He’s set to judge the Live and Unsigned Festival this summer so the Live and Unsigned team caught up with him to find out what he thinks makes a track storm the charts, what he looks for in an unsigned band and whose tour van he would love to be bundled into…
L&U: Tell us how you got into the industry – did you always want to work in radio?
Greg: It actually began with TV. I was fascinated with entertainment TV programmes like the Big Breakfast and Noel’s House Party. I thought one day, how do I become Noel Edmonds? And when I did a bit of research I found out all about the wonderful world of radio and the radio shows these celebrities did – and I was actually more fascinated by that. I became obsessed with radio. I first started out volunteering for local stations, doing general admin work and queuing up CD’s and really getting the experience I needed. It all kicked off at Uni when I worked for the student radio station. I loved it, and spent most of my time working in the station – as a presenter and eventually becoming the station manager. I did that for three years alongside my drama degree. I then did some work experience for other stations, and I worked as a presenter for Pulse Unsigned – which was all about championing new music, which I love. The studio wasn’t very glamorous, it was in a converted bungalow, but it was amazing. But it was when I won an award at the National Student Radio Awards that I was spotted by my (now) producer Neil. I sent in a few demos to Radio 1, covered a few shows including Sara Cox’s, and that’s where it all began. I worked on the early morning show in 2007 and eventually moved to the mid day show that I present now.
L&U: We imagine most presenters want to work for Radio 1, but did you want to work for any other radio stations?
Greg: Before I got the offer for Radio 1, I did have an offer to work for Galaxy in Birmingham. I think it would have been good, but ultimately this was my dream job. And I still can’t believe I have it! There is definitely an element of luck involved in getting your dream job, and anyone who says there isn’t is lying.
L&U: You rub shoulders with Fearne Cotton and Chris Moyles on a daily basis. What’s it like working in the office?
Greg: At first, it was really surreal. It felt ridiculous to be handing over after my show to Chris Moyles – who I had listened to at Uni. But then gradually, I told myself to relax and get over it. And now it’s just a normal day like in any office – and I really feel like part of the family. I don’t get to see enough of the DJ’s, but coming in to work to see Fearne Cotton every day isn’t bad!
L&U: If you weren’t a radio presenter, what would you be doing?
Greg: I think I would be working really hard to be a presenter, because this is what I have always wanted to do.
L&U: You have had lots of star guests in the studio – which one was your favourite?
Greg: Ricky Gervais. He was the first guest on my new show, and I have always loved him. He was really funny and was exactly how I imagined him to be.
L&U: You’ve done a few TV documentaries – any planned for this year?
Greg: I did a BBC show on health and binge drinking and we went to Magaluf which was really interesting. I don’t want to do any old thing though. We’ve talked through some ideas, but I won’t do a show until it’s the right one.
L&U: What kind of music are you into?
Greg: Uni really shaped what I got into. I was obsessed with bands like the Mystery Jets, Maximo Park, Bloc Party and Kings of Leon. I’m now a huge fan of Mumford and Sons.
L&U: RnB and Hip Hop seem to dominate the charts at the moment, do you think that will change this year?
Greg: That’s the reason I love Mumford and Sons, because they are so different. They have really broken the mould. There is so much of N Dubz and Black Eyed Peas stuff out at the moment. I think it’s great if a band comes along and does something completely out there. I think music goes in waves so it could definitely change this year. I love chart stuff – but I have to say if I wasn’t working in radio, I wouldn’t be playing The Saturdays at home.
L&U: What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Greg: I’m not a huge fan of the Foo Fighters, but the best gig I have ever been to was their one at Wembley. There were 80, 000 people there and there was this one moment which I will never forget. Dave Grohl ran down to the halfway line and a blue spotlight shone on him, and he started the first few chords of Everlong. That’s when I knew it was the best gig I had ever seen.
L&U: Apart from the Live and Unsigned Festival, will you be going to any festivals this year?
Greg: I went to Glastonbury last year which was amazing and I think I’ll be going again this year.
L&U: What’s your all time favourite band?
Greg: Tough one…Maximo Park
L&U: If you were kidnapped and put in the back of a tour van, whose tour van would it be and why?
Greg: Probably Mumford and Sons. Because I stalk them.
L&U: If you could be in any band, which one would it be?
Greg: Kasabian. They are not only an amazing band, but they are lovely blokes. They always say hi and are really friendly so I would definitely be in theirs!
L&U: What would your advice be to up and coming bands? How do they get their music heard?
Greg: I think the best thing to do is gigs. Do a lot of gigs and really try to build your fan base – that’s the most important thing. I think doing something a bit different is good too. But I think gigging and getting people to blog about you or write about you is what helps.
L&U: Do you think it’s essential to have a Myspace?
Greg: I think it’s good to, but I actually think it’s more about You Tube and visual stuff – really showing people what your band is like.
L&U: You listen to radio tracks all day and we audition bands live. Do you think there’s a real difference between the two?
Greg: Absolutely. Live gives you a much better feel for what the music is all about. If a band is not good live, they won’t be good on the radio.
L&U: What makes a band or a track stand out?
Greg: I think when a band is performing live, the one thing that makes a difference is seeing that they are having a good time. If I go to watch a gig, and I don’t know any of the songs, it won’t matter as long as the band are really going for it and enjoying them selves! That’s really important.
L&U: What will you be looking for as a judge at the Live and Unsigned final?
Greg: I’ll be looking for energy and an act that’s really enjoying themselves. A really good pop song with a catchy hook will also grab my attention and I think you always think ‘will this song sound good on the radio.’ There isn’t really a formula to that.
L&U: Do you think a band needs to be on a major record label to make it these days?
Greg: I think it helps. But there isn’t a set way to breaking the industry – I think a label can help, but then sometimes bands get their songs released too soon. The most important thing is that the band is ready.
L&U: Are you looking forward to joining the L&U judging panel?
Greg: Yes, I can’t wait! I’ve never done anything like this before so it’ll be exciting.
L&U: And finally, describe yourself in three words
Greg: Tall, disorganised…and…ermmm…I don’t know…errrmmm….indecisive?
For more information visit the Live and Unsigned website.