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Hope & Anchor Review

Sunday 24th October 2004

With beautifully crafted lyrics and an emotionally charged voice the stunning Georgiana introduced herself to the music world today.

Her songs are insightful, autobiographical while being self-effacing, and, in some instances, surprisingly simple. There is an introspective maturity in her work, leading her audience into quiet reflection.

Initially influenced by punk and the 1990’s grunge scene (combine David Bowie and the Smashing Pumpkins to give you Georgiana’s haunting "Breaking Point") she has mixed this angry background with a much more mellow, folk-rock approach - think Alanis Morrisette, P.J. Harvey and Carole King, then throw in some Velvet Underground and Pixies for good measure.

On one level songs like "Don’t Wanna B Ordinary" and "I oo" tell of a young songwriter’s struggle to find recognition. Yet, they also speak of a waivering self-esteem and the fear of rejection. Above all, Georgiana’s songs show a maturity that is accessible to anyone who has overcome heartache or still remembers their teenaged angst, even if it was a long time ago!

In her own words: how can anyone find her in amongst everyone else? Let’s hope it’s not too long before a record label recognises this talented individual.

When Avril Lavigne grows up, she’ll want to be like Georgiana.

By A. Kirk-Burgess

Georgiana "Valentine’s" Bullet Review

Sunday 13th February 2005

In front of a large, enthusiastic audience Georgiana and her band had their best gig to date.

The evening began with a series of open-mic performances before Georgiana’s showcase hour-long set. Much of the crowd consisted of seasoned musicians, and there was an obvious appreciation as the band gelled from the very first song. Despite a slight technical hitch during the opening "Don’t Wanna B Ordinary", there was a warm reception.

The first four songs were very Easy Listening. The music and relaxed atmosphere were reminiscent of a Lounge Lizard scene from the Swinging Sixties. This part ended with her latest song "Sunny Days", a beautifully simple tune, clearly inspired by The Carpenters.

Georgiana and her band then moved into a darker, more introspective set, including the songs "Hold Onto Me" and "Angry Man". The band played magnificently and Georgiana’s heart-wrenching singing on "I oo" and "Breaking Point" was inspiring. She then ended on the upbeat "Stop & Go", a song that works very well with her band and one which they, and the crowd, clearly enjoyed.

After a great ovation, they were encouraged to play an encore. She sang "Breaking Point" once more at the request of the promoter. This was followed by a solo rendition of "Wicked They Group" and even more applause.

Georgiana’s band was the first to play at the newly refurbished Bullet Bar and they have set a high standard for others to follow.

By Anthony Kirk-Burgess

A Conversation with Georgiana

`It’s not funny waking up at 3am to record something you heard in a dream...’

Date of Birth: `I am a New Year’s baby!’ January 1st 1977.

Birthplace: ‘Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA.’

Nationality: ‘American + British’

What schools did you attend? ‘Butzbach Elementary School in Germany; Sir Thomas Picton Secondary School in Wales, and Oxford Brooks University, Oxford.’

What did you study at University? `German. My father is American, and my mother is British, but we spent most of my childhood in Germany where my father was stationed with the U.S. Army. I was fluent in it at an early age and developed a love of the language.’

Do you consider yourself American or British? `I must be the only Brit with an American accent! Living in 3 different cultures (I spent 10 years of my childhood in Germany) really gave me some identity problems in adolescence, but I guess I consider myself European.’

What instruments do you play? Guitar is my main instrument, but I can also play the piano and recorder.’

How would you best describe yourself? ‘Oh, playful, moody, troubled, egocentric, trusting and very committed. I’m obsessed with reaching my goals and will work hard to get them.’

How has motherhood affected you? ‘There is nothing quite as character building as being solely responsible for another life. I used to be scared of what people thought of me or my music. These days, I know what’s important and what’s not.’

Do you feel that music interferes with your family life or enhances it? ‘It’s not funny when you’re waking up at 3am, groping around for a tape player to record something you heard in a dream, only to start the day at 5 or 6 as your babies dictate. Yes, it can interfere with social and family life, but so would any other job.’

Do you feel ready for a music career? `Yes! I didn’t feel ready to launch a professional career until now, I don’t feel I knew myself well enough nor had the mental toughness until now. I’m a late developer.’

Could you see yourself in any other career? `No! It’s got to be music. I’ve tried other jobs but I’m just not as passionate about anything else.’

Who are your musical influences? ‘Too numerous to mention as they’re always changing, but significant ones are Nirvana, Alanis Morisette, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Radiohead, No Doubt, Tori Amos and Liz Phair.’

How would you describe your music? ’Folk guitars with emotion and pop.’

How many songs do you have in your profile? `About 400.’

Do you have any friends in the music business? `Yes. Amerie. She’s recently just made it in America and has been in the film ‘First Daughter’. We were in Butzbach Elementary together in Germany. Our fathers were both stationed on the American base. We used to play Barbies and write stories most afternoons. Sadly we’ve lost touch, but who knows, maybe we’ll come across one another again.’

What path would you, realistically, like to see your career going? `As long as it keeps moving steadily forward, I’ll be happy! I just need to know that 12 years of song writing hasn’t been a waste. I’d like to get my music heard by the masses, of course. What musician wouldn’t?’

Interview by Jeanne Freer

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