Interview with Ginesse
“If I could call past me, I’d tell her to stop trying so hard and let people love her.“
Los Angeles rising star Ginesse, an indie-pop artist, released her debut EP ‘Somewhere To Die’ at the end of last year. It consists of five tracks which explore her experiences living in Los Angeles for the last 7 years. All the tracks were written over the course of four years with her long-time collaborator, producer Matias Moras.
The EP has a diary-like feel as Ginesse chronicles honest reflections of some of her life’s defining moments, including falling in love, heartbreak, career changes, mental health and friendship. She is an amazing lyricist and her soft and hazy vocals bring a melancholic and nostalgic feel to each track which is magical.
It was a pleasure to have the chance to chat to Ginesse about her debut EP, living in LA and her inspirations…
When did you decide to start creating music? What inspired your decision?
I started writing music when I was about 15. I always loved singing. I used to get in trouble at school for singing in class, so I think I always wanted to write my own music.
What music did you grow up listening to and which artists had the biggest impact on your sound?
I mean, I’m definitely a millennial so I listened to all the greats. Christina Aguilera was the first CD I listened to on repeat. I’d sing to it at the top of my lungs in the backseat of the car. After I started moving around and meeting new kids, I started listening to all types of music. I realised pretty quickly I didn’t care about genre. The only thing that truly grabs my attention are the lyrics. So, the story has always been the most important to me, which definitely impacts the way I make music.
What is the inspiration behind the name ‘Ginesse’ and why did you decide to not go by your real name?
The street outside CBS Studios is “Gennesse” and my boyfriend brought it up as we were driving by. I thought it was an interesting way to remind myself where I am and where I’d like to go.
Your debut EP chronicles some of the defining moments of your life. If you had to choose one moment that had impacted you most, what would it be and why?
I had one night out where I drank way too much and started walking home in Hollywood. It was so dark and I was so depressed, I started going places in my mind I hadn’t gone before. I had one of the first sessions the next day with Matias Moras (producer) and I was really holding on to that. I’m so glad I did because it changed my life.
What do you love most about your new EP? Do you have a favourite track?
I love that we made it. We took our time and invested so much into it. I love all the songs in different ways, but “LA Isn’t Somewhere To Die” pushed me to start releasing my work.
You have described LA as a lonely place. Do you see yourself living there long-term or do you have a dream location that you would love to move to?
I do! I would love to be able to move, but I see it as home now. It would be hard to leave. I do have a dream of moving to Bath… a romantic foggy town is definitely a dream of mine.
What moment in your career so far are you the most proud of?
Being nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award was a really cool moment. I went with my Dad and it felt really special.
If you could make a 30-second phone call to yourself at any point in your life, present or future, when would you call and what would you say?
If I could call past me, I’d tell her to stop trying so hard and let people love her.
What is one artist that you think everyone should have to listen to? Why?
Wow this is an impossible question! I’d say, Kate Bush. Really diving into her was a pretty transcendent experience for me.
What can we expect from you within the next 12 months? Any releases planned? Future gigs?
Lots more music and hopefully more videos!
To keep up to date with the latest news from Ginnesse, you can follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To listen to her latest releases, head to YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify.
By Eveline Vouillemin