Perth singer-songwriter Georgia Reed returns from her new home in London to play her only Australian show for the year, where she'll debut brand new music.
This year has seen Georgia release her current single 'Colours' in February and establish a new creative base in London. From there she's has been working on a new body of work that will be showcased at Mojos in December.In anticipation of her homecoming, we chat with Georgia about life in London, new music and what she's hoping to get for Christmas.
Looking back on 2019, what have been some of the highlights for you?
Moving to London and playing at The Half Moon, on a stage that has been graced by The Rolling Stones, U2, The Who and more.
How has living and working in London helped you develop as a songwriter and performer?
I’ve been writing easily ten times as much as I used to at home. There is so much to be inspired by in London. I’ve been able to see so many of my favourite bands in amazing venues and intimate gigs. It really drives you to create.
Was it difficult to establish yourself when you first relocated?
I didn’t find anything overly difficult, but it took a solid six months or so before I started playing in London. There is so much to organise when you first move and it really takes time for a new place to feel like home.
Do you like to promote the fact you're from Western Australia when you're in London?
I promote that I’m Australian all the time, but I always get asked: 'So are you from Sydney or Melbourne?', which then leads me to 'no. . . the other side'.
You must be looking forward to getting back to Fremantle for your show in December?
I can’t express how excited I am to come home and play Mojos! I get to play at one of my favourite venues with all of my favourite people. It’s basically one, big party.
Any special plans for that homecoming gig?
I have some incredible support acts for this show. Mitchell Martin is an amazing songwriter who I have seen absolutely shine over the years. Harry Foxton will be spicing things up with his brilliant blend of bluesy rock, and Elwyn is going to blow the socks off everyone with her banging new music. We also have Lypjus (DJ) providing quality beats after the show to keep the party going well into the night.
Some things you miss about home when you're overseas?
I miss little things the most, like driving; sitting in my parent’s backyard having a morning coffee. The dry summers in Perth and visiting wineries in the south-west.
Flip that; what's the best thing about living in London?
It’s literally impossible to be bored. There is so much that you can do on any day or night of the week. You can go and see an incredible band, go to a museum, the markets, or even a comedy show, and it will be packed.
The biggest change you've seen in yourself as a musician since your 2016 debut?
I think my writing has matured a lot. My debut single 'Waiting For You To Run' was the second song I had ever written.
I write a lot more about my own experiences now and back then I used to get anxious showing what I had written to people. I would shut down a lot of my ideas before trying them. I've learned to trust myself and accept that sometimes the best songs can be the ones I think are mediocre in the beginning.
Is there some new music in the works?
I'm super excited to debut some new music at Mojos in December! I'll be back in the studio in 2020 to start the next chapter.
What's your favourite app at the moment?
DICE. It's a fantastic app that I use a lot to find out what gigs are on each week. The events show up as icons and you can click a play button to hear a preview of each band's music. Sometimes they organise free, intimate gigs with popular artists. It's super exciting. It's my go-to.
One item on your bucket list you hope to cross off in the next 12 months?
Touring the UK is definitely on my bucket list. I'm really hoping to organise that in the coming year. I have family up north as well who I would love to visit. Fingers crossed.
We trust you've been a good girl; what do you hope Santa brings you this year?
Juicy Couture perfume and gluten-free Vegemite.
Your music plans for 2020; what do you hope to achieve?
Definitely recording new music. I'm really excited about it and excited to see what I will create with my new team. I'm itching badly to get back into the studio. I'm also looking forward to seeing everyone at Mojos.
