George Ezra & Friends artwork

George Ezra & Friends

31 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 832 ratings

Had it not been for the introduction of podcasts into my life, my second album could well have been ready six months sooner. Who knows, maybe even seven. The world of podcasts has been an extremely welcome and comforting distraction from reality. Listening to interesting people talk to other interesting people about interesting things. New ideas, old ideas, thinkers and dreamers.

A lot of the shows I enjoy are comedians talking to other comedians, candid accounts of their experiences in the industry they work in. I find them inspiring and often relieving. To hear entertainers, talk so openly about the highs and the lows of performance feels like something that hasn’t really happened before and, personally, as a performer, it’s something that really helps me.

I began looking for musical equivalents: honest, long form conversations between two musicians, the unquestionable highs of creating and performing, alongside honesty regarding things they have struggled with along the way. At the time of digging, nothing jumped out at me. I sat on the idea for some time before finally plucking up the courage to try and do it myself and went out and purchased the gear necessary for me to travel and record at the drop of a hat.

So far it has been better than I could have ever imagined. I travel to my guests wherever they may be and it is just the two of us in the room. After the initial ten minutes of chat we both loosen up and start to share stories and experiences from our time on the road.

What started as a labour of love and somewhat of a passion project is shaping up to be one of the best and fulfilling projects I’ve ever been a part of. I hope you find it as interesting and fun to listen to, as it was to make.

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Episodes

Special Compilation #3: Legendary Tales

December 17, 2020 02:30 - 1 hour

For our final special compilation episode, we hear legendary tales from the likes of Emily Eavis, Sir Tom Jones, Sigrid, Niall Horan and more. I hope you’ve enjoyed a little look back at some of our favourite clips from the first 2 series of George Ezra & Friends. I’ll see you back here next year for some brand new episodes. I hope you’re well, look after yourselves and each other. This podcast was edited by Natalie Jamieson. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you ...

Special Compilation #2: On Songwriting

December 10, 2020 02:30 - 58 minutes

This week, we look back at some of our previous guest’s stories of songwriting. Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Nile Rodgers, Jessie Ware and more tell us about how some of their biggest songs came to be. This podcast was edited by Natalie Jamieson. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you to the teams at Closer Artists and 4th Floor Creative. And of course, thank YOU for downloading. See you next week for the third and final special compilation; legendary tales. Learn more a...

Special Compilation #1: Starting Out

December 03, 2020 02:30 - 1 hour

For the first of three special compilation episodes of George Ezra & Friends, we look back at our favourite stories from our previous guests about their start in the music industry. You’ll hear stories from legendary musicians such as Elton John, Lily Allen, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Lewis Capaldi and many more. This podcast was edited by Natalie Jamieson. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you to the teams at Closer Artists and 4th Floor Creative. And of course,...

Introducing: Phone A Friend with George Ezra & Ollie MN

April 06, 2020 01:30 - 10 minutes

This is an intro to a new podcast series from George & Ollie MN. Search 'Phone A Friend' to subscribe... When George and long-time friend Ollie MN both experienced issues with mental health, they found comfort in opening up to one another about what they were going through. Phone A Friend is a podcast that captures their candid and light-hearted chats, with the intention of encouraging the listener to start conversations of their own. In each episode, George and Ollie work their way through a...

024. Shania Twain

January 01, 2020 01:00 - 1 hour

For our special New Years episode George sits down with the one and only Shania Twain. Shania needs no introduction but as a recap she has 3 DIAMOND selling albums and 'Come On Over' is the 11th biggest selling album of all time. George and Shania discuss her early life in Canada, performing live as a child in rowdy bars, her musical influences, her incomparable successes and her current musical projects. This podcast was edited by Liam Thorne. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin G...

023. Lewis Capaldi

December 24, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour

For our special Christmas 2019 episode we have the artist of the year, Mr Lewis Capaldi. The “Scottish Beyoncé” has had an incredible year, including his debut album hitting #1 in the UK, his huge single ‘Someone You Loved’ hitting #1 in the UK and the US, countless tours and festival appearances including Glastonbury and TRSMT. Lewis tells George about how he fell in love with singing when he was 9 years old, they discuss studying music at college, how Lewis got his start in the industry, hi...

022. Sir Tom Jones

February 11, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour

This week George chats with the living legend, Sir Tom Jones. He is one of the few musical artists whose profession began at the dawn of modern popular music and continues to have a vital recording & performing career to this day. Sir Tom has garnered at the age of 78, the best reviews of his career for his most recent albums Long Lost Suitcase, Spirit In The Room and Praise & Blame. Sir Tom has always been about the power of the song, the power of the voice. This podcast was edited by Warren...

