George Dare's entry into the music industry can only be described as serendipitous. His journey began not from a music conservatory but from an advertising background. After quitting his job at an ad agency, a visit to a friend at the Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach led him to an unexpected opportunity. He stumbled upon a notice that Eye Q Music was seeking a design intern. "I thought: if they’re looking for an intern, why not a seasoned designer?" George recalls. In a whirlwind weekend, he applied, was interviewed by Heinz Roth, and started working at Eye Q Music, finding himself at the heart of the burgeoning techno scene without even realizing it.
Embracing the Unfamiliar: Learning from Legends
Despite his deep-rooted love for Hip-Hop, George found himself surrounded by the pioneers of techno at Eye Q Music. Here, he crossed paths with industry icons like Sven Väth, Matthias Hoffman, and countless other influential artists who frequented the label. This environment taught George an invaluable lesson: "Free yourself from what others think or expect of you. Find your thing and just do it." This ethos was reinforced through his interactions with renowned figures such as Josh Wink, Carl Cox, and even an unexpected encounter with Robert Moog, who profoundly influenced his perspective on music.
Finding His Sound: The Journey of Musical Self-Discovery
George’s time at Eye Q Music was transformative. While he initially struggled with his unique sound in a predominantly techno environment, he absorbed a wealth of knowledge from his colleagues. "I learned everything I know about music production from Steffen Britzke, also known as B-Zet," he shares. Through observation and practice, George honed his skills, eventually discovering that his true passion lay in blending various genres, particularly finding a niche in house and deep house while maintaining his Hip-Hop roots.
The Struggle for Recognition: Navigating the Modern Music Landscape
Relocating to Berlin, George faced the stark realities of the music industry. Despite his extensive experience and connections, he encountered the pervasive focus on social media metrics over musical talent. "When I moved to Berlin, I reached out to all the clubs, but the first question was always about my follower count," George laments. This superficial approach to talent scouting, coupled with his disdain for industry politicking, has kept him somewhat under the radar. Yet, this has also allowed him to create freely without external pressures, releasing new music every Friday and staying true to his artistic vision.
Conclusion: The Freedom of Authentic Expression
George Dare's story is one of resilience and authenticity in the face of industry challenges. His journey from advertising to the heart of techno, and eventually to a unique blend of house, deep house, and Hip-Hop, showcases his unwavering commitment to his craft. Despite the industry's shifting priorities, George remains dedicated to producing music that resonates with his own standards of creativity and quality. "I have fun making my music, and if others enjoy it too, they're welcome," he concludes. In a world where follower counts often overshadow talent, George Dare stands as a testament to the power of staying true to oneself.
