With the world of pop music getting more saturated as the days go by, it’s tougher than ever to stand out in a sea of artists. Greek-French vocalist George Perris is one of the few that’s making noise in the industry, as his latest single “How Many Does It Take” resonates with almost everyone.
Co-written by Perris, Eric Rosse (Sara Bareilles, Maroon5, Tori Amos, Idina Menzel) and Sasha Sloan (John Legend, Steve Aoki), “How Many Does It Take” shows the entrapment of addiction through the eyes of someone watching a loved one suffer from alcoholism. The track will be featured on the singer’s upcoming album Who I’m Meant To Be, which is also his second English album and the first he co-wrote.
George Perris also supports the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, a nonprofit educational organization which provides scholarships to deserving young people who have demonstrated integrity and determination in overcoming adversity. More information at www.horatioalger.org.
Celeb Secrets caught up with Perris to learn more about his upcoming music as well as his 2nd Public Television Special, “Live at the Acropolis,” which will be dropping this June. Take a full read at the Q&A below and give George a follow on Instagram at @georgeperris.
Celeb Secrets: Tell us about what your new single and video for “How Many Does It Take”
George Perris: “‘How Many Does It Take’ is the first single from my upcoming album which will be released in May! I co-wrote it with two amazing songwriters, Eric Rosse and Sasha Sloan and it’s a song about addiction. In the video of the song, which we filmed in my home country in Greece, we made a parallel between the ‘monster’ that is addiction and a dancer trapped inside this tight fabric, trying to break it and escape from it.”
Celeb Secrets: The single touches on addiction through the eyes of a loved one. What inspired the track?
George Perris: “I wrote the song one night, while I was watching someone I love destroying himself from drinking and I felt completely unable to help. So basically this song tells its story through the eyes of someone observing the person they love battle with addiction, alcoholism in particular. I don’t reveal who I wrote this song for, as I simply believe that it could be about anyone: father, mother, brother, sister, friend, partner, it doesn’t matter! It’s a struggle that hits so many families around the world.. I didn’t write it to judge anyone or to receive sympathy, quite the opposite, I wrote it as a proof of love and affection.”
Celeb Secrets: What can fans expect from your new album Who I’m Meant To Be?
George Perris: “Exactly what the title says. On this album, I decided to liberate myself from all the insecurities that had been weighing me down. I decided that it had to be completely from the heart, honest and pure, otherwise it wasn’t worth doing. So basically, I’m telling you everything: my life, my family and friends, my struggles at work, what troubles me in this world we’re in. It might not sound very original, but on the other hand, I think that in the era that we live in, where everything is calculated on algorithms and expectations, it’s actually quite a revolutionary thing to try to be yourself, honest open.
Celeb Secrets: How does it compare to your previous albums?
George Perris: “First of all, it’s the first album that I’ve co-written in its entirety, both lyrics and music. English not being my first language, it was quite difficult at times for me to find the right word for the right meaning. This album is also for me my declaration and vision for pop music and welcoming people into my musical home. Pop nowadays seems to be all about simplifying narratives and I wanted to give justice to being someone a bit more complex in the pop world; it is after all who I’m meant to be.”
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Celeb Secrets: This is the first album you co-wrote. What is your creative process like?
George Perris: “I think that music and songs can hit you at the most least expected moment. On a plane, while you’re driving, in your sleep while you’re walking in the street. I don’t have a specific creative process. I just take notes on my phone whenever an idea comes to me or something I want to say. It doesn’t have to rime, it doesn’t have to be a lyric. It could be just one word.”
Celeb Secrets: This June, your 2nd Public Television Special “Live at the Acropolis” will be aired on PBS stations across the USA and was filmed at the 2000-year-old Odeon of Herodes Atticus at the foot of the Acropolis. What was it like performing at such a historic venue?
George Perris: “This was a dream come true for me! This place is one of the most prestigious venues in the world, sitting right next to the Acropolis for more than 2000 years.. Some of the most iconic artists in the world have performed there, from classical to pop: Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Elton John, Diana Ross, Sting and the list goes on! I felt so lucky, so privileged to meet my audience that night.. The view was incredible and I could feel the energy from the stage, it was electricity going through every little fiber in my body. I will never forget that evening, ever.”
Celeb Secrets: “Live at the Acropolis” also features a performance with Tina Arena. What is your favorite part about collaborating with Tina?
George Perris: “Tina is a gem! She is Australia’s most iconic pop star and among others she sang at the opening of the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and the theme song from “The mask of Zorro” with Marc Anthony. Singing with her was an immense joy, I’m very honored that she accepted to be my guest in this special concert. I’m even more humbled by her generosity, kindness and friendship.”
Celeb Secrets: Where can fans follow you?
George Perris: “Mostly Facebook and Instagram! I have to admit, I’m not a great twitter fan! But I do reply to most of the messages I get!”
Celeb Secrets: Since we are Celeb Secrets, what’s a secret about you that your fans may not know?
George Perris: “I’m just a notch superstitious before shows, I always have my lucky charms: the first CD I ever bought in 1987 and a white rock from a beach in Greece that has the shape of a heart. Also, I’m the goofiest person on earth. My mom says: one movement, ten catastrophes follow!”
