George Quartz (Dallas, US)

George Quartz is not what you'd expect from a solo project based in Dallas, Texas; although he does seem to like taking his shirt off, and we didn't actually ask him whether he once voted for George Bush (just kidding, GQ). Quartz has kindly given Dazed Digital two tracks for you to download: the instrumental Butterscotch, a spongy and slow-grooving song that occasionally cuts in with a cold Italo synthline; and Pentagram, pulsating dark disco with urgent vocals chanting about a well-recognised five-sided shape. He's still getting his live set-up in order, but for now, he backs himself with a group of multi-instrumentalists who call themselves Personal Victories. Click on the song names to download or stream below.

Q&A
What's…
… your description of your sound?
Well, right now I only have a few tracks, but I'd have to say they sound like Muzak versions of TV show themes and arcade music being played in the elevator to the afterlife! It's a really artificial sound, but hopefully warm and alive as well – very synthetic, but also sincere and personal at the same time. It's a bit like giving someone a handful of those colourful but chalky little Valentine's candies, while actually meaning whatever little phrases are stamped on the front of each one.

… so special about you, then?
I'm imaginary and flesh and bone.

… your tip for 2009?
Don't be afraid to let go of the past – 2009 is the year for starting afresh. Don't hesitate to shed whatever you think your identity was supposed to be if it's not working for you.

… the story behind your name?
That one is a young man's coming-of-age story and is strictly reserved for pillow talk only. Sorry!

… your worst vice?
The internet. I fly into a panic every time my connection blinks out.

… your dream musical collaboration?
Eno.

… on your stereo?
Right now, Leonard Cohen's I'm Your Man, Fever Ray, and my homies Stereo Image and Jake Five.

… the best piece of advice you've heard?
"Never let them see you sweat."

… the one thing you’d kill for?
The perfect pair of trousers. They're as elusive as the Chimera.

… your vision of the future?
Have you ever been to a shopping mall really early in the morning, when all of the senior citizens are there in flamboyant wind suits, walking around in circles, beautifully blissed-out and burning off their IHOP carbs? That.