Greg Pearson chases his dream

Greg Pearson is a Dubai-based singer and songwriter who quit his job as a window cleaner back home in Edinburgh, Scotland to follow his dreams - music. Four years on, and he's releasing his second single, A Heart of A Lion, today. The track has been mixed and mastered by celebrity producer David Whitmey, who has worked with the likes of Mika, The Sugababes and The Wanted. We speak to Pearson to know more:

Tell us a bit about how your journey into music began?
It (music) was a big risk as you don't know if you're going to make a living from it, at least for a few years. But I had a passion for music since school. I taught myself how to play the drums and guitar and after joining a couple of reputable bands back in Edinburgh, I got an offer to sing on a cruise ship starting in California in 2014. It was from there my journey as a solo artist really began.

Who is your idol and who would you say your music is similar to?
Paolo Nutini. He is a Scottish artist who is around the same age as me. I'm drawn towards his work and would probably say my music is most definitely influenced by him. My music and lyrics have garnered comparisons with Brandon Flowers, Justin Bieber and Caleb Followill in Scotland. But I will let you make your own decision on that!

Why did you come to Dubai?
Dubai is a land of opportunities. I came here with my fiancé as she had a work contract here. Little did I know at that time, how many hotels and venues would welcome new talent. Dubai has given me the space to develop my craft and earn a living from it at the same time. 'Dubai Music' is a new platform for emerging unsigned musicians and I was lucky enough to be chosen to work with them this year to develop some music videos. I am really thankful for that. The only thing I would like to see for artists in the region is to have a royalty system for their music which is played on media platforms such as radio, concerts and on TV. This will protect artists and their music from copyright or illegal usage.

What is your latest single about and how can we download it?
Heart of a Lion was inspired when I was performing on a cruise ship in California and was away from the people who are close to my heart for an extensive period of time. It really brought it home as to how you have to stay strong not just for you, but for the people you love when you are away from them knowing that you will meet them again soon. It's about surviving. The single will be available for download on Spotify in Europe and Anghami in the UAE and iTunes worldwide.

What sets you apart from other artists?
As I write my own songs, my music is completely original. But I am colour blind, so unlike most artists, I cannot choose the colour combination of my outfits, it's best left to my fiancé.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?
I do a lot of shows whereby clients want me to play chart music, and to play unknown songs can be risky. It would be nice to have some space in my regular sets to be more creative. I do believe most people want to hear something new anyhow!

What are your bigger dreams?
I am looking to release an album in the near future, after my next single and a live EP that will be coming out by the end of the year. The main thing for me is to take time over my music and give my audience quality. It would also be great to do a collaboration with local artists in the region. I like the work of Danny Aridi who has a similar style to me. You can always learn more from working with other talents.

Any advice for those wanting to try a new career path?
As much as I have loved all the things that I have done in the last 4 years over washing windows, I would never advise anyone to just drop what they are doing and try something else without knowing that there would be sacrifices that they would have to make. For example, I had to be away from my family for numerous Christmases, cancel New Year's celebrations with friends for my music. But I am lucky enough to have a supportive family. Maybe it's not the same for others. Follow your dream, but don't expect it to be easy!
The nicest comments Greg Pearson received for his music:
1. The 25-year-old multi-instrumentalist has created a tune that would sit nicely next to Justin Bieber or The Weeknd. -  Daily Record.
2. These Walls would fit comfortably on any daytime radio playlist, and if there's any justice, that is where it will end up. - Scotland On Sunday.
crystal@khaleejtimes.com