Blog
George Katsos
is a musician based in Alexandria, VA whose passion for music began at a young age watching neighbors perform and drawing inspiration from popular acts and music from the last century. George draws on his experiences to create his own music while rearranging classics to be both nostalgic and fresh. Get to know George here…Here we go!
Hi there, George here from Alexandria, VA. Originally hailing from Cambridge, MA, and the vibrant Boston music scene, I’ve been immersed in the world of music for many years. Although I took a hiatus from performing, I am now back in action and excited to share my journey and experiences with you.When did you start making music?
Learning and performing others’ music began for me in elementary school. Writing was inspired by the arrival of the band Boston on the music scene and knowing that Canned Heat’s lead singer grew up just a few houses away from me. The realization that performers lived close by inspired me to look beyond what I absorbed on television or on the radio. In junior high, a friend sold me his electric guitar (now gone) and a 5-watt amp (which still works!). With this equipment all my own, I slowly began to create an in-person experience. Later in the 1980s, I participated in the “last night jam” at the famous Cambridge Music Complex outside of Boston the night before it was demolished. Local bands and members from acts like Boston, Aerosmith, The Cars, Extreme, and The J. Geils Band had previously practiced there. This unique experience further piqued my interest in becoming a part of the music scene.Who inspired you to make music?
I remember sitting on the gym floor, watching a small country group perform with a guitar and a banjo. My cousin and his band also used to jam in his basement next door, and I just wanted to do what they were doing. My confidence in performing comes from my mom, who was a musician and, at times, a music director.How would you describe your music sound?
“Loungy” and proudly vintage. While this can present challenges when trying to book venues that prefer more powerful guitar strumming and vocals, I embrace it. A defining moment came to me during dinner at a large downtown DC restaurant where I heard a harpist playing and singing. I was so impressed that I knew exactly what I wanted to do—perform with controlled volume through fingerpicking and sing without damaging my voice (or the listeners’ ears) like I would in Boston clubs. This approach helped me maintain better finger on fret integrity when playing for 3-4 hours a night.Who are you listening to now?
I always enjoy listening to sea-going shanties and lately blues and country material from the 1930-1950s. Contemporary artists also pique my interest when they bring something from the past forward. For example, Taylor Swift is a very appealing multi-instrumentalist, but I paid more attention to her when I watched a video of her joining Tal Bachman on stage to sing “She’s So High.” Katy Perry is also a successful artist, but I was really impressed with her intensity when I saw her singing “Yesterday” live in front of Paul McCartney on TV. Lady Gaga stands out as an artist and performer with memorable presentation, comparable to Dale Bozzio in “Missing Persons.”What should we expect in the future?
I’m feeling really good about the EP5 singles coming out starting in the spring. The songs range from folk to rock to blues to country to a ballad.Last Greetings?
There are a lot of solid performers at listening rooms and open mics so go out and be surprised!George Katsos
Singer / Songwriter
Prepare to be spellbound by the magic my voice