Four on the Floor Vol.4 - George Le Page

In the fourth installment of our Four on the Floor series, we met drummer of the band Balancing Act, George Le Page. We’re no strangers to George, because he’s also a model and has been the face of a number of Oliver Spencer and Favourbrook campaigns over the years. 

OS: So George, can you tell us what or who inspired you to take up the drums? 

George: I think it just happened one day. Well, actually it was specifically when my dad purchased a drunk kit in his midlife crisis phase. For context, he was in a band when he was younger. Anyway, he never played it! It was just collecting dust in the corner of the room. One day, I sat down on it and it just felt right. 

OS: Can you tell us three of your favorite drummers and why?

George: Three of my favorite drummers? That's really hard. There are a lot f great drummers to narrow them down to three. Off the top of my head, I'd probably have to go Dave Grohl of Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age. Tré Cool of Green Day would be my second, and third would have to be the late John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. ‘Bonzo’ was a legend.

OS: When you're on stage, do you have a preferred kit to wear? 

George: Well, it really depends on the venue. If it’s a bigger venue and a big show, I might dress up a bit more, but for the most part, I like to be comfortable. I'll always have a good pair of trainers because when I play I want to feel. I've tried playing in boots before and you can't feel the pedals. So something comfortable that I can feel my pedals through. A good t-shirt is essential, and a cropped jacket. I love my Oliver Spencer pleated trousers, because they have a bit of room in the hips which it essential when I’m jumping around on my chair. Charlie Watts used to wear dance shoes. You need to be able to feel the pedals and all the vibrations. 

OS: The drummer is often described as the backbone of a band. Why is that? 

George: If you take us away, everything just falls apart. The drummer is the soul of the band, the time keeper, the rhythm maker. Without the beat, things would quickly descend into chaos!

OS: What’s your favorite drum setup? 

George: My favorite drum setup is very minimal. So I go snare rack tom, floor tom obviously, a kick, two crashes, one ride symbol and high hats. I go bare minimum. 

OS: And do you have a style of drumming that you prefer? 

George: Style of drumming. I usually lean towards more rock, indie rock with a bit of blues. Something with a bit of feel to it, a bit of swing, and then a hint of aggression and unbridled energy behind it! 

OS: Are there any specific tracks that have inspired you? 

George: Pretty much the entire Nirvana catalogue. In Bloom is probably the one track that has had the biggest impression on me, drumming-wise. And also a song called Burnout by Green Day. It’s one of the best drum tracks ever written in my opinion. 

OS: And who do you think is the most stylish drummer? 

George: The man that encapsulates style and drumming has to be Mr. Charlie Watts, always looked great, had great feel. I think the jazz drummer Buddy Rich always looked really cool. Then there's people like Dave Grohl with his big long hair in front of his face. But I'd say Charlie wants in terms of both personal style and style of playing was amazing. 

OS: Where's your next gig? 

George: My next gig confirmed is going to be at Oslo Hackney with my band, Balancing Act. It’s our first headline tour, then we're going onto Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham.

Follow Balancing Act on Instagram @balancingactband