It’s hard not to be impressed by Georgia Delves. She is an ambitious young musician who was first introduced to American country music by her grandparents. Raised on Dolly Parton, it could be said that she has shaped the sound of her own voice to honour the legendary singer. But in truth her incredible voice is her own. Together with Tom Brooks, Patrick Wilson and Laura Baxter, she started her own band Georgia State Line, and though there are undeniable influences of Nashville in her music, she’s found her own higher understanding of what it is to be a country singer songwriter. From the innate mindset of Delves, she’s pieced together all her experiences, and released two records, Heaven Knows (2017) and In Colour (2021). The latter earned her an ARIA and AIR nomination for Best Country Album and a four star review via NME. Now looking forward Delves and her colleagues are working towards a big show with a string ensemble that will be at the Melbourne Recital Centre in November. The exciting show promises an exclusive first taste of new material but maybe more importantly a showcase of cross-industry talent. With that in mind, I recently caught up with Georgia Delves. Here is some of what we talked about.
Georgia, it must have been a huge thrill to be nominated last year for an ARIA for Best Country Album? What do you think it was about your music that caught the industry’s attention?
It was the biggest thrill and something largely unexpected. I’m hopeful it had something to do with our collective get-up-and-go, enduring and creative spirit, but who knows. If I work it out, maybe we’ll be in for another nomination come album number 2!
Tell us about what new music you’ve been working on. I understand a new album is not too far away. How does it compliment or differ from Heaven Knows or even In Colour? Can you reveal some details surrounding it?
This second album shows growth. We plan to record the new works in Feb/ March of 2024, and I’m confident it’ll showcase how well we function as a band, and will touch on the many stories that have shaped this next season of writing. I’ve had a lot of loss recently, and as with all my writing, I’ve used this record as a way to make sense of some of that and make something worthwhile from the harder times.
What’s your relationship with country-folk music? How has it changed or evolved?
When I started out I was definitely guilty of making something more folky to fit in. These days, I’m not too bothered. I’m proud of the music and just want to write a “good” song.
Do you feel the fans you have picked up around the time of In Color‘s success has followed you? Or has that morphed a little? Is that one of the reasons for your forthcoming ‘A Very Special Show’ at the Melbourne Recital Centre?
We have a very loyal following in Melbourne. The Melbourne/ wider AUS music community is something to behold – so we’re very grateful for all their support. I’m very excited for this performance to be happening in such an amazing venue as the Melbourne Recital Centre. Country-esque performances aren’t always so frequent there, so it’s a new adventure for us. I am so thankful to Creative Victoria, Auslan Stage Left (who are interpreting the performance) and Melbourne Recital Centre for working with us to make it happen.
About six years ago I saw Kate Miller-Heidke play a string arrangement show at The Plenary. It was incredible. I imagine your forthcoming show will be a celebration of everything you love. What attracted you to work with composer Lucy G Rash?
I bet that would’ve been amazing. I specifically chose to collaborate with Lucy G Rash on this performance because she is such an intuitive and dedicated artist. She really understood my vision for wanting to create drama within the songs and explore the possibilities in making the show its own unique world. I couldn’t have picked a better collaborator.
I’m really interested in the process of how the string ensemble and your band will co-exist on stage together. What can you tell me about what’s in store for the one-night-only show?
Throughout the development process of these songs it has required a lot of careful consideration between parts, and working as a cohesive unit to ensure the life of the song is continually prioritised. We all just want what’s best for the song, and everyone I get to work with is just an incredible musician, so it’s going to be a really amazing night of music.
The show features the Georgia State Line band – Tom Brooks (electric guitar/ pedal steel), Patrick Wilson (drums) and Laura Baxter (backing vocals and bass). Alongside Lucy Rash (violin 1 and arrangements), we’ll have Chloe Sanger (violin 2) and Nils Hobiger (cello) forming the string ensemble.
The song that really grabbed me and I’ve listened to the most is Every Time. What can you tell me that’s surprising about it now? And will it feature in a special arrangement at the Melbourne Recital Centre?
It won’t feature as part of the show at MRC in November, but I think ‘Every Time’ is indicative of how I try to write most songs; balancing heavier subject matter by turning the story with a slight positive spin.
You often seem really at ease playing guitar. What three qualities make a good guitarist?
I mainly picked up guitar to support my songwriting. For me and the way I use the instrument, a good guitarist respects the song, does exactly what the song calls for- whether that be holding back to create space, or when constructing the harmony/ chords allows the melody to shine. I think I’ve come to accept the label of a ‘guitarist’ more as I’ve grown into what I do, and with that comes a level of leaving worries behind about making mistakes.
Georgia, finally before I let you go, what makes a good song in your opinion?
I’m always drawn to the melody. Regardless of what purpose the song serves – whether that be a dance track or something outside of country – I want that melody to get stuck in my head and make me want to keep listening on repeat. I think knowing why I like listening to music helps me want to create songs that live outside the confines of genre. Music is there for everyone to be enjoyed, no matter the label.
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