021. Kurt Vile

February 04, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour

This week George records with one of rock’s most captivating frontmen, guitarists, and songwriters, Kurt Vile. Travel can inspire in surprising ways and Kurt discovered as much making his new record, the eclectic and electrifying 'Bottle It In'. These songs show an artist and songwriter who can make you laugh and break your heart, often in the same line. George & Kurt talk about this new record, his journey through music and life growing up. This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animati...

020. Emily Eavis

January 28, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour

This week George sits down with Emily Eavis, co-organiser of the world famous Glastonbury Festival. She grew up on Worthy Farm, where the Festival takes place each year, and from her teenage years onwards has played a vital role in every part of the organisation, booking artists across the main stages, coordinating the many different areas and making the magic happen for nearly 200,000 people on site, as well as millions watching live on the BBC. Passionately committed to Glastonbury’s charit...

019. Leif Vollebekk

January 21, 2019 07:00 - 52 minutes

Whilst touring in Canada, George sent a spur of the moment request to Leif Vollebekk to see if he'd like to record an episode of Ezra & Friends. Two hours later and they are backstage talking all things music. Leif Vollebekk is a Canadian indie folk singer-songwriter, whose 2017 album Twin Solitude was a shortlisted finalist for the 2017 Polaris Music Prize and the 2018 Juno Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year. This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are t...

018. Nile Rodgers

January 14, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour

Among music legends, Nile Rodgers is truly exceptional. He amplifies his legacy as a multiple GRAMMY-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist by constantly traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music. His work in the CHIC Organization and his productions for artists like David Bowie, Diana Ross, and Madonna have sold over 500 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk,...

017. Olly Alexander, Years & Years

December 17, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour

Olly Alexander is the lead vocalist in the chart topping band Years & Years and a vocal role model for the LGBTQ+ community. This week George invites Olly over to his house for an in depth chat about all things Years & Years. This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team. Thanks to Olly for chatting with George. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and supporting this podcast. Learn more...

016. Sigrid

December 10, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour

Whilst on tour George met with BBC Sound Poll 2018 winner Sigrid. They talk about her roots in Norway, starting out young, how 'Don't Kill My Vibe' changed her trajectory over night and the energetic pop performances she's well known for. This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team. Thanks to Sigrid for chatting with George. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and supporting this podc...

015. Laurie Vincent, Slaves

December 03, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour

Laurie Vincent is a guitarist, artist and one half of, acclaimed Punk duo, Slaves. On the Podcast this week he sits down with George to talk about growing up in Kent, putting the band together and their early days playing the UK pub circuit. This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team. Thanks to Laurie Vincent for chatting with George. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and supportin...

014. Ellie Goulding

November 26, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour

This week George sits down with Brit award winning & grammy nominated Ellie Goulding. They talk about starting out in the industry, being on the move, what it takes to make it, the importance of charitable work and all the ramblings in-between. This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team. Thanks to Ellie Goulding for having George. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and supporting th...

013. Niall Horan

November 19, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour

This week George talks candidly with Niall Horan of One Direction fame, about his life in music, all things 1D, his experiences performing solo for the first time and the artist that inspired him to pick up a guitar. This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team. Thanks to Niall Horan for having George. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and supporting this podcast. Learn more about yo...

Season 2 Introduction

November 12, 2018 07:00 - 12 minutes

George Ezra is back with season 2 of his podcast 'George Ezra & Friends'. The first episode will launch on Nov 19th with the brilliant Niall Horan from One Direction. This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and supporting this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thank You

May 21, 2018 15:34 - 7 minutes

That's it for series one! I can’t say too much about series two, not because I’m being mysterious but because I know nothing about it... Other than the fact that I am talking to a whole load of potential future guests! Thank you so much to all of you that have listened to the show each week. Keep on smiling gang. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

012. Elton John

May 07, 2018 03:00 - 1 hour

"BEING ELTON WAS LIKE BEING SUPERMAN"… George talks with British Grammy-winning legend and flamboyant superstar Sir Elton John. This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. Thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team for their help. Thanks to Elton John for meeting with George. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and supporting this podcast. See you next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

011. Lily Allen

April 30, 2018 03:00 - 58 minutes

'MUSIC WAS THE FIRST TIME I REALISED I LIKED SOMETHING'... This week’s episode is potentially my favourite to date. I sat down with Lily Allen, and what an insightful and interesting conversation we had! Loved it. Stick it on and let me know what you think! This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. A big thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team for their help. Thanks to Lily Allen for meeting with me. And of course, thank YOU f...

