In the Green Room: Georgia Oatley

The trip-hop/alt-electronic vocalist and producer is at The Lab this month to launch her debut album, A Pastoral – a love letter to the wild, sprawling land of Peramangk country. Here’s what to expect…

Congrats on your debut album, A Pastoral! Tell us about this full-length project.

A Pastoral is a record born from my relationship to the land. When I was young, I would trace the shape of the hills with my voice and I think that this sentiment is at the crux of my practice. With this collection of songs, I’m translating the environment around me with synths, found sounds and drum samples.

You say your music is tessellating tiles of sound. What does this mean to you?

I have a synaesthetic relationship with sound. When I think of my sound, I see shapes softly moving in a mathematical pattern. It’s organic albeit electronic, soulful and gentle, deep and brooding.

You’re also releasing a vinyl of the LP. Why are you interested in this medium?

Music is an ephemeral art form. As an electronic producer only using software, it feels significant to have a physical manifestation of the work – something people can invite into their space to become part of their collection, which could later get lost in an op-shop and found by a stranger. It’s also a way to celebrate the album artwork – a beautiful piece by local Tutti artist Jack Hooper, which deserves full glory!

The launch show is at The Lab. Why are the immersive elements of this venue important to your show?

The Lab provides an opportunity to make [the show] a moment in time beyond a regular gig. Collaborating with visual artists helps convey the deep world the music lives in. With Joe F. on live visuals, using all analogue gear, his work connects to the organic and electronic nature of my sound. Claude Creighton, as a stage designer and puppet maker, also taps into the dreamlike wonder that my music evokes.

Georgia Oatley performs at The Lab on February 15, supported by My Chérie. Tickets on sale now.