Artists who shift between genres aren't a new phenomenon, but for George Bloomfield, it's an instinctive part of his indie-jazz blend.
Drawing inspiration from the dreamy, psychedelic sounds typical of Khruangbin and Mac DeMarco, the Brighton-based musician incorporates gentle horns that complement jazzy guitar riffs. His music is enveloped in nostalgic warmth, making his recently released debut album ‘Now & Then’, just a week old and self-released, a true chillout treasure.
Bloomfield admits he has “always struggled” to define his genre, but the songs he contributes to his popular Spotify playlist each month reveal a clear overlap between various styles. “I select little elements from different genres and blend them into my own sound.”
His first EP, ‘Why Didn’t You?’, debuted in 2021, followed two years later by ‘Space Between’, which was released by the French label Nice Guys. As his tracks increasingly appeared on editorial playlists, his 2024 single ‘Sierra’—part of the Hip Dozer label’s ‘Jazz Alley, Vol. 1’ compilation—has emerged as his breakthrough hit, aided by airplay on BBC Radio 6 and Radio 2.
Bloomfield has honed the ability to create space within his guitar melodies, allowing other instruments to flourish. This is particularly evident in the album’s more freeform track ‘Tundra’ and the funk-infused ‘Celeste’, which features intricate rhythmic patterns. The smooth textures of the lounge piece ‘Outro’ hint at the poignant strings, demonstrating Bloomfield's comfort with complex songwriting.
His experience composing for film, immersive theatre, and television has enabled him to seamlessly integrate horns and strings into his music. “It's been beneficial for arrangement, helping various elements coexist without feeling crowded. My songs may be shorter now, but they are better arranged.”
A recurring theme in Bloomfield’s writing since his earlier projects is his grappling with grief. He lost his best friend Ed in an accident while Ed was traveling in Australia. Bloomfield created ‘Now & Then’ in Samoëns, a quaint village in the French Alps where he shared many memories and performances with Ed.
“It was quite a mix of emotions because it’s one of my favorite places. It’s where I discovered my passion for music, a pivotal time that has motivated me to continue. The place is deeply connected to Ed, so he is always present in my mind, which is why he figures prominently throughout the album.”
The melancholic tone of the lyrics in the album’s latest single ‘Just Don’t Feel The Same’ reflects the stark contrast of life in Samoëns without Ed. In the jangly-psych track ‘Flipped on its Head (again)’, Bloomfield narrates the story of the 1990 Toyota Hiace camper van he inherited from Ed, a subject further explored in a short music documentary funded by Youth Music.
“I’m becoming more comfortable discussing grief. Initially, my songs were vague and metaphorical. Now, having expressed it so often, I feel fine articulating my feelings. I’m not avoiding the topic.”
This documentary is set to be released in early 2026 and features Bloomfield’s music as a backdrop to his conversations with Ed’s family about their coping mechanisms, his own sense of loss, and the camper van’s journey. Besides Ed’s impact, much of Bloomfield's sound can also be traced to his more than five years living in Leeds.
“It has such a vibrant jazz scene that much of the music I was exposed to had a strong jazz influence. That’s why there's a touch of jazz throughout my work.” The album's first single, ‘Old Times’, was inspired by a weekend visit back to the city with friends, where Bloomfield gathered his pals for a reunion to sing the final chorus collectively.
The song reflects his struggles with change, a theme that reappears on the album's opener ‘False Start’, where he confronts feelings of uncertainty after moving to Brighton. “Writing this album felt like capturing a snapshot of my twenties. There’s a sense of nostalgia as I transition away from significant parts of my life.”
Now that he’s settled in Brighton for two years, Bloomfield has performed at The Great Escape and is set to host his vinyl release show for ‘Now & Then’ in the city next month. His fondness for spending time in his camper van is gearing him up for more creative endeavors.
“This summer, I spent 11 days in my van, during which I aimed to record an EP and filmed the entire experience. So, my next release is already lined up.”
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It's not a new phenomenon for artists to switch between genres, but for George Bloomfield, it feels instinctive in his indie-jazz fusion. His writing reflects a dreamy quality,