To be able to say you spent your summer supporting Broods and Tash Sultana, as well as performing at Laneway Festival and Hot Dub Wine Machine is a feat for any artist – especially at just 16 years old. Let us introduce George Alice – Adelaide songwriter and winner of this year’s triple j Unearthed High competition.
Her debut song ‘Circles’ climbed to #1 on Australia’s viral charts for over a week, holding its place in the top three on the viral charts for over a month in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland thanks to its captivating hooks, electronic edge and old school songwriting, cementing her place in the Australian music industry. We sit down with the young artist ahead of her upcoming performance on the Live Stage at the Australian Open this month.
Having won triple j Unearthed High this year and having released your debut single, how do you find the balance between your music and your education, having just finished Year 11?
I actually made the tough decision to leave school soon after Unearthed High. I’d been presented with such an amazing opportunity, I was soon getting tangled in the mix between high school life and a sudden global music career. So far it’s been the best decision I could’ve made, I’ve achieved a lot of things I wouldn’t be able to if I were still in school. Unearthed High was definitely a shock but I just take everything in my stride and surround myself with good people.
‘Circles’ is a brilliant, catchy track that you released this year. What was the process behind writing and recording that?
It was one of my first writing sessions ever with my friend Maribelle in Melbourne. We both were experimenting with sounds and concepts, Maribelle hadn’t really produced a track before and the demo sounds exactly the same as the released version. We wrote it about being a typical 15 year old confused with life and the feeling of going round in circles with the same people every day, a constant confusion.
How does it feel to be supporting Broods at the Australia Open Live Stage?
It’s still really crazy to get my head around. I love Broods and never thought I’d be able to support them or play the Aus Open live stage – it’s all such a dream. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity. I’m going to make sure I bring my all!
Are there any other acts at the Live Stage that you’re hoping to see?
We’re all split up over different days, but I would absolutely love to see The Veronicas they rock so hard. And Matt Corby has been on my bucket list for so long now also!
We love listening to your covers on Instagram, are then any new tracks out that you’re looking forward to covering?
I’m always looking for new songs to put my twist on. Lately, it’s been a lot of Post Malone, I really love him and his music. Maybe some Dua Lipa; the pop world right now is so beautiful it would be great to dive into and strip back.
With ‘Circles’ debuting last year, and a series of Summer shows on the horizon, can we expect some exciting new material in 2020?
I’ve been working on new music for months, we’ve got a bunch of tracks now that really sound and feel right. I’m excited to see what the new year brings, and I’m excited for you all to hear what I’ve been doing.
The Australian Open 2020 takes place from 20 January – 2 February. Punters can get into the AO Live Stage performance with a stadium ticket, or you can nab a ground pass for access to all outdoor courts and the ballpark.
