Interview in The Hot Tub… Geoff Sewell

From chartered accountant in New Zealand to singing sensation in London, singer and founder of Incognito Artists Geoff Sewell talks about how tragedy took him on the journey of a lifetime and explains why dreams really can come true…

What are you up to at the moment?

I’m flat out having fun with all kinds of gigs in London. In January I went to New York City for concerts, and to promote our work across the States, and since then I have been back in London in the office and doing gigs. Next I will be in Florida for all of March doing 26 concerts across the State. It’s all good.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

My purpose in life is to touch, move and inspire audiences so they’re present to the magic of being alive! I get to fulfil this every day through singing, and recording my ‘classical crossover’ albums - it’s what I LOVE.

What’s the strangest experience you have had in your career?

I love serendipity yet some may think it strange how things happen for a reason, even out of tragedy, and come full circle. My sister died at 22 and it made me evaluate my life. So, on a family trip to Graceland months later I visited my hero’s home and had an epiphany. Singing is what I wanted to do but I was a chartered accountant working in a bank! I arrived back in New Zealand, resigned from my job and followed my dream. Four years later I was in New York signing a $1million (USD) record deal with RCA Victor beneath a picture of their greatest star, Elvis. And then just this month I was at the O2 Arena meeting his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, the closest I will ever get to meeting the man himself! That might be strange, I call it AWESOME!

What has been your best experience in your career so far?

This is such a hard question because I’ve had so many pinch-myself moments, I should be black and blue. Singing in venues like the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, the Millennium stadium, Twickenham stadium, and Wembley Arena are a dream come true. Performing for people like Nelson Mandela, Prince William, the Queen, Prince Charles, Leonardo di Caprio, Kevin Spacey, Victoria and David Beckham, Elton John, and Richard Branson is mind-blowing! Having my company Incognito Artists become the number one Singing Waiters and Surprise Entertainment company, featuring stars from the West End, Broadway and opera. Having two number one albums and a number one DVD and two more albums in the top five, selling over 3.5 million albums worldwide and counting. Touring my home country of New Zealand five times, singing for family and friends. So many ‘best experiences’… I’m beyond grateful.

When are you at your happiest?

My home is my castle so I’m usually happiest surrounded by my beautiful wife and two gorgeous girls, pottering around in my garden or inside in my crib. Either that or on the golf course, squash court, tennis court, or watching the All Blacks play rugby. Otherwise it’s on stage, where I always have a ball because I live and breathe to entertain people. Actually, I’m pretty happy most of the time!

Who do you admire?

Someone who overcomes huge obstacles to reach their goal, and make their dreams a reality. I also admire a lot of people in my life for their hard work, passion, morals and principles.

How do you relax?

I meditate (transcendental meditation) which I try to do every day. It keeps me sane.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Elvis, he’s the King for a very good reason.

Who would play you in a movie?

Chris Pine or Ryan Gosling. My wife Simone thinks they’re hot.

Do you have a favourite spa treatment and why?

Bodywork like deep tissue massage therapy to de-stress.

Complete this sentence: a successful person is…

Someone who loves what he/she does for a living, unashamedly rakes in the cash as a result of their passion and hard work, is vibrant and healthy due to their eating and exercise habits and care of the environment, gives to their community and remembers to pay it forward, and very importantly is also nurtured by a supportive family whom they adore and cherish beyond measure in return. To live, to learn, to love, to leave a legacy! That’s what life is about.

We like to encourage everyone to do one thing each week to be kind to themselves; what are you going to do to #bekindtoyou?

Have a sauna in my infrared sauna at home, because it has so many health benefits - like detoxifying and anti-aging, improving circulation and cell health.