Gresley, formerly known as George Smith, has released his debut solo album 'Songs I Wrote Since She Left' after leaving the boy band New Hope Club. The Milton Keynes-born musician, who spent most of his adult life in Los Angeles, says working independently has been liberating.
Entering the music industry at 15, Gresley toured the world with New Hope Club, signed to Steady Records and Hollywood Records. He described the experience as a 'huge learning curve', being thrown into songwriting sessions with people three times his age. Now, he feels he has finally found his voice and approaches his career with a different perspective.
When New Hope Club disbanded in 2025, Gresley returned to his childhood home with two suitcases, unsure when he would return to LA. He used the time to reflect and question whether he wanted to continue as a musician. Writing 'a ton of songs' in his bedroom helped him develop his own sound and story.
The album, written over three sessions in the UK and LA, was inspired by a flight where he chose the window seat instead of his usual aisle. Gresley says the tracklist was designed to be listened to from start to finish, starting with 'Think Of You' to build a world for listeners.
Without his former bandmates, Gresley now leads the writing and production process, which has boosted his confidence. 'It's ok to have an opinion, and you should have an opinion; if you don't, you get washed away,' he said, adding that he can now be more open and honest with his music.
