by pankhuri bhutani
photo by jimmy fontaine
Hailing from Los Angeles while having her roots from England, this artist started her journey in the music industry as a songwriter. Having written songs for some iconic artists like Rita Ora, Fifth Harmony, Skrillex, and Kiiara, she also penned the platinum collaboration “Scared To Be Lonely” by Martin Garrix and Dua Lipa.
Georgia Overton, who goes professionally by the name Georgia Ku, is not only a phenomenal songwriter but also an insanely talented singer. She has amassed over one million monthly listeners on her Spotify Channel. Her insane vocals powered NOTD & Felix Jaehn’s chart-busting international smash “So Close.” The single garnered over 214 million Spotify streams, and grabbed the nomination for “Dance Song of the Year” at the 2020 iHeartRadio Awards.
Georgia’s 2020 EP, Real (Atlantic Records) has instantly grabbed the attention of the listeners by the first single “Lighthouse.” Georgia reveals insights into her music journey and hints on upcoming projects in an interview with Unclear!
Hi Georgia! Thank you for joining us on Unclear! For the people who have yet to be introduced to your music, kindly tell us something about yourself!
Georgia: “Thank you for having me! I started my career as a songwriter, and after a few years in the game I decided to sign a record deal! I just released me debut EP ‘Real’ which I’m so excited about and continue to write for others behind the scenes.”
When was the moment you realized you wanted to set out in the music industry?
G: “I have sung my whole life, but I decided I wanted to take it seriously when I was 16. My parents sat me down and helped me map out my future career, they supported me fully and encouraged me to go after my dreams. I went on to study music for three years before venturing out to LA, and that’s where I was fortunate enough to start my career as a songwriter.”
You just released your debut EP Real. Congratulations on that! What was the creative process like with the EP and did you face any challenges during the making of all the tracks?
G: “I tend to not go into sessions thinking I’m going to write for my project, but there was something about each of these songs, they were so specific to my story that I couldn’t give them away. I actually finished the EP during quarantine so it was a lot of finishing from home which was different but exciting and productive! I’m so proud of the journey and all of the hard work that went into these songs from their very stripped form to what they are now.”
You have garnered more than one million active monthly listeners on your Spotify Channel. How does it feel to know that your music has such a global influence?
G: “Ahh, I’m so grateful, I just love that people are listening! I love receiving messages from fans about how my music has inspired them or got them through a hard time, that’s my ultimate goal!”
You have created some phenomenal tracks till now and have worked with some amazing artists including Rita Ora, Fifth Harmony, Skrillex, Dua Lipa, Martin Garrix and many more. What is the biggest lesson that you have learned in your music journey so far?
G: “I think to believe in yourself for a start, always be willing to grow and learn your trade. There were a lot of times I was thrown into sessions I felt were too big for me, but I think knowing your own strengths and what you bring to the room is important, especially when collaborating with such talented people.”
What are you currently listening to? Who are your musical inspirations?
G: “I’ve been in kind of a throwback mood. Lauryn Hill is one my biggest inspirations so I’ve had her on repeat. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Christian worship music on the Worship Now playlist on Spotify. In this weird time, it’s really been helping to lift me up.”
What is next for you, Georgia? What can the fans expect from your upcoming projects?
G: “Right now, I have a few more features coming out very soon. I’m still writing for other artists and continue to write for myself, even during this pandemic I’m trying to stay creative otherwise I might go crazy! I would love to be doing live shows but I have no idea when that will be possible again. I guess I just want to keep trying to be a light for people, interact with fans and share encouragement especially in a time where people are feeling a bit confused and lost.”
Lastly, is there any message that you wish to convey to your fans from all around the world?
G: “I just want to be a light. Alongside making authentic music and letting people into my story, I want to use my platform to create a safe space to open difficult conversations and push brands/projects and movements that I’m passionate about.”