Q&A: Greg Gould aims to end discrimination with new single

From a televised talent show runner-up to collaborating with Macy Gray and Adam Lambert’s guitarist, Sydney singer-songwriter Greg Gould is having a banner 12 months.

Following the signing of his exclusive management and record deal with local label Reservoir Records, Gould released his debut single Run To You to radio this week.

Striking the perfect balance between accessibility and skin-prickling precision, Run To You’s timely release has already been praised by advocacy group Australian Marriage Equality(AME). Gould chats to TMN about the single, his time on Australia’s Got Talent, and his #Keeprunning campaign to end discrimination.

What’s the story behind Run To You?

A love story, an anthem for loving whoever you choose to love and to always having that "rock" when you need one.

You teamed up with Adam Lambert’s band to record the single, how did that come about?

I'm a big fan of Adam so it was a real honour to have them play on the track. Basically, when I was in LA last year I met some pretty amazing musicians, one of which is Adam's guitarist, who was playing with Macy Gray at the time, contacts were exchanged and my amazing team made it happen.

What would be the best outcome following the release of Run To You?

World Domination. Haha – I'd love to be known as a trailblazer for the LGBTI community. You shouldn’t have to hide who you are in order to be successful in this country – I've been told this time and time again, which is absurd, You CAN do both!

Tell us about your #KeepRunning campaign.

It ties in with my song Run To You quite nicely don't you think? I really feel we need people power in order to achieve equality in Australia. The idea is that we join together using the hashtag #KeepRunning creating an army affirming that now is not the time to slow down we MUST #KeepRunning to end discrimination, #KeepRunning for Love and #KeepRunning for Equality!

Is there an album in the works?

Most definitely. I wanted to be myself from the beginning so now I feel like the music I make will be honest. To make good art it must come from a place of authenticity. I have been working towards a follow-up single that lets me show off my personality. It’s sexy, it’s fun and I get to let my hair down.

Australia obviously has a lot of work to do in regards to marriage equality, what’s your stance on the rate the country is progressing?

One word. Embarrassing. C'mon already! The longer we wait, we lose members of our community. Recently an 80-year-old couple came out with their story saying they'd love to get married before they die, I’d love to see this happen – there is no need to wait – I find the excuses offensive. Love is love.

Do your ties to Australia’s Got Talent, two years on, bother you?

Not at all, I love the show – the crew and producers have been very supportive of me. AGT is currently auditioning to relaunch in 2016, I am excited to see what’s in store. Who knows, maybe you’ll see my pretty face pop up during the new season.

What did the experience of being on a talent show teach you?

You really need to know who you are and stay true to that, I went on a year-long journeyof self discovery after AGT. I’m super grateful to be where I’m at right now.

Given Run To You has received early praise from AME, do you feel a responsibility to act as a spokesperson for the LGBTI community?

Australian Marriage Equality have been incredible. Ivan and his partner Chris, have such a beautiful love story. They epitomise what Run To You is all about. As for being a spokesperson, I am honoured and will always stand for my beliefs. This is just the beginning.

Run To You is currently on radio and will be available to download from iTunes on September 1.