Not long after his successful single Fingerprints was released and received airplay on actual radio stations, comes Auckland based Geoff Ong’s “banger” of a tune Don’t Know You No More, coinciding with a fun, frolicsome somewhat tongue-in-cheek video directed by Lochana Wijesundera, busting moves reminiscent of the “Carlton” (youngins may have to Google that) and cementing his self-proclaimed status of “pop star for dorks”. He has a wicked sense of humour which has given me a few giggles whilst stalking him for research.
All frivolity aside, the lyrics tell a sad tale about that moment when you realise someone who you used to know intimately is a stranger again. “We’re still friends on Facebook and stuff and sometimes we’ll like each other’s post, but beyond that, I have no idea who they are anymore”. For Geoff this was a sudden realisation which prompted him to write this song.
There is a common theme between Fingerprints and Don’t Know You No More and that is contemplation about those feelings you get when something significant in your life ends, such as a friendship or relationship.
I find Geoff’s music catchy, it’s the kind of pop that makes you automatically want to get a groove on, it is so darn happy sounding.
I called his last release contagious, so is this one. It is so jolly upbeat that it will make you forget about that person on Facebook you used to think was the best thing since sliced bread and is now just toast. For at least 3 minutes and 56 seconds anyway.
The video for this song is young and fresh, full of energetic vibrancy and cool choreography. Visually colourful and fun. You can see Geoff’s humorous streak running through it.
The track itself is a very respectable, clean sounding, extremely radio worthy pop track “Hitting the mark on capturing the long-lasting emotions of a breakup, Geoff Ong transcends to lyrical excellence that many emerging artists can only fathom to reach”.
Geoff Ong wants to be a pop star for dorks. “I love all the sounds and melodies of pop music, but I never really felt like I was cool enough to relate to the people performing it,” he says. “I figure there must be other people out there who feel the same way – my music is for them.”
Geoff’s 2018 single, Fingerprints, a shimmering slice of soulful indie pop, was recorded in his bedroom in Kingsland, with production, mixing and mastering by Phil Levine of the illustrious Igloo Music Studios in Los Angeles, who won two Grammy Awards for their work on 2016’s box office hit, La La Land.
Fingerprints made an immediate impact, peaking at #3 on the Hot NZ Singles Chart and #25 on the overall Hot Singles Top 40 Chart. It was also featured on ZM, The Edge, The Edge TV, and Radio New Zealand.