Who Makes The UK-CMA Work?
With a background in music and AV technology Geoff is the UK-CMA's Director of Technology, looking after the organisation's IT (including this website...). He also oversees the technical side of our Academy education.
But how did he get here?
What spurred your involvement in the UK-CMA?
When I joined the country community as an artist, some seven or eight years ago now, it was joyful to see just how friendly it was, and how much passion the people in the scene had! I was also blown away by the talent and personal drive on display. That said, there didn’t seem to be much in the way of active representation for the scene as a whole, especially in promoting the music of UK artists to a wider audience. There were, and still are, plenty of superb gigs and festivals, and there’s also a whole host of great online radio shows. However, there didn't seem to be an organisation that represented the whole scene, actively giving it a louder voice in wider circles and helping artists become the best they can be.
In the last couple of years, country music has gained a wider popularity in the UK, that’s no secret. However, so much attention is given to US artists that the music of UK artists is often buried. It honestly feels like the community of UK artists are treated like second-class citizens by some. With so much talent in UK country we simply cannot let that continue. I felt we needed to do something to help UK country music put its best feet (with or without boots…) forward. For the above reasons, and a few others, when I was asked to contribute to the birth of the UK-CMA, I jumped at the chance.
What was your first gig, country or otherwise?
I suppose the first ‘proper’ gig I attended was a mini festival at Milton Keynes Bowl with some school friends. It was in 1986 I think, a boiling hot day and the headline act was Simple Minds. Also on the bill were The Cult, The Bangles and The Water Boys. It was quite an adventure!
Who is your favourite US country act, past or present?
Come on, that’s not a fair question! As a minimum I’d have to mention a few: Nanci Griffith for storytelling, Patsy Cline for the sheer depth of her voice and Ashley McBryde for being a complete inspiration. And that’s just the ladies! Seriously though, it would need to be a long list.
Away from country music, what are your other passions and interests?
Well for starters I love airplanes. I always wanted to be a pilot, but it wasn’t to be. Victoria and I are fortunate to live close to IWM Duxford and that holds a lot of childhood memories for me. We’re still regular visitors. Music is the biggest part of my life, though, I come from a musical family and got into performing and recording in my early teens. It’s a passion that runs through my veins and always will.
Have you had a fun encounter with a country music star?
I met Nanci Griffith backstage at the Cambridge Folk Festival once. I said a sort of ‘hello’ and she smiled and was very sweet. By contrast, on our first trip to Nashville, we nearly bumped right into Chris Stapleton coming out of a venue. No chance to say hello that time though, too many bouncers!
Which country song gets you through the day?
Right now, it might be ‘Cover Me Up’ by Jason Isbell or ‘One Horse Town’ by Blackberry Smoke. When inspiration is badly needed it’s ‘A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega’ by Ashley McBryde or ‘Free’ by Zac Brown Band.
What is one thing that, in your view, the UK country music community should be aware of?
Our time is coming! If, as an artist, you get frustrated when you see US acts selling out big venues, while UK acts struggle to put twenty people in a small room, just remember: every dog has its day. When the whole world went mad for Bill Hailey, Chuck Berry and Elvis, rock‘n’roll was seen as just an American thing. But what came next? The Beatles and The Stones…
