INTERVIEW:
Georgia Meek
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THE exceptional and unique Georgia Meek…
has been talking about her new single, SWIM, and how it came together; what it was like recording her E.P., Womanhood; the musicians she is inspired by – I ask how important London and its people are regards her sound and energy.
Meek recommends some new tracks/artists to catch; the advice she would give to upcoming artists; if she ever gets time to chill away from music; what she wants to achieve before the end of this year – Meek ends the interview by selecting an awesome song.
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Hi, Georgia. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey! Busy, busy, busy. Recording lots of new music and making some cool new things to show you all.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I'm a Londoner who makes ultra-feminist, over-dramatic Electronic-Power-Pop.
SWIM is your new track. What is the background and influence behind the song?
SWIM explores female sexuality and gender fluidity. In other words, K. (Katie) Mac (who features on the track) and I f*** with some girl-on-girl…
We wrote it together back in the summer of 2017. She was over here from Nashville to find writers and I was looking for other inspiring women to collaborate with.
I believe you have an E.P., Womanhood, arriving. What was it like recording it?
Crazy. Stressful. Exhausting, but so worth it! I've actually still been tweaking things on the last couple of tracks whilst releasing SWIM and Bare. I can tell you that I'll be announcing the next release date in the coming week.
How much do issues like gender fluidity and sexuality come into things? Do you think more artists should be addressing these themes?
I think artists should be addressing things that they believe in and feel they need to speak out on. Music is a great release for all of us, listener and writer alike. If we could all put a little more into what we want to achieve the world would be a faster, forward-moving place.
How important are London and its diversity regarding your music?
I moved to London when I was eighteen and it was only then that I really started to discover who I was as a person. I spent the early years of my independent life in and around the L.B.G.T.Q.+ community which helped shape who I am now in so many ways - including the way I write music.
Can you recall which musicians influenced you when you were young? What motivated your decision to get into music?
There was never really any one thing that spurred me on to create music: it's just something I've always known and loved since I can remember. I do remember the big inspirations, though. I was always listening to my idols as a kid and the variety was wide and random.
There are so many but honourable mentions have to go to P!nk, Christina Aguilera; Dido, Cher; Chemical Brothers, Groove Armada; Nero, Deadmau5; Sub Focus, Primal Scream...I want to go on but we could be here all day.
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
By the end of this year, you'll have all heard my new E.P., Womanhood, in full, and, hopefully, some of you might find some healing in its inner-workings. I've got a couple of big shows to announce yet, along with a few more surprises. Stay tuned!
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
That’s a super-tricky question! I have so many amazing memories I could share. My first Sofar performance last year is a big one for me. It was the first time I proved to myself that I could really connect to people through being honest with my music. If you haven't been to Sofar (Sounds) before, I'd really recommend it - such an incredible experience for everyone in the room.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Again; this is a tricky one but I'm gonna go ahead and bat for the independent team by saying Femme. I love what she represents; not only as an artist but as a businesswoman.
The rider would be several joints, some feminist literature and a fu*k-load of sushi.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Trust your own sound and don't let any idiots tell you that you need to change or 'define' it. I was confused for a long time because people would say things like: “I don't really get what genre you are writing in” or: “Who is this music for?” Let your answer always be: “For me and anyone else who fuc*ing well likes it”. Individuality is dying - remember that the next time someone questions who you are.
IN THIS PHOTO: dwilly
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
SO. MANY. In fact, here are five tracks I have recently discovered on Spotify and I am OBSESSING over them. Go and add them to your summer playlists if it's the last thing you do today...
ADD - dwilly (ft Emilia Ali)
Falling - Animal Feelings (ft. Thief)
IN THIS PHOTO: Aquilo
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Listening to other people’s music. Haha. Music is, quite literally, my oxygen. If I'm not around it, I’m not having fun.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
YES. This song is an absolute vibe. Ideal listening environment: in the bath, headphones on with a joint. If that’s not your style, simply listen whilst on your morning commute whilst watching the world go by.
BENDMA - I Wanna Be Loved by You
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