FAST 10: Georgia Bird
One half of the Neurotiq Erotiq imprint, Georgia Bird gives us the goss on all things Ministry of Sound and espresso martinis…
What do you get when you cross high octane, occasionally unrelenting sounds of jungle, techno, and breakbeat, with smooth silken female vocal samples and an occasional flex of RnB, electronic and dub? Alongside a cocktail of arguably unparalleled stylistic finesse, you get Melbourne artist Georgia Bird.
Although her output might be hard to align within just one or two genres, her penchant for high energy, evolving, and intricately curated sounds have earned Georgia a spot as one of Melbourne’s most renowned selectors. Playing alongside her IRL bestie/partner in crime/creative comrade DJ Sarah under the alias IN2STELLAR (FKA Interstellar Fugitives), the pair have made quick work of conquering the metaphorical mountain that is Melbourne’s underground music scene.
Whether you’ve watched the evolution of her career through earlier performances at Pitch Music & Arts in 2018, and the Woolstore alongside the king of kicking on - Solomon, or you’ve fangirl’d in the front row at recent events Sun Cycle NYD 2020, Strawberry Fields Festival or a rowdy Sunday at the Gasometer in early January, you’ll know she’s come a long way.
Crediting her residency early on in her career at Lounge’s Lucid parties for coming into her own as an artist, her Neurotiq Erotiq imprint event series follows elegantly in suit, showcasing a plethora of international heavyweight’s such as Fantastic Man and Gnork, as well as the full cast of notable Melbourne creatives, Jess Zammit, Whiskey Houston, Turner Street Sound, Andras and Pjenné.
If that’s not enough career accolades for you, then look no further than her recent release ‘Daiserta’ on Melbourne’s label Fluxxx’s compilation series for evidence of her productive prowess, and wide-ranging sonic abilities. Seriously, she’s a triple bloody threat. So take note and buckle in as she walks us through 10 things to know about her.
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY MUSIC:
This question is always so tough, I struggle to define my music taste haha… maybe emotive, epic and unrestricted?
2. A FEMALE ARTIST EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW:
There are so many female artists I am vibing at the moment. The first artists to come to mind are my friends who are really pushing their own sounds and I respect that so much: RBI, my friend Gabby (Afrodisiac) has just started making tracks and they’re so sick, she’s definitely one to watch! Jazz, who is making waves in the scene and always produces intricate mixes. My housemate Bertie, she always has amazing music taste and great on stage vibes. Also C.Frim - love all of her mixes, she’s super talented.
3. A TRACK I’M EMBARASSED TO LOVE:
This is another hard question, because I’m not so embarrassed to love any kind of music. My first introduction to dance music was probably through my mum who loves cheesy 80s synth pop, I think that’s why I have so many KC and the Sunshine Band records. We used to blast ‘Give it Up’ at home.
My second introduction to dance music was through my brother, we used to buy all the Ministry of Sound CDs. I’m a little not that embarrassed to love ‘Pictures – Tonite Only Remix’.
4. THE LOCAL INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE:
Support. Often it’s the ones who have the least who give the most and I think we should try and support the underground scene where we can. For example, paying entry for a friends show, or buying their record. Also stronger diversity and representation of marginalised groups in positions of influence.
5. MY DRINK OF CHOICE AT A GIG:
Usually a vodka lime soda lol, but I do love an espresso martini for a big night or an Aperol Spritz.
6. WHAT EMPOWERS ME:
When someone whose opinion I really value pays me a compliment, it means a lot and encourages me to keep going. Or even when I find some tracks that I obsess over it inspires me, and reassures me how much I love music. That is super empowering.
7. THE BEST GIG I’VE EVER PLAYED:
This is so hard…there are so many. I think every gig at Lounge was so fun, we always had so many friends there. It was really a second home for us. Having a residency at Lounge helped us thrive and find our footing as DJ’s. The best gig for Sarah and I that was pinnacle in our success was the first time we played at Pitch Music & Arts. It was magical.
8. IF I WASN’T IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY I WOULD BE:
When I started DJing I was studying Advertising so maybe I would’ve had a career in that? But when I was 20 I really wanted to move to L.A and study film.
9. SOMEONE I LOOK UP TO IS:
I look up to so many people. I really look up to my mum the most! She has the kindest heart and so much love for everyone. Her careers have always been focused on helping others – she used to work for various mental health clinics and now working for a charity that funds brain cancer research. She has always supported my pursuits and I’m very thankful for that.
10. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I HAVE EVER RECEIVED:
Live a little haha. I’m actually not sure if it’s the best advice I have received, but Sarah says that to me and it reminds me to just do it. If I’m second guessing myself I just remember to live a little and go for it. I’ve learnt a lot from Sarah, and the way she lives her life. She says to always back yourself.