Georgia Lines - Interview: Georgia Lines
Independent Kiwi singer songwriter Georgia Lines (formerly known as George) has recently released a perfect slice of summer pop, with her brand new single, Same Things. This followed the January issue of Georgia’s emotive EP cut, My Love, which was released through UK label, FrtyFve, in a one-off single distribution deal. My Love has appeared on no less than four major Spotify playlists and tipped the 150k stream mark in only a handful of weeks.
Georgia Line’s self-titled, five-track EP will release on 27 March.
Erica from Muzic.net.nz spoke to Georgia about winning Smokefree Rockquest, non-musical influences and her upcoming EP. Here's what was said:
Many fans will know you as the winner of Smokefree Rockquest 2014. How has that shaped your music career so far?
SFRQ was definitely such an incredible opportunity to grow as a young musician and emerging artist within NZ. The people I met and connections I made throughout the process of SFRQ have been ones that I still have now, and they have played a huge part in shaping my career. I met my manager through SFRQ who at the time was a part of the film crew.
How has your music evolved to where it is now?
Hmm… I think as I have grown up, and experienced life over the past few years my music has grown up and evolved with me. My creativity and ability to trust my gut has been something I’ve noticed that has changed over the past few years. When I first left school.. I felt this pressure (no one had put that on me, other than myself) to have to have everything perfect. I felt pressure to release music that was 100% my sound, that was 100% something I was certain would do well. Obviously that was an unrealistic expectation and one that created such a huge barrier to actually release anything. Throughout the process of creating this EP, so much of it was about me writing, recording and releasing a project that I was deeply proud of. Something that represents me with where I am at currently… not the version of me in 5 years. Having to rewire the thought patterns that it had to be perfect.. and just release something that I was proud of has been the biggest evolution for me. Just trusting the process of creativity, trusting that I have the ability to create, and that people are with me for the journey… not just for the end result.
Why do you make music??
I make music because I love it. I love the process of creating something from nothing and for me It’s not just about the music but everything that surrounds it. The artwork, the visual identity of a project, the videos & release party (which I am currently planning).. creating things deeply excites me.
What would you consider to be your non-musical influences?
I have always been inspired by fashion. There is something that speaks so deeply about a person and what they wear and I have always found it to be another expression of creativity for me. Other than fashion I love reading.. (I don’t read enough but I am trying to read more this year) Art, being outside, People … People fascinate me and I often find myself writing about people and the random things I notice about their lives. Also love podcasts ( This American Life… I find I always collect random information and stories from there)
What other musicians are you excited about at the moment?
Hmmm… I’m really loving the new tunes by Antony Jeffares… good friend of mine and fellow NZ artist. He has been creating some rad tunes lately. Misery Under The Sun is such a fun track which is his latest release and well worth the listen. Outside of NZ, Jungle, Yebba, Maggie Rogers, Emily King, Lianne La Havas.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Solange. Everything she creates is so beautiful. Not just musically, but also visually she is always creating such incredible videos and content.
What do you think are the barriers to young people wanting to get into music?
I think knowing what to do, where the pathways are and knowing how to move forward as an emerging artist is a huge barrier. One of the hardest things I found was that there was no set path with how to succeed in the industry. Unlike choosing any other career where you can go and study, get a degree and hope to get your dream job… music doesn’t have that set path. But if you can continue to keep going, keep pushing on doors and opportunities, keep choosing to carry on regardless of the disappointments … the pathway to success (whatever that looks like for you) and the journey of becoming an artist is so rewarding.
Who did you record/produce your EP with and where?
I recorded the EP over in Houston TX in June 2019 with Abel Orta Jr, who recorded and produced 4 of the 5 tracks on the EP. Never Had Love was the only tack which I had written and recorded back in NZ with Mark Perkins (Merk) and Shannon Fowler (Tom Lark).
You’ve created strong visuals for both your single artwork, and music videos. Where do you draw inspiration for this?
My brain is constantly collecting and imagining things I can create. I have many Pinterest boards saved with random ideas and random things that inspire me, that I collect and save up for when I’m needing ideas or inspiration for something new visually. Aside from that I often find inspiration from fashion and colour and depending on what it is that I’m trying to create, Art Installations and books often stir up ideas for me too. It also helps working with incredible people who also bring their own ideas to the table. I always find that working with people who inspire me creatively triggers a huge sense of creativity within a project too. Collaboration is a huge part of what I do and I always find that when I’m working with others my ideas expand and look so much better than they could on my own.
And who have you worked with for your visual identity?
I am an independent artist, however; I have created a small team of people who help me with my visual identity and the branding side of things. I am super fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly creative people who have been with me from the beginning of this music journey and who know me really well… many of those people are just great friends of mine. One of those people is Lizzie Turner, she is in fashion and also has many other creative ventures, so has a real depth of knowledge when it comes to branding and visual identity. It also helps having someone on your team who knows you super well and can say something on your behalf if it is ever needed.
Do you have a favourite song to perform live?
At the moment we are in the middle of rehearsals for the EP release and all of the songs feel fresh and exciting…. but BY FAR… My Love is my favourite to play.
If listeners took one thing away from listening to your music, what do you wish it would be?
I would love people to listen to my music and feel inspired to create. Whatever that may look like for them.
After a strong start to the year, what else can we expect from Georgia Lines in 2020?
As of the EP launch… the whole process starts again, which is something that I am ready to do. Will definitely be working towards an album.
About Georgia Lines
Soulful, dreamlike vocals and distinctive feel-good, R&B-sprinkled pop songs provide Lines with a sound that's quickly becoming unmissable.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Georgia Lines
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