By Elisa Zuckerberg, Founder of HearItThere
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
It has been four years since singer-songwriter George Mallas released his successful album unscathed. For the last several years Mallas has been busy writing new songs, participating and performing in a musical troupe called The Four Horsemen Songwriters, hosting a podcast entitled The Songwriters’ Block, while co-hosting a weekly Facebook Live show which showcases musicians each week.
In his bio, George describes the piano, his primary instrument, as a natural extension of who he is. His experiences in life, love and family have profoundly inspired his songs, his style, and his passion for playing.
George’s third LP, Let The Day Decide is due out on Sunday, June 26. The community and fans are invited to celebrate at Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, New York for a musical brunch.
George and I sat down to talk about his writing process, what inspires him and what music fans can expect from the new album, Let the Day Decide.
Elisa: George, congratulations on your new album! It’s been four years since you released unscathed (2018). I was very excited to listen to your new album and I’m sure your audience will be too!
I understand that you wrote and produced this album over the last couple of years. Did working on an album with COVID still rearing its ugly head pose any unusual challenges?
George: Unlike so many others I have spoken to, Covid was not a huge hindrance in this album. We brought musicians in when it was a safe situation. Also, in some cases, ie, we sent out tracks to musicians and they sent back their parts. This was true for Tony Aiello (sax on Shine and It’s Lost), Sara Milonovich (violin on History), and Annalyse McCoy (mandolin on Let the day Decide and Don’t Walk Away).
Elisa: Iconic artists including Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Cat Stevens are listed in your bio as your greatest musical influences. I’m often surprised to find when I listen to artists who list their influences, I can’t hear the influence except for the similar genre. In what way did these artists influence you? Lyrically or melodically?
George: When talking about my influences, I realize that I don’t necessarily write like them or sound like them. I would say that my piano playing was influenced by Joni Mitchell especially in her ‘For the Roses ‘ album. I remember as a kid picking up James Taylor’s ‘Sweet Baby James’ and Cat Stevens’ ‘Tea for the Tillerman’ and being so drunk with the idea of writing and possibly having something important to say.
Elisa: I’ve been lucky enough to preview your forthcoming album, Let The Day Decide. The songs from this album, “My Beliefs/The Prayer,” “Go and Behold” and in unscathed, “God and My Girlfriend” you either mention God or express your spirituality. Do you consider yourself a religious person?
George: I was raised Greek Orthodox and also went to Catholic School for 10 years. I am a believer and feel that I have been ‘given gifts’ from up above. I do believe that someone or something has looked down upon me and taken care of me over the years. In that regard, I’m happy to be able to give back in a small way with a few songs that reflect faith.
Elisa: The emotional intensity of your melodies and your earnest lyrics are very expressive and honest. You talk a lot about love and loss in all your albums. Although the melodic phrasing and expression are genuinely you, I understand that your long-time partner Melanie Berti wrote the lyrics for several songs on the new album. Can the listener assume many of the songs are autobiographical?
George: There are songs on all three of my albums that have a ‘someone” in mind. Small Reminders for instance was about a woman I was with for 8 years. Although that ended, that song is about things she taught me. I don’t know if she ever heard it but it was really a tribute to her and what she meant to me. On this album, Melanie wrote the lyrics to “History” which is very much autobiographical. She did a great job. I had the History line and a verse or two and knew where I wanted it to go, she did the rest. That one is very emotional.
Elisa: Tell us a little more the very talented guest musicians and vocalists on Let The Day Decide?
George: The Musicians: I’ll start with my producer David Powers. This is our second time doing an album together. David has a great ear and ideas for my songs. It’s collaborative in deciding what instruments to put on a song but I find it important to let him delve into that and make decisions. I don’t have a lot of the production skills. David is a drummer, guitarist, bass player and cellist. He does most of the music on the album. Tony Aiello plays sax and he is great. He’s played with the likes of Joe Jackson and Southside Johnny. We send him tracks and he sends us back 5-6 sax parts. Then we pick and choose what to use. Sara Milonovich who recently won the “Eddie indie artist of the year” is a great singers/songwriter and violinist. It was a no brainer to have her play on History. Sarah Browne sings on “History“. I knew when Melanie and I wrote that song that she was the voice to bring it to life. I had sung with her in the past and always wanted to include her. David Ray plays a lead guitar part on ‘Go and Behold.’ There aren’t many guitarists who I’ve seen who are better than David. Mike Latini lends his harmonica talents on “Chasing Rainbows.” I knew when I wrote this one that he would have a part on it. We brought Emma Kiara back in to sing backround vocals on Go and Behold. David created a choir with her and his vocals on this. I’d be remiss if I did not mention the artwork on the album. After writing Let the Day Decide, I had the idea for the cover art. Jules Rose is a great artist and they were asked to put my idea on paper. It turned out fantastic. Melanie put the packaging together for the album. David Ray of Missing Keys Music mastered the album.
Singer-songwriter Sarah Browne joins George Mallas on the song “History”
Elisa: I recently listened to your beautiful album unscathed and it seems to me that Let The Day Decide has more uptempo songs including “Shine” and “Chasing Rainbows,” as well as a positive energy expressed in the album’s title song “Let the Day Decide.” Unscathed felt more reflective and the the new album more hopeful, “I’ll try this all again for your love.” Were you in a different “head space” when writing this album?
George: I am reflective by nature. Melanie had a hand in on 9 of the 10 songs on this album. Some of the songs she wrote 90-100 %. Others were a verse or two, but most of the lyrics on here are hers. I rarely sit down to write with an idea or subject in mind. If this album does sound more hopeful, I would think it’s because I’m in a good place at this time in my life. I wanted more upbeat songs on this record whatever the subject matter is. I tend to write too many ballads so I am happy we have a few rockers on this one.
Elisa: You describe this this album is a mix of genres from pop rock, to singer/songwriter ballads. Who is your ideal listener?
George: My ideal listener is someone who wants to be touched by music. If you like background music, I’m not your guy. My listener is someone that will listen to the lyrics as much as the music. I want to make you feel something. If that means you’ll get a good cry in, so be it. Maybe you’ve had your heart broken, if so, I’m your man I guess.
Tickets for the Sunday, June 26 Let The Day Decide Album Release Party at Daryl’s House Club can be reserved HERE. FREE SHOW, BUT RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED!
To find out more information about how to purchase or listen to GEORGE MALLAS MUSIC:
GEORGE MALLAS WEBSITE: https://mallasmusic.com/music
BANDCAMP: https://georgemallas.bandcamp.com/album/let-the-day-decide
SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/search?q=George%20Mallas
APPLE MUSIC: (FULL ALBUM WILL BE RELEASED ON 6/26) – “History”
Album Art by Jules Zuckerberg Illustrator
Featured photo on HiT Page: John F. Kramer Photography
