their favourite songs were. Enjoy!
My favourite track to wake up to is…
You Get The Best From Me (Say, Say, Say) by Alicia Myers. Its got an amazing slow vocal intro, then breaks into a groove that is the perfect start to any day.
My favourite song to sing in the shower is…
I’m more of a shower-percussionist. So here’s Aftershower Funk by Joe Bataan.
The best track for cooking is…
Sweet Sticky Thing by The Ohio Players. The whole Honey album for that matter.
The best track for spring cleaning is…
Don’t Mess Up This Good Thing by Janet Jackson. I had been sleeping on Janet’s first album, produced by Leon F Sylvers III and featuring the immaculate sound of Wardell Potts Jr.
The ultimate road trip track is…
Escape (The Pina Colada Song), only because it was on the radio as my friend and I drove into Vegas recently. For drum nerds: it’s 2 drummers playing together on this, apparently Steve Jordan and Jim Keltner which is a good combo.
My favourite love song is…
Leroy Hutson – I’m In Love With You Girl from the album Love Oh Love. Lots of love in that album.
The best track for sweet love makin’ is…
Intimite Connection by Kleeer. As long as you ignore the questionable lyric ‘I rub my fingers all over your face’ or, ‘I’ll be the key, you be the door’ :/
The track that always gets the party started is…
Well, recently it was Emotions by Mariah Carey, unfortunately it was the last song we played in our set.
My favourite drunken karaoke track is…
I know Ella’s is We Belong Together by Mariah Carey. I tend to watch at karaoke.
I can’t stop dancing when I hear….
Get It Right by Aretha Franklin. Yogi Horton can get anyone dancing.
The best track to wind down a crowd is…
Joy and Pain by Maze Ft Frankie Beverly. Simon TK once played this right after a GL set and it couldn’t have been a more perfect choice.
A song that always makes me cry is…
Etta James Only Time Will Tell – Etta’s delivery is always intense, but this one is extra heart-wrenching.
I love going to sleep listening to…..
Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Exodus album is very hypnotic and has a nice warm tone.