GENEVIEVE STOKES: INTERVIEW


by lauren kovolenko

photo by robin glass

When thinking of Genevieve Stokes, I think “you’ll definitely love this music!” This artist has a way of perfecting a vibe fitting for just about everyone’s tastes. A little bit of pop, a little bit of chill, and everything in between. If you want your morning commute to feel like a movie, check her out! Please enjoy the interview we have had about touring, sound, and more!

Greetings! Tell us about yourself. What's your background like?

Genevieve: “I’m an artist from Maine and I play piano and write most of my music in my parents’ garage.”

Were you always a songwriter? When did you decide to pursue music?

Genevieve: “I’ve been writing songs since I was around eight! I always wanted to be a musician, but I released my first project right after graduating high school.”

What's your songwriting process like? Is there a certain feeling you are trying to portray?

Genevieve: “I usually have a vague idea of the emotion I’m trying to portray, but the idea doesn’t fully form until I’ve found the chords.”

I could see your songs playing in a movie — what scene would you want them to overlay?

Genevieve: “I would love to hear ‘Lost Forever Now’ in the first Twilight movie. Kind of random, but I love that soundtrack and I feel like that song fits the vibe.”

When you write songs, where do you get most of your inspiration from?

Genevieve: “I sometimes write fictional stories based on movies and books I’m inspired by, but most of my songs are about my own experiences.”

Congratulations on the release of With a Lightning Strike! What was your favorite song to create on the album?

Genevieve: “I loved recording ‘Dreamer’ and ‘River.’ My friends Fiona Stocks-Lyons and Peter Caffarella created their own arrangements and it was just a very energetic and fun process.”

How has touring prep been so far? What's your most anticipated city to play in?

Genevieve: “The prep for the tour has been strangely smooth! I’m playing with the band I recorded the album with, so we all know our parts by heart already. I always look forward to playing in Portland, Maine (my hometown), but I’m also very excited to visit Toronto and Vancouver.”

Give a piece of advice to someone starting music — what has helped you gain success?

Genevieve: “Consistency and just being very passionate about the songs I make! I never put out a song that’s ingenuine or made to please other people.”

Do you have any dream collaborations you'd like to be a part of?

Genevieve: “I would love to work with A.G. Cook! He’s one of my favorite producers and I’d love to make something more experimental with him.”

What's next for you? What are you most excited about to achieve in your career?

Genevieve: “I’m really excited to tour in the UK and just travel in general. I’ve been hibernating for the past year to make this record, so I’m ready to play these songs and get my myself out there.”

 

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GENEVIEVE STOKES: INTERVIEW


by martina rexrode

photo by abbie pitre

Genevieve Stokes is an alt-pop singer-songwriter who embraces vulnerability and honesty in her music. She takes inspiration from artists like Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple with haunting instrumentals and a clear creative vision. Her latest EP Chasing Rabbits is the first chapter of what will become a multi-project journey that introduces listeners to her innermost feelings. Check out Genevieve on Instagram (@chowdergiirl) to keep up with her journey!

Congratulations on the new EP! How does it feel to have these songs out in the world?

Genevieve: “Thank you! Release week is always nerve-racking for me, but now I just feel relieved and happy to finally share this project with people.”

You also released a music video for “Book of Memories.” What is the story you hope to convey with the visualization of your lyrics?

Genevieve: “I wanted the video to feel warped and chaotic, like being trapped in a thought loop during a bad trip.”

Where do you pull inspiration from for your music video direction?

Genevieve: “Mainly from movies! The Wickerman, Donnie Darko, The Lighthouse, and a few different Alice in Wonderland adaptations were my biggest inspirations for this EP.”

In what ways does the Catching Rabbits EP differ from your previous releases?

Genevieve: “I’ve always written very emotional music, but releasing this project felt uncomfortably vulnerable for me. The more honest my writing is, the scarier it is to share with people, but I also think that’s the kind of music people truly connect with.”

How did writing and creating this EP allow you to unlock and heal your inner child?

Genevieve: “I struggle a lot with shame and self doubt, so I’ve been working on creating music from a place of self acceptance — much like the way I used to when I was younger.  I don't feel very healed, but I do feel more open to change and growth as a person/artist.”

Were there any specific influences from your childhood that helped you in doing that (TV, movies, music, books)?

Genevieve: “I was influenced by fairytales and children’s stories like Alice in Wonderland. My siblings and I would spend all out time outside creating fantasy worlds, and somehow we’re still living together and creating art.”

What can you tell us about how Catching Rabbits sets up the first chapter of a “storybook” that will become your future full-length album?

Genevieve: “I think of this project as the beginning of a long, multi-project journey where I’ll be using symbolism from the major arcana of tarot. My first album will be centered around The Tower card.”

What do you hope listeners can take from your EP?

Genevieve: “I just hope people resonate with it and want to stick around for more music!”

 

FIND GENEVIEVE ONLINE

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'SURFACE TENSION' / GENEVIEVE STOKES: REVIEW


by emma schoors

photo by abbie pitre

photo by abbie pitre

Surface Tension” by Genevieve Stokes is a melancholy tune that cuts right to the heart.

“It’s all on the surface, it don’t hurt anymore,” Stokes sings repeatedly, in a sort of cleansing chant. This is a common theme in the track. Though the lyrics reflect a genuine struggle, everything about it feels gorgeously simple. In keeping with this lyricism, Stokes sings, “Am I the perfect picture that you wanted before?” Though the vocals are calm and crisp, this is undoubtedly a song you can scream to. Echoey guitars and percussion help deepen and build up the sound during the second verse, but the bones of the song are enough to make it magical. 

Putting visuals to a song can help listeners with the overall intended message of a song, and the accompanying music video for “Surface Tension” does just that. With an emphasis on fluidity and the beauty of nature, there’s a dark and weary element to the video, but it’s beautiful and sensical all the same. 

Genevieve Stokes has a distinct talent for writing gut-wrenching songs, and “Surface Tension” is worth its weight in gold.

 

The official video of "Surface Tension" by Genevieve Stokes Download/Stream "Surface Tension": https://genevievestokes.lnk.to/SurfaceTensionIDFollow me :))In...