Three-time X Factor contestant Geoff Mull tells Peter Mann he would give the musical juggernaut another shot

FORMER X Factor contestant, 24-year-old singer-songwriter Geoff Mull, is looking to kick-start 2017 with a headline Newcastle Academy Two appearance early next month.

Tynesider Mull, who made the X Factor boot camp in 2008 and 2013 before the final 13 boys was reached 12 months later, a place in judge’s houses being cruelly snatched away in the final seconds of the six-chair challenge, will be supported by Kirsty (Murphy) & The Tone, Lauren Amour and Jennison when he appears on Tyneside.

Willing to give the musical juggernaut another shot, Mull, who after the last departure from the show actually polled the highest percentage for the wild card (Jack Walton gaining Mel B’s vote) return, is still friends with Paul Akister who beat him to that final chair.

Reminiscing over what was a seven year spell covering three shows between initial auditions in 2007 and departing in late 2014 Mull said: “The first one I went for was won by Alexandra Burke and I was only 16-years-old.

“I’ve been back twice since, in 2013 and 2014, losing at the death in the six-chair challenge in the latter; I was that close, just a thread away from judges houses, but it got a lot of people talking about me and the promotion it afforded continues to grow, even today.

“Being sixteen, the first time around, was scary, intimidating, going there and doing something like that on your own. I was so young and everything was up in the air which made it a quite crazy experience.

“Then, the last two shows I competed for, Paul and I were already friends and went to a few gigs together during the period between competitions.

“We both experienced up-and-down feelings with that, I mean who wouldn’t, but we’re really close and have remained so since, his family are travelling up next month for my gig at the Academy as well.

“Would I go and do it all again though?

“Yes, of course I would because I have a totally different image about me, the voice is much better, stronger, and I feel I’m more of an artist, more polished and ready. I’ve done so much since I last appeared on the X Factor including releasing an EP, my debut album, and signing with management company, i-stage Group.”

March 2014 saw his debut album, ‘Different,’ released on his brothers’ birthday and, in the December the following year, released an EP entitled ‘Say My Name,’ both of which increased his popularity.

Now working on new material with the aim of releasing later this year the young Geordie has followed up early successes with back-to-back Ubeat Music Award victories in 2015 and 2016 whilst appearing on several television shows.

“I’m hoping to make it three wins this year,” claimed Geoff about the Ubeat’s.

“I won Best Single for Better Man in 2015, then, last year, I added Best Original Cover for the track ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love (With You)’ which was a massive surprise for the success it garnered.

“I didn’t plan to record that but I did and it went viral and I ended up being nominated for six awards for which a lot of people were surprised I didn’t win more than just the one.

“Now I’m just looking forward to all that’s planned this year and the Academy Two gig may just be the last people in the region see me here for a while as I’m off out on the road when I perform with the band (Mark Littlemore on keys, Adam Stevenson playing guitar and Tom Shorten on drums).

“That and, with the supporting acts I have there’ll also be a special guest appearance from Jemma Jenkins, she’s absolutely phenomenal and someone I’ve always wanted to perform with but we’ll be concentrating on who’s there as that’s what’s on important, that and putting on another good show.”

  • Geoff Mull, supported by Lauren Amour, Kirsty & The Tone, and Jennison, appear at the O2 Academy on Saturday March 4 with tickets priced at £8 advance available from http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/CEH0403G?brand=o2academynewcastle&camefrom=AMG_NEWCASTLE_gmul&_ga=1.11338868.1148167660.1483289577