A songstress from Mornington Peninsula in Victoria influenced by the likes of Angie McMahon, Ruby Fields, and Phoebe Bridges, 2022 has seen Georgia Ashleigh release her first two singles ever.
Debut song 'Scoop' and sophomore track 'Doing Fine' highlight deeply personal lyrical content that's brought to life with a raw vulnerability as Georgia sings about existential/ environmental dread, self-reflection and everything in between."'Doing Fine' was written when I was very much not fine," admits Georgia. "This was the first step (of many) to admitting that I was facing depression again and that I needed to get help.
"The song replicates my tendency to lean away from things that are hurting me and cover it up with sarcasm or humour. The happy melody versus the lyrical content speaks to this division between how I was acting and how I was feeling at this point in my life.
"I'd crafted almost everything in my life to appear fun, and easy going when it all felt the opposite."
Who is Georgia Ashleigh... I'm a Naarm-based artist who has just released my two debut singles. I write about crushing crushes, existential/environmental dread, self reflection and everything in between.
I sound like... Angie McMahon, Julia Jackson, Alex Lahey and Alex the Astronaut.
Our first gig is... Currently in the process of being organised! We were aiming for around mid September in a small, lovely bar Northside. At the moment we're just busy with rehearsals.
When did you settle on your artist name... The name is simply my first and middle names. I work as a teacher in my day job and wanted to create a degree of separation from my students (although they have found it and I have been asked by a 14 year old if I've "been through some heartbreak or some sh.t").
In the studio I usually... Panic :-) This was our first time recording and I felt massively out of my comfort zone. It's something that I never really expected to get to do, let alone recoding with Jono Steer who has worked with some of my idols.
He created such a calm and peaceful environment, gave us space to do our thing and added beautiful touches that really helps the songs come together (such as the stunning piano line in 'Scoop').
If I could tour with anyone... I'm absolutely loving Merpire at the moment and would be thrilled to tour with them. Such incredible tunes.
Social media is... Something that I wish I enjoyed more. It feels a little bit stressful with the idea that maybe posting one TikTok could make or break things, and I certainly spend a bit too much time with my phone surgically attached to my hand.
My favourite app at the moment is... Honestly? I'm enjoying 'Stardew Valley' at the moment. Give me a simple farming sim and I'm at home. It's peaceful, disconnected and who doesn't want to run away to a tiny farm after becoming too disillusioned with capitalism.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Oooft. Anyone who knows me knows that there's a bit too much to choose from in the bank here.
Outside of the regular saying "you too!" when a kind waitress tells me to enjoy a meal, there was one time I saw a warm-up act (I can't remember the name now!) and a women got on stage for one duet. She sang BEAUTIFULLY. Afterwards I felt the overwhelming need to just go up and tell her that she's incredible and should absolutely do more of that. It was Julia Jacklin (she was very lovely, I was very embarrassed).
Life on the road can be... I'll let you know when I find out one day! But knowing me I would guess chaotic.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that our rider contains... Sour Patch Kids.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Being too polite to tell my Uber driver he dropped me off in a completely different place in London and just walking the 5kms to my hostel in the dark at midnight.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... I'd love Winona Ryder to be, not really sure why but I have been binge-watching 'Stranger Things' recently.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Probably Glasgow. I really loved it there and there seems to be a really amazing arts and music scene. I'm not great with the cold though.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Julien Baker, Stevie Nicks, Jordan Dreyer. I would learn so, so much about writing incredible lyrics, I'd be utterly overwhelmed.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I make a stunning roast cauliflower if I do say so myself! Always tends to be a crowd pleaser.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Absolute lover. We have three cats (one of which kept me up stupidly late last night) and although they're incredibly naughty we do love them.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Coopers XPA. The purple can is just too fun.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. When COVID wasn't in regular vernacular.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Cleaning the shower. I have curly hair and a lot of it. Conditioner sludge is just. . .
Do you have any phobias... I really hate the thought of bugs in my hair.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Nope, I just know there would be too many memes made out of my reactions. I have a very expressive face.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I work as a wedding photographer. Cruelest thing to do to someone in our industry is send a message from a blocked number saying 'hey the ceremonies about to start, how far off are you?'. I wouldn't ever DO it. But gosh it would be good.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Very good falafel. When I die, embalm me in that hummus.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Hmmmm. Perhaps Ms Frizzle from the 'Magic School Bus'?
Last show you binge-watched? 'Stranger Things' because of Winona Ryder.