010. Sam Smith

April 23, 2018 03:00 - 58 minutes

'IGNORE ALL THE FAKE AND JUST DEAL WITH THE REAL'... What a pleasure it was to chat to Sam Smith, you're going to absolutely love this one!! This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. A big thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team for their help. Thanks to Sam Smith for meeting with me. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and supporting this podcast. See you next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices....

009. Justin Young, The Vaccines

April 16, 2018 03:00 - 1 hour

JUSTIN YOUNG, THE VACCINES We're back and this week I bring you some ear candy with the help of Justin Young from the incredible The Vaccines. Make yourself a cuppa and listen in. As always thank you for meeting me here each week! This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. A big thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team for their help. Thanks to Justin Young for meeting with me. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and suppor...

008. Jessie Ware

April 02, 2018 03:00 - 56 minutes

'THERE'S THAT MAGIC THAT IS COMPLETELY ADDICTIVE AND ACTUALLY QUITE HARD TO GET'... This week's podcast is with the wonderful Jessie Ware and what a treat it was to chat with her. Little secret for you - I appeared on her podcast 'Table Manners' too. Practically related now. As always thank you for meeting me here each week! This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. A big thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team for their help....

007. Declan McKenna

March 26, 2018 03:00 - 45 minutes

'I WANTED TO EXPRESS HOW I FELT ABOUT THE WORLD'... MY MAN Declan McKenna is the next guest on George Ezra & Friends, available for you to listen to now! As always thank you for meeting me here each week. I hope you’re well! This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. A big thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team for their help. Thanks to Declan McKenna for meeting with me. And of course, thank YOU for downloading and supporting...

006. Giles Martin

March 19, 2018 03:00 - 52 minutes

'I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GET FIRED'... Episode 6 is here, and our special guest is an incredible record producer by the name of Giles Martin! You don't want to miss this one. As always thank you for meeting me here each week. I hope you’re well! This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animations and visuals are thanks to Oisin Griffin. A big thank you to Josh Sanger and the Closer Artists team for their help. Thanks to Giles Martin for meeting with me. And of course, thank YOU for downlo...

005. Ben Thatcher, Royal Blood

March 12, 2018 04:00 - 43 minutes

'HAVE FUN & SEE WHAT HAPPENS'... Drummer of Royal Blood and all round nice guy, Ben Thatcher and I first met when we were both fresh faced babies on the scene, I can only have been round 18 and ever since Ben is always a face that I look forward to seeing. We met up at the hotel that Ben was staying in whilst the band played three sold out shows at London's Alexandra Palace. We spoke about the normal things, you know? Setting fire to gongs on stage and swimming pools in recording studios… It ...

004. Craig David

March 05, 2018 04:00 - 48 minutes

'LIVE IN THE MOMENT'... From Southampton to Miami, where do you start when talking to Craig David!? All I can say is that if you’re in need of a boost of positive energy then sit back and stick this episode on. This man has seen it all and has come out the other side still smiling. It was an absolute pleasure to talk with Craig (If you’re reading this then a huge thank you to you, sir!). I think you’re going to love this episode guys, enjoy! This podcast was edited by Warren Borg. The animati...

003. Hannah Reid, London Grammar

February 26, 2018 04:00 - 36 minutes

'WHAT MAKES THE PERFECT STORM?'... One night Hannah very kindly popped round to my place and we recorded this conversation. We talked about the whirlwind experience of London Grammar’s first record and the effect this had on the band. At one point Hannah used the phrase ‘the perfect storm’ and it really stuck with me. This is an unpredictable industry and there’s nothing quite like two and half years of world touring to test you. A calm and insightful look into the highs and lows of music and...

002. Rag'n'Bone Man

February 19, 2018 04:00 - 44 minutes

'IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T DO IT'... Rory aka ‘Rag’n’Bone Man’ met me at his hotel in Glasgow the day after night one of two sold out shows in the cities O2 Academy. We sat down to talk about the whirlwind couple of years that Rory has found himself in the centre of along with everything that comes with having a hit record. Nearing the end of our time together Rory touched on how much he loves doing what he does and how he can’t get his head around why you wouldn’t. “If you don’t like it, d...

001. Ed Sheeran

February 12, 2018 07:00 - 43 minutes

'TALENT ONLY GETS YOU SO FAR'... Ed Sheeran invited me in to his home and we spoke for hours. We spoke about Ed’s introduction to the music industry and how talent only gets you so far because without a dedicated work ethic, nothing will work. Nearer the end of our conversation we also talk about what Ed wants to do with his time moving forward. Future projects and plans. It’s not every day that you get an insight in to the life of one of the most successful artists in the world. I hope you e...

Introduction

February 08, 2018 13:12 - 7 minutes

WHY DOES THIS PODCAST EXIST? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices