As a Junior in the Commercial Songwriting Department, George Wilson is over halfway done with his degree, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for him. We got the chance to ask George a few questions leading into this week’s Live & Lyrical Songwriter Showcase.
What is your background and music education? What brought you to DIME?
My background in music education before DIME was in my elementary, middle, and high-school’s music program. I played 4 years of trumpet and 1 year of baritone horn from 10 – 14. Those years helped me gain theory knowledge and train my ear — ultimately making it easier to learn guitar and bass when I picked it up at age 15.
I came to DIME at a recommendation from an old friend, around October of 2015. I had just finished by Associate’s Degree from Oakland Community College and was considering my options on my path from there. I had a deep realization that music made me the happiest, and I realized that I wanted to pursue a music career.
Who are some of your musical influences?
My current musical influences are Hiatus Kaiyote, Allen Stone, and some Stevie Wonder. I’ve also been getting into Jorja Smith lately.
What can we expect to see from you at the Live & Lyrical Showcase?
I plan to play some of my originals on acoustic guitar. “Bonafide” is the title of one of those songs. I just wrote “Bonafide” in the scheme of work for my Advanced Songwriting course.
How has your experience at DIME impacted your songwriting?
My time at DIME has given me context on songwriting, through the songs we analyze in the curriculum and the projects we take on in the weekly assignments. I have tried new approaches, leading to new songs I never would have written if not for being here.
You are currently working on a public blog about your songwriting process for a class here at DIME. What has it been like to explore your songwriting process in-depth? How has the project gone for you so far?
The process of examining my songwriting in-depth via my public blog has been very insightful. Everything feels magnified in the process, related to and outside of songwriting – and really, it’s all connected. Life that isn’t musical (at first) can be informing to the parts of my life that involve music, and vice-versa. I am glad I have had some time and space to examine myself. So far, I feel better for it. I would recommend it to any songwriter out there.
Do you have any upcoming shows or projects you’d like us to plug (other than the showcase)?
As far as shows and upcoming projects, I don’t have anything major on the books. I am currently working on my branding and writing — leading up to some eventual releases, hopefully.
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
After graduation, I aim to continue to fulfill my artistry, as an artist who writes and performs his own work. I really would like to spend time with the information I gathered, and make some plans according to my goals, creatively and business-wise. Goals include releasing music, performing, and having videos around my music.
What advice would you give to someone that’s considering studying at DIME Detroit?
If you are going to DIME, prepare to be challenged, but also to have fun. Be ready to soak up all that you can. Talk to everyone – you never know who’s out there. Importantly, beforehand, do inventory on your dreams, passions, and what you want for yourself. That will hopefully give you a guiding post and direction when you step into the program here – there are so many parts of the industry and having clear goals will prove beneficial.
Make sure to hear George perform “Bonafide” and catch other student, staff, and faculty performances at Live & Lyrical: A Songwriter Showcase on Friday, March 22. Doors at 7PM; free and open to the public.
Our next semester begins on August 19 2019. Start your application for a Bachelors program in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Songwriting or Music Industry Studies today!
No time to study for a full-time degree? Study individual classes for credit at DIME
If you’re interested in in finding out more about DIME Detroit, contact info@dime-detroit.com or check out the homepage: www.dime-detroit.com
