Singer/Producer/Remixer GEORGIE PORGIE Talks ‘Brand New’ Track, Happy Endings, DJs and more

Originally published October 3, 2009

Singer/remixer/producer Georgie Porgie has topped the club charts so many times, it’s crazy! Admittedly, this is quite a feat for male vocalist in a predominantly femme-dominated genre.

Now, the Chicago-based coolie takes the time to talk with Muzo about everything from his latest track ‘Brand New Day’ to the evolution of the club scene and happy endings. Oh! And I finally figured out if he’s gay or not…plus he’s got some special words of wisdom for all you DJs out there. Lets get to it….

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Muzo: First off, congrats on your new single ‘Brand New Day!’ It falls in line with so much of your music – uplifting, positive dance music, which is really refreshing when there’s so much negativity out there! What was your inspiration behind the track?

GP: What this country has just gone through was my inspiration of humanity needing a Brand New Day! It can’t be said any simpler. Everyone can always use a Brand New Day from all they go through in their personal day-to-day grind.

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Muzo: And a big shout out to my Chi Town boy! Muzo was born there and the fam still resides there…so props! How does the Chicago club scene differ from some of the other U.S. dance meccas like NY, Miami, San Fran, L.A.?

GP: In my opinion it differs in only one way: There is a feeling that cannot be described when going to a club in Chicago. Take for instance Boom Boom Room, this is such an incredible experience that people go out in droves on a Monday night just to hear House music all night long. I am talking all walks of life under one roof, dancing to one groove. House music!

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Muzo: Next time I come back to town, where should we go grab some grub? (Ginos? Portillo’s??)

GP: My spot is Art of Pizza. This is the best Pizza in Chicago. If you want a slice of deep dish or thin crust you can’t go wrong.

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Muzo: You have collaborated with a ton of great artists – are there any particular stand-out tracks you would consider ‘favorites’?

GP: The late Michael Jackson. I remember sitting in the studio and playing the multi track over and over of ‘Billy Jean.’ I was listening to his a capella for almost an hour. Listening to his background snapping and feet dancing. A superstar that will be missed!

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Muzo: Gotta say, I absolutely love your voice. Did you grow up doing vocal training, etc. Or do you just always sound that good? lol

GP: Thank you! I was blessed with the vocals cords. I never had any vocal training in my life. I just study great singers such as Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Donna Summer to name a few. The rest was putting in the massive amount of hours to perfect the craft. And to this day I am still learning new things about my voice.

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Muzo: I’ve always felt that it seems male vocalists seem to take a backseat to women in dance music. Meaning, club music seems to be more femme-dominated. What do you think about that? As a male vocalist in dance music, what challenges have you faced?

GP: I agree. They always have given the male vocalists a very hard time. I have done all with in my gift to break those barriers. It is a constant fight even for myself that has been rewarded by the DJs and my fans with countless #1 records. It is a fight that I will continue, in order to create change for up and coming male vocalists.

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Muzo: You’ve had numerous tracks reach the top of the charts. What’s that feeling like, when you find out you’re on top?

GP: Usually I am so hard at work, that someone will call me and tell me that the song has gone #1. It leaves me speechless every time. In my heart, I am still the kid from the north side of Chicago who wants his music to be heard by the masses. I want to lift and put a smile on someone face somewhere in the world everyday!

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Muzo: How has club music changed over the last decade?

GP: The sound has changed only within the sounds that are chosen to make the music. The music is still funky and driving. A producer might have used a piano where now it has been replaced by a synth sound. Overall the bass and the drums are still beatin’ you over the head.

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Muzo: I’ve been clubbing since I was 17 – a long time ago now, lol. I feel the scene has most definitely changed. How do you think the whole club scene has evolved?

GP: The DJs have hi jacked the industry. They are leaving no room for the vocalist. They need to allow the vocalist back into their sets. This means, play some vocals records.

I love a track, but I want to hear a song somewhere with in the set. If we do not change this we will continue to lose the general public attention. If we continue to follow this path we will also continue to lose their support.$$$

We have lost a lot of this to the R&B community. As you can see, they have picked up what we have left behind. They are making dance music at 120bpm and they are taking our listeners. So the $$$ will follow. Not a healthy environment for our industry.

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Muzo: DJs/artists you admire?

GP: Current artists that I admire…Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Ne-Yo. Obviously from the previous question I have named a few of the legendary artists.

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Muzo: When it comes to the love, what type of person do you usually go for?

GP: I want a person that loves a great time and that sees the glass half full not half empty.

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Muzo: What’s someone gotta do to get nekkid with you?

GP: Drop their panties. lol

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Muzo: Complete the sentence: ‘When on a date, the guy should…’

GP: Always leave with a happy ending. hahahha

You will see I love a great laugh. On the real…the guy should always treat the date will a lot of love and respect. Then you might have a chance for a happy ending. hahaha

Muzo: Now we’re talkin’!! lol

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Muzo: What is one misconception people seem to have about you?

GP: I would have to narrow it to 2 misconceptions:

1. I am unapproachable. If people took the time to meet me they would realize that I am the complete opposite. I take time for everyone. If you ask my close friends, they would tell you that it is annoying to go out with me. This is because I will stop to give a each person that does approach me my undivided attention.

2. It is a fact that the gay community has supported me tremendously. Which I am grateful!!!! With this comes the rumor that I am gay. Sorry I like the penocha. Ask a Spanish friend the meaning of penocha. hahaha

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Muzo: Advice for newbies who want to get into DJing/producing/remixing?

GP: Allow the music to be the driving force in your career, everything else will follow.

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Muzo: What’s next for Georgie?

GP: More music for the world! More artists to produce! Television here I come!