Sharky - Up Till Now (LP)
Sharky (AKA Georgia Mason) merges historic releases with previously unheard versions on her ‘Up Till Now’ LP, including an edit of “Tenerife 2”. The release follows Sharky’s debut album “People Are Strange” and subsequent remixes from Donsurf and El Payo, which received support from the likes of Lauren Laverne, Sian Eleri (BBC Radio 1), Jamz Supernova (BBC 1Xtra), Don Letts (BBC 6Music), Jess Iszatt (BBC Radio London), Anne Litt and Scott Dallavo (KCRW), Jyoty (Rinse FM), NME Magazine, Clash Magazine, Fusicology, Stereofox, NTS and Soho Radio.
The focus track, “Tenerife 2” is producer/husband Todd Speakman's tweaked version of the acclaimed “Tenerife”. This disco-era reimagining breathes new life into the song, boasting a revamped drum kit and arrangement. The result is a harmonious fusion of nostalgia and modernity, where the synth-heavy, 80s influences meld effortlessly with avant-soul vocals. This retrospective sound serves as a poignant backdrop whilst Sharky reminisces and recalls memories that shaped her perspective of her Mum.
‘Up Till Now’ serves as an anthology, combining a carefully curated selection from Sharky's musical journey, including previously unreleased instrumentals. The LP opens with full-of-attitude “Hawaii”, born from a collaborative session with the dynamic producer-artist duo Speakman Sound (Todd and Guy Speakman) and Jon Moody (of Franc Moody), inspired by The Parliament's Funkadelic set at Glastonbury. “Hawaii”was first released in 2018, alongside jazzy alt-pop single “Bold As Brass”, recognised by Okayplayer for possessing "a range and power that few can hold a candle to".“Fruit”, “Touch”, “Two Armies” and “Romanian Moths” are taken from Sharky’s Fruit EP (2019), originally out on ETLW Records. The genre-bending melodies, bubbling beats and otherworldly vocals are reminiscent of Minnie Riperton and NAO, with sonic influences from PJ Harvey and Stevie Nicks. The funky “Cause and Effect”, radiates with silky smooth"sass". This track is a jubilant celebration of the confidence Georgia finds in being a woman. The dynamic energy persists with the punchy builder "He Burned Down the City". Delivering a powerful vocal performance that aligns with its hard-hitting, tribal rhythms.
Collaborating again with Speakman Sound, who combine UK bass music with atmospheric sounds and deeply infectious rhythms, Sharky released “Shade”, “Love and Ownership”, “Morning Glory” and “Story Telling” as part of the ‘Love and Ownership’ EP (2020). Georgia elaborates, “I set out to continue exploring the sonic landscape of the Fruit EP and wanted to further explore the childhood influences such as Janet Jackson and Cyndy Lauper”. These tracks are part of 'Up Till Now', among the 16 featured selections that encapsulate Sharky's musical journey leading up to her latest album, 'People are Strange’.
‘People Are Strange’, her debut album, celebrates Georgia’s ability as a lyricist to reflect on personal and poignant themes with a sense of humour and openness. Sharky’s catalogue has garnered support from key players, from Annie Mac to Gilles Peterson and BBC Radio 4, where she was invited to perform on Loose Ends. Continuing to strengthen her list of supporters, Sharky performed as part of a televised Speakman Sound set on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury 2017. She has since gone on to play at the Jazz Café and support Jordan Mackampa on his sold-out 2021 tour.
With her grandad a paratrooper in the army, Sharky’s family settled in Aldershot, a military town in Hampshire. Growing up close to her grandparents, Sharky would listen to her Nan – Joan – singing around the house, “She’s got such a gorgeous voice - really old school”. Georgia began to craft the uniqueSharky sound taking inspiration from Joan’s high soprano tones.
After a spell of writing as ‘Georgia Mason’, Sharky began to feel disillusioned with the music industry and decided to move to London. Spending her days selling burgers, she would head down to the Southbank in the evenings to busk; taking the opportunity to experiment with songwriting using just her voice and an autoharp. Making music this way unlocked a new type of creative freedom for Sharky. As Georgia's sound grew, she started to collaborate with other artists including Speakman Sound, Franc Moody and LONO. Steering the ship alongside Sharky was producer Todd Speakman, with the duo’s relationship developing into a strong bond, both musically and privately – “If Sharky is a shark, Todd is at least one fin,” Sharky adds.