With a vocal maturity that exceeds his years, it wasn’t going to be long before the fashion world jumped on the undeniable hype surrounding George Ezra.

Fresh from performing in Shanghai at Burberry Celebrates London - as well as playing after the Burberry Prorsum Menswear a/w 2014 show earlier this year - and with a debut album out in June, to say it’s shaping up to be a big year for the singer is an understatement.

We caught up with the 20-year-old Bristolian to discuss his new album, fashion faux pas, and the setbacks of late night McDonald’s…

ELLE: So how was Shanghai?

GE: Frustratingly when one of these things happen, it usually takes me about six months to realize, oh sh*t, I went and did that. We got there and we started rehearsing for the show, and it was just phenomenal. Even when we re-watched it in rehearsals we just got choked up because so much had been put into it, it was amazing.

ELLE: Did you meet Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse?

GE: I met a few of the girls when we were getting ourselves ready for the show. It was nice to meet them – it’s strange, though, I guess for these models - especially Cara, because it really is their life, isn’t it? For me to be in Shanghai is a bit of a big deal, but for her she just got on the plane and just went.

ELLE: Has it all made you more fashion conscious?

GE: I wouldn’t say I was conscious... I think it’s that I’ve seen it in a new light. Actually, it’s more that I now see it in a light at all. Before I didn’t have any clue, and I do quite enjoy it now – especially shows. This one in Shanghai in particular, there was a focus on rain. And so there were a lot of macs, and I’ve always loved Burberry macs - so there were a lot of them, and umbrellas, which was quite nice.

ELLE: How would you describe your image?

GE: I don’t think I’ve ever worn anything other than black jeans and shirts. Quite simple really, and quite casual.

ELLE: Do you have any favourite fashion designers?

GE: I’ve got some really nice Ralph Lauren shirts – I’ve got about seven of them and they just fit really nice.

ELLE: What’s been your biggest fashion faux pas?

GE: I’ve got too many – I went through that really sh*t jumper phase. You know, when people wore like knitted old jumpers. I don’t regret it though; I just look like a bit of student.

ELLE: So your debut album Wanted On Voyage is out this June – what can fans expect?

GE: I’ve released two EPs, and that’s to get people used to the idea that I’ll be playing with a band. I’ve always wanted to record with a band, so there’ll be more of that. It’s a nice balance of light and dark, and different shades – it’s good.

ELLE: What is the inspiration behind the album?

GE: I took myself travelling around Europe on trains. I went by myself. When I got back, I started writing songs – stuff I’d written down - the majority of the album has come from this trip, which is cool.

ELLE: What’s your favourite song to perform?

GE: I have a feeling that once me and the band get going, it’s going to be a song called Stand By Your Gun – I think it’s going to be one of the most fun ones to play live.

ELLE: Who are your musical influences?

GE: Growing up I listened to a lot of American singer/songwriters, so a lot of Tom Waits, Paul Simon - also Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. And bands like Vampire Weekend.

ELLE: If one song could be the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?

GE: It would have to be something off Graceland by Paul Simon – I think I’d go for Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.

ELLE: The first record you bought?

GE: I think it was a Mungo Jerry vinyl: You Don’t Have To Be In The Army to Fight In the War.

ELLE: What were you doing at midnight last night?

Regrettably, I finished my band practice at 11 and got back from the hotel in London and got a McDonald’s. I hate getting a McDonald’s, I’m not a McDonalds person: you just feel crap afterwards.

GE: What are you most proud of so far?

I’m probably most proud of the record I’ve made. Writing and recording something that is a body of work up till now: it’s nice to know that I’ve achieved that.

George Ezra’s debut album, Wanted On Voyage is out 30 June.

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