Georgia Fields is making waves in the Australian music industry with her unique talent. The Melbourne based singer chatted with us and the result is an interesting and fun interview:
What has the response been like to your self titled debut album?
It has been overwhelmingly kind. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was lucky to have some really wonderful things printed about it.
I’m being careful not to take any of that for granted, and to keep working as hard as I can on this next record. My father sent me a three page letter (he lives in Sydney) with notes on what he thought about each song, which was quite possibly the most important piece of written commentary the record received for me, personally.
How would you describe your sound?
Pop songs with eclectic instrumentation. This album has a lot of Phil Spektor-ish, 60s inspired, wall-of-sound orchestral arrangements.
There’s also a few sparse woodwind arrangements that I’m very proud of.
The song “Seven Years” is about your time in a cult, what can you tell us about this?
I was in a Christian cult during my teens. We didn’t live in a commune or have to shave our heads or anything bizarre like that. But music, literature, and personal relationships were monitored very carefully.
I had to get rid of my ‘secular’ music and wasn’t able to build friendships beyond those in the cult. I remember when I finally left at 20 and got my own flat in Prahran, I put a woman’s magazine on my coffee table and was overwhelmed with how ‘free’ I felt to make that choice.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My friends are probably the biggest source of inspiration to me. I’m lucky to be surrounded by creative types. I recently had a friend Solange Mardonez ask me some very intriguing questions about fashion on her blog ‘More Than The Clothes You Wear’, which got me thinking about art and clothes in a different way.
Musically, the Melbourne local scene is flush with talent. Almost any night of the week you can walk into a venue and be inspired or feel as though you need to get your act together and practice your scales (usually both for me).
How would you describe your fashion style?
Vintage inspired opp-shop wear. I’m trying to save up and buy well-made classic pieces but most of my wardrobe is dominated by odd pieces I’ve picked up here and there. There’s a lot of floral and a lot of stripes.
Who are some of your other favourite artists?
Locally, Angie Hart, Charles Jenkins, and Clare Bowditch. From the international realms, The Beatles, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Tom Waits, Aretha Franklin, The Bird and The Bee.
What has been the most exciting moment in your career so far?
Last year I recorded an episode for the SBS show ‘RocKwiz’, alongside the legendary Normie Rowe. After the episode shoot, the RocKwiz Orchestra invited me to be their special guest at their headline live show in The Queenscliff Music Festival (with punk icon Kim Salmon as my opponent).
I remember peeping backstage while Brian Nankervis was warming the crowd up and hearing the audience roar. It was so loud it felt like I’d been shoved in the chest. It was utterly thrilling, nerve-wracking, and FUN.
Have you always loved to sing?
Yes. As a child I used to enjoy sticking my head out of car windows and singing at the top of my lungs. My poor parents.
What are you currently working on?
I’m about 75% through writing my next record. I’m really enjoying getting to know the new songs. They’re very different to my other material, which is as exciting as it is frightening.
At the moment I’m trying to galvanize the stylistic and thematic direction… I’m hoping that there’s something special there.
What CD is in your car CD player right now?
I don’t have a car, or a CD player, but I am currently listening to ‘Natural Disasters’ by D. Rogers. It is an inspired work of pop music genius!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I’m a bit of a nerd. Lately I’ve been playing Scrabble against myself, and re-reading my favourite sci-fi author John Wyndham (currently on ‘The Chrysalids’). I recently perfected a chocolate pudding recipe that I want to throw mixed berries in next time. A drink and a dance is also a favourite past time, although less frequent than the others!
How do you feel about comments hailing you as the next big thing?
Um… Grateful. And slightly under pressure.
What does being a woman mean to you?
I have been thinking a lot about archetypes lately, and how we are able to encompass many roles within our own gender. Lover, sister, mother, wise old woman, little girl… I enjoy playing these roles with my friends, sometimes subconsciously and sometimes on purpose.
Earlier today I was stomping through autumn leaves with a toddler. When I’m making business decisions I have to be the shrewd old maid. Right now I’m wearing bright red lipstick and slippers, I’m not sure what archetype that is.
Perhaps the ‘singer-songwriter at home on her laptop’.
CATCH GEORGIA FIELDS LIVE
Thursday 12 May at The Toff In Town (MELB)
w/ Sophie Koh & Duke Batavia. Tickets via www.moshtix.com.au ph 1300 438 849
Sunday 22 May at The Vanguard (SYD)
Supports to be announced. Tickets via www.thevanguard.com.au
Beauty and Lace is an online magazine for women. We hope you enjoyed this article!