Introducing: Gecko

Performing for the first time with us is Gecko, 15:35-16:00 Saturday; 14:45-15:10 Sunday. If he’s new to you/ you’d like a reminder, read on:

In his own words:

“Gecko is a singer-storyteller, his playful lyrics cover the big things in life; think iPhones, Libraries & Guanabana fruit juice to name but a few. Gecko has performed across the world from Stockholm to Wellington, Paris to Crawley. His debut record ‘Volcano’ was made ‘Album of the year’ in the Morning Star. He has shared stages with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Robin Ince, Josie Long, John Hegley & Billy Bragg.”

Fay’s words:

Here’s the weird thing: I know Gecko, but I’ve never seen him perform… He’s been part of Spoken Word @ PBH’s Free Fringe for a couple of years, and in 2018 was the show before mine. We’d talk briefly, wish each other well, and get on with the business of The Next Thing (this is how Fringe is, frankly!). So now I get the treat of not only previewing his work here but watching him live in a few weeks’ time. Let’s get stuck in…

For a start, unlike many of the other artists (shyer? fewer opportunities?), Gecko has a profusion of videos to choose from. And while his YouTube channel has a plethora of official videos (high production values, innovative presentation styles, and the odd familiar name from the world of south-east-England-spoken-word rap/ rap-inflected artists), it’s the live performances I find myself gravitating to. Here, not only does the beautiful musicianship and the slightly breathy, but incredibly flexible, vocal delivery shine through, but his stage craft and audience rapport dominates. Gecko focuses on a range of topics, mostly bedded in pop culture (iPhones, Instagram, the studied nonchalance of selfies), but some as old as humanity (the search for relevance, connection, autonomy – no matter how scary that is), and he manages to steer you into the profound via humour and whimsy, tight rhymes and plangent notes guiding audiences to revelation after revelation. His deep love for humanity rings through every line, and he is an absolute master of his craft. I’m really looking forward to seeing him win over yet another audience next month (and to finally get to experience this live for once!).

Sneak preview:

Advertisement