Sharky - Tooty (White Label Remix) (Single)
“Tooty” gets a new psychedelic lease of life, from Sharky’s long-time producer Todd Speakman with Al White (Primal Scream, Fat White Family). The remix precedes the upcoming LP ‘Up Till Now’which revisits Sharky (AKA Georgia Mason)’s genre-bending catalogue [Out Friday 3rd May], bringing together fan favourites with an unheard edit and instrumentals.
The original “Tooty”, taken from Sharky’s 2022 debut album ‘People are Strange’ produced by Todd Speakman, captures the anticipation of transitioning from the COVID lockdown era back to social gatherings and parties. The lyrics reflect the desire to bring back the carefree spirit of pre-lockdown socialising, while also acknowledging the insecurity and awkwardness in navigating what once came naturally. Todd reimagines the instrumentation with an alternate interpretation of the meaning, “the lyrics always had this dimension of an inner conversation with one's vices, tempting you beyond your will with lines like “did you give in, did you surrender?… with responses like only for a moment”” he adds. Recognising the potential to enhance the psychedelic, fun and experimental aspects of the track, Todd enlisted the help of collaborator Al White. Together, they crafted a dance-oriented and playful version of the song, incorporating awild 80s Ibanez multi-fx pedal, saxophone, and a hallucinogenic approach to elevate the remix. The result is not only refreshing but also a glimpse into the evolving direction of Sharky's music, hinting at a forthcoming sound.
Sharky’s ‘People Are Strange’ celebrates Georgia’s ability as a lyricist to reflect on personal and poignant themes with a sense of humour and openness. So far Sharky’s anthology has garnered support from Annie Mac, Gilles Peterson,Lauren Laverne, Jamz Supernova, Don Letts (BBC Radio 6 Music), Sian Eleri (BBC Radio 1), BBC Radio 4, NME, Jyoty (Rinse FM), NTS, KCRW and Soho Radio. Continuing to strengthen her list of supporters, Sharky performed as part of a televised Speakman Sound set on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury 2017. She has since gone on to play at the Jazz Café and support Jordan Mackampa on his sold-out 2021 tour.
Long before becoming Sharky, Georgia Mason always loved sharks; “when I was small, I would sit in the pub and tell people all about them”. With her grandad a paratrooper in the army, Sharky’s family settled in Aldershot, a military town in Hampshire. Growing up close to her grandparents, Sharky would listen to her Nan – Joan – singing around the house. “She’s got such a gorgeous voice - really old school.” Georgia began to craft the unique Sharky sound taking inspiration from Joan’s high soprano tones and the cross-generational vocal similarities with the women in her family.
After a spell of writing as ‘Georgia Mason’, Sharky began to feel disillusioned with the music industry and decided to move to London. Spending her days selling burgers, she would head down to the Southbank in the evenings to busk; taking the opportunity to experiment with songwriting using just her voice and an autoharp. Making music this way unlocked a new type of creative freedom for Sharky.
As Georgia's sound grew, she started to collaborate with other artists including Speakman Sound, Franc Moody andLONO. In this musical collective, she found a home of like-minded and creative free spirits. Stirring these artists in a mixing pot of entertaining collaboration, late-night sessions, true experimentation, and self-exploration; Sharky’s musical project came to life. Steering the ship alongside Sharky was producer Todd Speakman, with the duo’s relationship developing into a strong bond, both musically and privately – “If Sharky is a shark, Todd is at least one fin,” Sharky adds.