INTRODUCING: TIA GOSTELOW
Like most Australians, I knew a lot about Tia Gostelow before I met her. I knew that she was an extremely talented singer-songwriter who had already released two albums despite only being 21. I also knew that she had 2 Triple J feature albums and a Queensland Music Award for album of the year under her belt. What I didn’t know, was how incredibly down-to-earth and modest the artist I met would be.
Tia talked about her struggle with leaving her hometown in Mackay, and how that isolation and change turned into an album. She also shared the story of her first time headlining a show, when she thought no one would be in the audience. It was a welcome surprise to meet someone so young and successful, who is also so humble.
Interview by DANIELLE FOX
Photographs by MACAMI
Special thanks Clarks Originals
Firstly, lets start off with the fact that you’re 21 and have released two albums with the song “Strangers” certified GOLD, have had 2 Triple J feature albums, and have won the Queensland Music Award for album of the year for “Thick Skin”. How does it feel to be so young and already have such a large following of people who love your music?
I don’t know, I don’t really see myself as someone with a large following. I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that there are people that look up to me as a role model, and are watching the things that I’m doing and following in my footsteps. I guess I just see myself as someone who grew up in a small town and just did what I could to make music my career and really pushed to make it work.
Late last year you released the album ‘Chrysalis’ – What was the inspiration behind the songs featured on the album?
Chrysalis was written during a time in my life where I was really struggling with living alone in Brisbane. I was away from my family and my boyfriend, and just trying to navigate life in my early 20’s. It was kind of like a form of therapy writing all of these songs during this time. When I look back at these songs it’s actually nice to see how far I’ve come since that time in my life, it’s almost like a diary.
PHOTOS ABOVE: Tia Wears Shirt, Pants, SWOP @_swop, Long Sleeve Shirt, UNIVERSAL @universalstore, Shoes, CLARKS ORIGINALS @clarksoriginals
I read that you grew up listening to country and folk music, but your debut album was more of an indie vibe, and one of your more recent tracks “Always” with Holy Holy is more synth-pop. Is it important to you to explore different genres?
I think it’s just natural evolution as a human and as an artist. I slowly just started listening to different music as I was getting older and that’s still the case now. The music I listen to changes so often and obviously that will have some effect on the music I make. I also think that as you get older, you find more things you want to say! I’ve been reading more and really trying to find more things to write about other than my own feelings, which I think is super interesting and exciting.
You’ve done a UK tour, sold-out Australian headline shows, and have performed at Falls and Groovin In The Moo festivals – so far, what has been your most memorable moment on tour or at a show?
Definitely when I headlined a festival here in Brisbane called Mountain Goat Valley Crawl. It was my first time headlining a festival and I remember being so nervous that no one was going to turn up. It was almost a sickening feeling, but right before I got on stage some of my friends were lining up to come in, and they ended up calling my mum to try and get in because the line was so huge! It was literally lined up around the block and it was the most amazing feeling ever.
Keeping in mind that you’ve already performed with amazing musicians like Bernard Fanning, The Rubens, Ball Park Music, and Lewis Capaldi – is there a particular artist with who you would love to share the same stage?
It would be an absolute dream to share a stage with Kacey Musgraves! I’m obsessed with her.
Not only does your song “Two Lovers” transport me to an 80s summer, but the video for the song is so beautiful. How important is the visual side of a record for you?
Extremely important! When we were in the early process of putting Chrysalis together, I made sure I had a great creative team to work with for the visual aspect of the record. I had a graphic designer, photographer, stylist, and make-up artist in my team, and we worked together for months planning out the album cover and single covers! I think the visual aspect of the album really tied the whole thing together and intrigued people, and hopefully gave them a whole experience of the record.
PHOTOS ABOVE: Tia Wears T-Shirt, UNIVERSAL @universalstore, Pants, SWOP @_swop, Earrings, MIMCO @_mimco Shoes, CLARKS ORIGINALS @clarksoriginals
Artists have said that the COVID-19 pandemic has either helped or hindered their creativity, which of these was true for you?
For me, it definitely helped, not in the sense that I was writing all the time and had this creative outburst, but more so that it showed me how good I had it doing what I love. I think I was at a plateau in my career when COVID-19 hit, I wasn't writing a lot and I was finding it hard to be excited about things. I moved back to Mackay and started working as a cleaner and it really showed me that I had been so lucky before to be doing what I loved, and shouldn’t take it for granted! It really reignited my passion for music and now I’m so excited about all things music. I’ve been writing more than I ever have, and just feel so excited about what the future holds for my career.
You wrote an article some time ago in which you spoke about your Indigenous heritage. In it, you said that you sometimes felt people were lumping you into certain categories or booking you to fill a quota. You said that you wanted to be booked because you’re good at what you do, not because they need one more Indigenous female on their line-up. With the world slowly waking up to cultural diversity in recent months, do you think that this will stop or do you expect it to continue to happen to Indigenous musicians?
We obviously have a long way to go, but I feel like we’re working in the right direction. People are becoming more aware of this going on which is great! I just hope that everyone is treated equally and respected the way that they should be.
PHOTOS ABOVE: Long Sleeve Shirt, UNIVERSAL @universalstore, Pants, Earrings, SPORTSGIRL @sportsgirl, Shoes, CLARKS ORIGINALS @clarksoriginals
How do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
I just hope my music resonates with people and it helps them through whatever they may be going through at the time. I obviously write these songs about my experiences, but I hope people can relate whatever they’re going through to my music.
What's one song you wish you had written?
Definitely Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.
What can fans expect to see from you this year? What’s next for the future?
Hopefully more shows this year! I’ve announced a tour which I’m so excited to go on! Hopefully much more writing and music too!
FOLLOW TIA GOSTELOW
TEAM CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHER — MACAMI @macami__
FASHION STYLIST — DANIELLE FOX @_foxtale
MAKEUP & HAIR — LEK @makeup_by_lek
BTS - SAMUEL BAMFORD @skooes
LOCATION - H86 STUDIOS @h86studios / SIX DEGREES STUDIOS @sixdegreestudios
Special thanks Clarks Originals