Ep. 25 S5 Strawberry Fields with Greig Watts

I had the incredible chance to dive deep into the connection between music and memory with songwriter and producer Greig Watts. Our conversation centered on how a single song can act as a bridge to our past and a catalyst for our entire future. For Greig, that song was "Strawberry Fields Forever."

What struck me most about Greig’s story was how close he came to never entering the music industry at all. He shared a memory of a school report where a teacher flatly stated he was "not interested" in music and was simply "idling along." That kind of early rejection is powerful; it led him to walk away from music for years, eventually spending a decade working in a bank. It’s a reminder I think we all need: early critics don't get the final say. Greig even kept that report and included it in his book, Keeping the Dream Alive, as a badge of honor for anyone told their dreams weren't "proper" enough. During our chat, we reflected on how damaging it is when educators fail to see the spark in a student, and how that "proper job" mentality can stifle a creative soul for years.

While Greig is originally from the south of England, he spoke with such passion about Liverpool that you’d think it was his home. He told me it is his favorite city in England—and perhaps the world. His love for the city goes beyond just being the birthplace of The Beatles; it’s about the friendly people, the rich musical heritage of the 80s, and his lifelong devotion to Liverpool Football Club. For him, Liverpool represents a unique energy where music and community collide, making it the perfect backdrop for the song that changed his life.

Everything changed for him at age 14 because of a teacher named Mr. Bland. Even though Greig wasn’t in his classes, he took a leap of faith and asked to use the school’s recording studio. When Greig told him he wanted to cover "Strawberry Fields Forever," Mr. Bland’s face lit up. That one "yes" opened a door that stayed open for the rest of Greig's life. Mr. Bland didn’t just give him the keys to a room; he gave him permission to be an artist. Over six weekly one-hour sessions, Greig learned the foundation of what would become a lifelong career.

We talked about the genius of that specific track—how The Beatles took John Lennon’s childhood memories of a Liverpool orphanage and turned them into a psychedelic masterpiece. Greig was fascinated by how they pushed the boundaries of technology, and during those six weeks in the school studio, he did the same. He played almost every instrument himself, and when his friend got too nervous to sing, Greig stepped up to the mic and discovered his own voice for the first time. He told me that hearing his voice back on tape was the moment he realized he could actually do this.

This journey from self-doubt to success was also fueled by a beautiful piece of advice from his grandfather. In a notebook Greig has kept to this day, his grandfather wrote: "Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars." That single sentence became a North Star for him, providing a counter-narrative to the school reports that told him he wouldn't make it. Because of the impact of that note and the kindness of Mr. Bland, Greig is now incredibly passionate about paying it forward. He spends much of his time mentoring others, facilitating networking events, and helping new "dreamers" navigate the industry. He believes that the music business shouldn't be a lonely pursuit; it should be a community where we help each other unlock the potential that others might have overlooked.

In 2003, Greig finally returned to his calling full-time, leaving the security of the bank to launch his own publishing company. He’s now at a place where he can look back and see that every rejection was just a detour. Greig’s journey taught me that while talent is vital, having a "team of dreamers" and mentors who facilitate your vision is what truly sustains a career. From a discouraging school report to becoming a successful publisher and Eurovision songwriter, Greig’s path shows that with the right catalyst, you can always find your way back to the beat that moves you. It was an honor to hear how "Strawberry Fields Forever" wasn't just a song on the radio for him—it was the map that led him home to himself. Whether you are currently in a "proper job" or pursuing your creative dreams, Greig’s story is a powerful reminder to keep your dream alive and surround yourself with people who will help you hit record.

Strawberry Fields (the song)

Catch the full episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Connect with Greig Watts: @GreigWatts on Facebook and his website DWBMusicGroup.com

Get your copy of Greig's book: Keeping the Dream Alive by Greig Watts

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