Australian singer-songwriter Phoebe Go stands out for her sincere storytelling and heartfelt melodies in a time when commercial soundscapes can sometimes feel like they drown out authenticity in music.
Teasing a debut record coming in 2024, the Melbourne-based artist just released a playful and confessional new single, “7 Up.”
In classic Phoebe Go fashion, the playful melody is contradicted by the bittersweet lyrics that translate the ache in your chest that comes with the realization that it’s time to let go of something you were hoping you wouldn’t need to, confessed so candidly. The lyrics feel heavy, though the upbeat, no-frills production adds a lightness to the track.
“To me this song has a kind of recklessness and a rush about it but maybe that’s the whole point. That’s how letting go feels sometimes,” Phoebe says of the track. The lyrics feel like the words of a page ripped straight from Phoebe’s journal because they pretty much are – honest and introspective.
“I didn’t plan on writing this song, but I think it was time,” she continues. “I guess I realized that I’d been putting someone else before myself for a while, which is sweet, you know, but it gets old and it gets tiring. ‘7 Up’ is about seeing something through different eyes. It’s about setting some shit straight.”
During a Zoom chat, our conversation traversed the realms of her musical journey, her creative processes, and her anticipations for her future projects.
“It started when I nicked my brother’s guitar, probably when I was about 13,” she reminisced, marking the beginning of her love affair with music. This act of sibling rivalry was more than just a youthful indiscretion; it was the first step toward a lifelong passion for music. Phoebe’s early days were filled with exploration and discovery as she immersed herself in the sounds of folk music and began crafting her own songs. “I was falling in love with albums and folk music at the time, and I sort of wanted to try and write,” she shared, highlighting the natural progression from admiration to creation.
The transition from being part of a band to embarking on a solo career was a significant leap for Phoebe, fraught with the anxieties and vulnerabilities of stepping into the spotlight alone. “I was actually so freaked out by it at the start,” she admitted, candidly speaking to the fears that accompany solo artistry. “I don’t know, nervous about having no one to hide behind,” she says about embracing the solitude and vulnerability of her new path. “It ended up being way more empowering than scary.”
Watch the full interview below:
Phoebe’s songwriting process is deeply rooted in intuition and emotion, a reflection of her commitment to authenticity and originality. “The Beatles, and Bright Eyes were my favourite band,” Phoebe noted, revealing the eclectic mix of sounds that have inspired her own creations.
Discussing her latest work and the evolution of her sound, Phoebe spoke of the shift towards a more expansive and playful expression in her music. “I guess when I started writing for this next bunch of songs on the album, I was feeling a little bit more confident and comfy,” she explained. Not all the songs have a playful vibe, though, she admits. “Some of them are still sad as shit.”
Looking forward to what’s next for 2024, she tells me, “There’s an album that’s done. I’ve tried to put multiple flavours on the album.”
Phoebe Go plays Club Soda in Montreal on February 5th with Briston Maroney.
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