Name: Georgia Barnes aka Georgia
Nationality: British
Occupation: Producer, vocalist, songwriter
Current release: Georgia's new album Euphoric is out July 28th 2023 via Domino.
Gear Recommendations: I would say get a 4 track tape recorder and a microphone second hand and learn how to physically record before going onto a DAW - because then you will know the basic idea of sound recording and before you know it you’ll be on your way.

If this Georgia interview piqued your interest, visit her official homepage. She is also on Instagram, Facebook, twitter, and TikTok.
 


The views of society towards technology are subject to constant change. How would you describe yours?
 
This is a very interesting question, how long have you got? Haha.

I think I feel incredibly excited by the forward momentum of technology, the incredible advancements going on and innovative creations. However, I think I am scared about how society uses modern technology, like how we’ve seen with social media etc.

That doesn't mean I don't have any faith in humanity and society but I'm just weary that in the hands of the wrong people it can all go horribly wrong and instead of creating positive change, it in fact reinforces terrible elements of our society.
 
What are currently your creative goals and how are technologies helping you reach them?
 
I always have creative goals - or rather ideas than goals. In music production there are so many areas of technologies to explore.

I actually find myself these days influenced by old technology, synthesisers from the past generations, samplers from the 80s and even techniques such as midi, which I find opens up so many creative possibilities.

I really inspire to mesh the old with the new, to create something of my own.
 
How and for what reasons has your music set-up evolved over the years and what are currently some of the most I'mportant pieces of gear and software for you?
 
Well, I have to say it has some bearing on finances haha! But, yes, over the years I have really developed my studio. It went from a 4 track Korg tape recorder in my bedroom to now in my own designed studio which has taken years to develop into my “perfect” working environment.

Key piece of my studio is the vocal chain equipment so, Neve pre-amp / eq into my 1176 compressor. This just means like whatever mic I'm using I can always set the sound to how I like, to get the best performance out of the singer.

I'm also really enjoying my Dyne Audio subwoofers, just for vibing and mixing sometimes it's great to have, to also listen to mixes before mastering.   
 
Have there been technologies which have profoundly influenced, changed or questioned the way you make music?
 
Yes, I think like how Daft Punk or my dad (Leftfield) made music using samplers and then mixed that with computers. The analogue meeting the digital.

Recently I've wanted to look less at a screen and a DAW. I love how physical it is to have a sampler and a record deck and see what comes from it. Even going back to a 8 track recorder. Mixing it up and seeing how that affects my songwriting and production.

I like the idea of not editing too much, putting the hard work in the writing of the music.
 
From my point of view, the three key factors which have driven music technology over the past decades are mobility, affordability, and (easy) usability. How I'mportant are these for your own work – and did I miss any?
 
I think this is again very interesting and accurate. However, no this does not dictate my creative process.

I sort of think about all of this at the end of the project, or let my management and label deal with it haha.
 
Technology is usually associated with innovation and progress. Are these also I'mportant considerations for your music? What is the relation between innotative tools and "innovative music"?
 
Yes I think in some way. Me and Rostam were very keen to mix the album in Dolby Atmos. This is a whole new technology which is being explored at the moment, and I think can be innovative.

It's like anything - it's trial and error and this leads to progress. I think innovative tools will always be welcomed in the studio and live setting. There are some real advancements happening in the live areas at the moment which are helping artists tour for less expense.
 
Late producer SOPHIE said: “You have the possibility with electronic music to generate any texture, and any sound. So why would any musician want to lI'mit themselves?” What's your take on that and the relevance of lI'mitations in your set-up and process?
 
God SOPHIE was such a special artist. We all miss her so much. What she did for music was so profound and innovative. I really think this statement is important, and is the fundamental drive electronic musicians have.

I think personally I do need a few limitations when writing a piece of music or writing lyrics. But when it comes to production, especially with EUPHORIC, Rostam and I were quite limitless with the ideas. Like “why not,” let's add this and do that. I really love that mentality.

But it is a skill to then take the limitless ideas and shape them into a structure. Hmmm I feel so existential right now. I mean, there is no right or wrong in creativity.
 
The choice in creative tools can be overwhelming. Are there ways to deal with- and embrace this wealth and channel it to support your creative goals?
 
This can be a problem for people. Especially with the endless amounts of plug-ins available now, it's like it can be a overload or options and sometimes that can in turn be detrimental to the task in hand.

I try to condense my creative tools in a writing session to the specific things that are going to help with the creativity. I have my go to tools that I know aren’t going to take a load of time and experimenting in the moment.

You want to try capture the moments in the studio when writing, you don't want to be fiddling around wasting time. So it's a balance for sure.