GEORGE EZRA

THE BRIT MUSO IS RELEASING HIS THIRD ALBUM AND HE ADMITS HE’S NERVOUS

The hitmaker who brought us earworms like ‘Budapest’ and ‘Shotgun’ is nally set to release his long-awaited third album Gold Rush Kid. But, he tells WHO via a Zoom call from his home just outside London, the stakes of putting new music out feel higher this time around.

“It’s strange because even through I’m now three albums and 10 years into this career, I’m kind of more aware of what there is to lose,” the 29-year-old says. “For me, it’s like, on your rst record [2014’s Wanted on Voyage] you’re kind of a chancer and it feels like ‘what will be, will be’ in terms of the album’s success. By the second record [2018’s Staying at Tamara’s], you’ve had a taste of success that you don’t want to lose and there’s an angst that comes with that.”

Now, though, despite the nerves that he says have been borne out of a pandemic-induced halt to playing live for a while, Ezra says he’s more philosophical about how Gold Rush Kid – which includes recent single ‘Anyone for You’ – will be received. “I think now I’ve kind of come full circle and can appreciate that I’m still here and that I’m not chancing it so much,” Ezra explains. “Although the album’s title does kind of re ect that everything that comes with success in the music industry can all disappear overnight too.”

Fortunately, that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon for this artist, who’s sold almost eight million albums worldwide.

In addition to the new album, Ezra has announced he’ll be touring Australia later this year. “I feel very at home in Australia,” he says. “I can’t wait to get back there.” (Gold Rush Kid is out June 10.

For tour info, go to secretsounds.com)

In addition to creating music, Ezra is also into the second series of his George Ezra & Friends podcast. Ezra says his third album is both euphoric and introspective at the same time. Lonsdale’s Andrew tries to get over his toxic ex, Nico, played by Marcus Rosner.