INTERVIEW: Greet The Chief discusses origins and influences alongside self-titled new album

After more than a year away, Greet The Chief returns with a bold statement of intent in the form of his latest album ‘Greet The Chief’. Led by singer-songwriter Gavin Davies, the project dives headfirst into a world of gritty indie-rock, punk attitude, and eclectic influences, marking a confident new chapter for an artist who has steadily built momentum across the UK’s underground scene.

Opening with the explosive ‘Misery Loves Company’, the album wastes no time in establishing its high-energy tone, weaving together stadium-sized hooks with raw, unfiltered vocals. Across twelve tracks, Davies leans into a sound that pulls from mod revival swagger, 90s indie textures, and punchy rock ‘n’ roll urgency, creating a record that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unrestrained.

Having evolved from a solo outlet into a fully realised project, following earlier releases and growing support from platforms like BBC Introducing East Midlands, Greet The Chief now stands as a fully formed creative vehicle for Davies’ uncompromising vision. We caught up with him to discuss the making of ‘Greet The Chief’, the influences that shaped its sound, and how this latest release reflects his journey through the UK indie scene so far.

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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?

The very first song I learnt on guitar was Knockin’ On Heavens Door the Guns n Roses version when I was about 10 years old, I loved bands that had edge like G’N’R and Motorhead.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?

My early influences were Guns’n’Roses, Aerosmith, Motorhead, Metallica but then I moved into more indie Rock’n’Roll like Oasis.

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

I m all about the hook, so I don’t care what genre a song is from if it catches my ear then I ll listen to it loads. In my library there is Hip Hop, Gospel, Folk, 70s Power Ballads, Pop… anything goes.

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?

Difficult to say, I ve long had an ability to write songs and they come in different ways. Sometimes its just noodling on the guitar then I strike something unusual or original and I build from there. Sometimes I sit down and purposefully write bass lines and then build around them.

A main theme of my work is there is often a saying or something that forms the main focus like Nine Lives or Bad Blood, I ll often write the song thinking its not about anything then I ll look back and realise it was an expression of thoughts and feelings at a particular time.

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?

I don’t often perform live these days as I fell out of love with the live scene, I much prefer the freedom of working in a studio.

When I did play live in various bands there were some great times though, meeting loads of different people and there was always some drama both on and off stage.

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

I‘ve always made music with my mates, I have some very talented friends that I have been blessed with also making music with for many years. Greet The Chief was mixed and produced by Dave Oliffe at Giant Audio studios. Maintaining strong friendships while working together is highly rewarding.

How would you define success as a musician?

Building a body of work that you can be proud of, hopefully gain some wider recognition but not at the expense of integrity. In the modern music scene if you want fame and fortune then you are in it for the wrong reasons, music first, image second and anything else is a bonus.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Work hard at musicianship, song writing and promotion, don’t count on it coming to you, get out there and do it for yourself.

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Listen to Greet The Chief’s self-titled new album below.