Essex indie-rock outfit Black Lounge are building serious momentum. Formed by frontman George Grant in 2024, the band have quickly earned a reputation for their energetic live shows, sharp songwriting and growing presence on the UK indie scene. Fresh from signing to Chris Wright's new label Right Track Recordings and releasing their latest single "Roommate", a punchy Britpop-inspired anthem drawn from Grant's own chaotic flat-sharing experiences, the band are preparing for an exciting next chapter.

We caught up with George to talk about the story behind the track, his musical influences, overcoming setbacks, and what's still to come for Black Lounge.

We are loving your new single “Roommate” - tell us what the inspiration was behind it and the music video?

Roommate is based on true events. I moved into my first flat in Billericay with my friend. We are still friends now, but we were young and reckless. It was a crazy couple of months. We’ve always felt the song feels like an early 2000s Britpop song, so the music video is based on that.

You’re from Essex - is there a buzzing music scene in Essex, or any Essex bands that have inspired you?

Essex definitely has some amazing bands but doesn’t have the greatest reputation. There’s been some bands recently that have been under fire for certain things.

Which artists have influenced the band the most?

Currently, it’s Geese, Dove Ellis and many, many more, but we are influenced by other things such as art and film, as well as music.

You’ve signed to music legend Chris Wright’s new label Right Track Recordings - he was responsible for breaking the careers of artists including Blondie, The Specials, Spandau Ballet and many more. How did that feel, and has he offered you any advice?

It’s so amazing we get to work with Chris. He is such a legend and pioneer of the industry. The new label he has set up has been really amazing, and we have been offered loads of support and great advice.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

I’d love to collab with Geese, as they’re so innovative and musically so amazing.

When did the band get together and how did it come about?

I formed the band in 2024. I didn’t want to be called a solo artist, so kind of hid under the name Black Lounge. I quickly networked with musicians in the area, where we gigged for a little bit. But then I expanded my reach to London, where the lineup completely changed! But it’s very much a project of mine since about 2024, and I haven’t stopped working at it since.

When you’re writing songs - do you usually work on the lyrics first or the music? What’s the creative process like for Black Lounge?

For me, it’s normally the music first. That can be chords on an acoustic guitar, a riff, or maybe a melody that I’m humming. It changes often, as you’ll reach different destinations if you start a different way. But at the moment, it’s mainly music first. However, there will be times where I will jot down my feelings in an almost poetic way, and I will go back to that to incorporate it into the music.

What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome so far?

I would say when the old lineup left, starting over with new musicians was extremely difficult, as at that time I had very few contacts.

If you could create the dream festival line-up, who would be on the bill?

Michael Jackson

Wunderhorse

Arctic Monkeys

What’s next for Black Lounge - and can we see you play live at any point this year?

We don’t have anything coming up just yet, as we’re heading into the studio soon, but we will be releasing new music soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.