British drummer and singer Georgia jumps genres on new album
With dance-led electronic drums and layers of synthesizer, 'Seeking Thrills' takes an artistic leap
Georgia isn’t afraid to try new and unusual things.The beginning of a new year is often a time for up-and-coming artists to make their mark, and Georgia is creating quite a buzz with her new album Seeking Thrills. The British drummer/singer, full name Georgia Barnes, spoke to Young Post about her live shows, and how she’s developed artistically since her debut album in 2015.
“I’ve never been a one-genre artist,” says the 29-year-old, who once played drums for political poet and artist Kate Tempest. “I’ve always found the beauty in having an eclectic bunch of songs influenced by anything from house, to world music, to post-punk. I wanted there to be variety on the record.”
Seeking Thrills takes an artistic leap from her self-titled debut, with a distinct 80s theme of dance-led electronic drums, and dense synth layers. This translates into a memorable solo live act, where she sings while playing a bulky electronic drum kit onstage.
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“With the whole 80s and DJ influence in [the album], I thought – why don’t I just do it myself? The drums are such a big part of my art and who I am as an artist. So why not stand up, play the drums and sing?
The unusual approach pays off. While it may not be traditional, she noticed from her first gigs that audiences dig it.
“I wanted to really work for the audience, and have a different kind of experience.
“It’s exciting to be the only person up there on stage, trying to win over a crowd,” she adds. “I really fed off the energy!”
Many people first heard Georgia’s music on her debut TV performance on Later with Jools Holland, a late-night music show renowned for showcasing new artists alongside established and heritage acts.
“It was incredibly scary,” admits the songwriter, who featured on the show in October. “I don’t think I’ve been so nervous before. I’ve watched the show since I was a little kid, so to just to be in that studio was a very surreal experience.”
The music videos for lead singles, 24 Hours and Never Let You Go, were filmed and directed by videographer Joe Connor who has directed music promos for Coldplay.
24 Hours is a lyrical journey which details the ritual of going out, having total freedom for 24 hours, and then going back to a very structured life, while Never Let You Go was filmed in the beautiful Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.
“It’s a very famous desert used in a lot in films like Star Wars and The Martian – it’s just incredibly vast,” explains the singer. “Joe had always wanted to film there, and when he heard Never Let You Go, he thought it was the perfect song.”
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It was an awe-inspiring experience for her, too, as she raved: “The sky was spectacular. It’s famous for the star alignments and planets. It’s incredible.”
And it seems that the stars are beginning to align for Georgia, who feels she is becoming a better artist as her music begins to reach a much wider audience. “You learn and develop,” she said. “I’ve learned a hell of a lot in the five-year gap making this record, which is why I’ve always loved being a musician.