G Flip: It’s All G
When G Flip was nine, they received their first drum kit. Now they’re 29 and a global music sensation. On the cusp of their sophomore album, DRUMMER, the musician talks about giving their younger self a voice and becoming a figure they missed as a kid.
Interview Zara Richards // Image Jade Derose
Image supplied
G! We’re so excited to see you’re back in Adelaide this August 25 with a new album in tow. Tell us about DRUMMER. You’ve previously said it’s an album you always wanted to hear growing up…
I’m stoked to be playing a show in Adelaide! It’s going to be crazy. My album, DRUMMER, is definitely an album I always wanted to hear growing up. When I was making this album, I created a list of my favourite drum grooves and wrote songs around those parts. This album was built from the drums up. I’m really proud of that. My younger self would be stoked to hear this record.
It’s been four years since your debut album, About Us. What have you learned between the release of that record and the build of this one?
It’s been way too long since I released a full album. I’ve learned so much over the past four years and, more importantly, I’ve grown as a person. I’ve evolved as a human, and that’s reflected in my new music. I made most of my first album in my bedroom, alone, with my instruments and [without] management or a label. After that record, I had a whole team and was thrown into a lot of sessions. I had to learn to collaborate and work in different settings with different kinds of people. It took me a while to get my footing and confidence to know what I like and don’t like as a musician. Finally, I sat my team down and told them I needed a drum kit in every session I went into and the music I’d be creating [would be] kit heavy. I knew I wanted my music to have live instruments and I wanted to lead every part of the album. I co-wrote and co-produced every song on DRUMMER and played most instruments on the record.
You’ve previously said DRUMMER is an ‘ode to your drumkit’ and ‘your younger self’. Why was it important for you to give your younger self a voice throughout this album?
Growing up, I felt really confused about my sexuality and gender identity. That made me have a lot of dark thoughts. It wasn’t until later in life I realised drums were my shield that I got to hide behind. Attending a Catholic all-girls school, I was terrified of being the ‘queer kid’ and being ostracised. But everyone knew me as ‘the drummer kid’, and I liked it that way. Drums were my safe zone, they were my therapy, and they gave me an identity. I didn’t know what being non-binary was as a kid, but if I did, it would have changed my life. A big part of the G Flip project is to help educate the world on gender identity. If I had a non-binary/queer idol to look up to, my childhood would have been a lot less dark. So, I try to be that for other kids who might be lost just like I was.
Tell me more about when you realised drums were your instrument.
I got my first drum kit at nine years old. That little blue drum kit changed my life. When I get overwhelmed or feel too many emotions, I cry. The sight of that drum kit at nine years old had me in tears. I was so overjoyed and happy. I didn’t want to cry in front of my family because I was such a little tough kid. So, when I went to the bathroom, I shed some tears. I could not believe that this drum kit was mine. That day changed the course of my life forever. Getting the drum kit was the key to the life I have now. I started drum lessons and met my teacher, Jenny. I wanted to be just like her when I was a kid
READ MORE: Sarah Blasko: The Past Plays On
On DRUMMER, you also speak a lot about love – what it’s like to lose it and find it. Why do you think love is a powerful topic you’re drawn to sing about?
I always write about my experience and what I’m going through. I’m not very good at making up stories or writing in metaphors – my lyrics are always to the point and exactly what I’ve been through. My songs are queer because I’m queer. My songs are about being non-binary because I’m non-binary. Love is one of the biggest parts of our lives. I’m an emotional person and I feel love deeply.
I do write a lot of songs about typical love topics, like girls that have broken my heart, me breaking a girl’s heart, falling in love, being in love and sex. But I’ve also written songs about the love I have for my mum and my sister or the love I have for myself and being my own support system. On this album, there is even a love song written to my drum kit.
You’ve been a force in the industry since 2018, and ever since, you’ve used your platform to speak on important issues like gender diversity, representation and sexuality. Why is it important for you to create noise around these subjects?
It’s so important because so much hate and hurt could be avoided just with education. I’m so lucky to have this platform and the support of so many people, especially in the queer, trans and non-binary communities. I will always do my best to educate others and make the spaces I’m in as safe and as loving as possible.
Why is it important for young minds to see themselves reflected in musicians and pop culture figures?
During childhood and adolescence, your brain is growing and grasping onto areas that spark interest and serotonin. Developing minds are searching for inspiration and purpose. I didn’t have many idols to look up to or that I wanted to be when I was younger. I would look at female pop stars and that wasn’t me. I’d look at male rock stars and they weren’t me either. I’m really honoured that I’ve been accepted for who I am.
If just one kid feels less confused about their identity because they can see themselves in me, then I’ve done my job. That’s my purpose for doing all of this – if I can just help even one person, it’s all worth it.
You’ve also hit some incredible highs since 2018, like playing a smashing Splendour set with a broken arm or playing at the Grand Final. Is there a moment in your career so far you feel the proudest of?
There are so many milestones that are honestly hard to comprehend even happened. The thing that makes me happiest is making my loved ones happy. Something I’m looking forward to this year (which might be my career highlight) is playing The Forum in Melbourne. My Nan has never seen me play live because she’s too old to come to shows and get in the mosh. But at The Forum, there is a little seat on the balcony where she can watch [the show] safely and comfortably. I’m so excited to have her [see] a show.
Last question! Do you hope Collingwood wins the AFL Grand Final and will you be watching?
I rerouted my whole US tour so I can go to the Grand Final when Collingwood make it. That will be one of the best days of my life. GO PIES!
See G Flip play at Hindley Street Music Hall this August 25. Tickets on sale now.
