Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I’m Gecko - a singer-storyteller based in London. I write songs that are a bit funny and sometimes a bit emotional.
How would you describe your show?
It’s an hour of story songs on a range of topics, from pig outlaws to the ignored painting opposite the Mona Lisa via tooth fairy admin.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
It’s like being on tour but with less travel between shows.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Being a part of a festival that is so sprawling and has such variety is an inspiring thing. Also, the ups and downs of it forge a bond with your fellow performers like no other. Plus, it’s a lot more based in Edinburgh than most other festivals I’ve been to.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
As a kid, I really wanted to make films - but logistically, that was a hard thing to carry out when your resources are mostly cardboard boxes. Making songs was a way to create worlds in my head and the heads of the audience (which at first was mostly my cat). I was really inspired by how Randy Newman often wrote in character - that opened up the options of what songwriting could be for me.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I have creative parents, who luckily were interested in what I was up to. I went to a music college in Bromley-by-bow in East London, which gave me space to find out what kind of artist I wanted to be
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
As a kid, I consistently put on shows that I would insist on my family members providing an audience for. The kitchen was similar to the Royal Mile, where I would thrust hand-drawn flyers into unsuspecting aunties' hands.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Working in the reptile house in London Zoo.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
It forced me to get better at making videos and find new ways to showcase my work online. I definitely feel more grateful now for live performances than ever before.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Getting steadily more busy.
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
I don’t think art is exempt from thinking about how what you’re saying could affect other people.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I’d love to work with the Pixar team to make a visual album. Then I could fulfil my childhood dream of turning my ideas into a movie
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Visit the fringe and see where could be a good fit for you. If logistically it can work, I’d always recommend the Free Fringe as a way to do it with less financial terror.
When and where can people see your show?
2 pm at the Banshee labyrinth (Banquet Hall) 6-28th of August (except for Wednesdays) as part of the Free Fringe.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Twitter/Instagram @geckoofficial
YouTube/TikTok @geckomusic
You can watch Gecko's show at the Banshee Labyrinth (Banquet Hall) at 2 pm on 6-28th of August (except for Wednesdays) as part of the Free Fringe. For more information visit https://www.edfringe.com/
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