Australian artist GG Magree has perfected the blend of punk-rock and electronic music. Her latest single “King” was released on May 12th, an empowering track focused on women taking back power and becoming kings themselves. The track is accompanied by a music video directed by Benjamin Church, featuring GG in a cabin in the woods practicing various forms of witchcraft. This was the last video that Benjamin Church worked on before unexpectedly passing away, and GG dedicates this performance to him, hoping that the collaboration honors his memory.
“King” is the third single from GG this year, following “Turn Me On” and “Be Careful What You Say.” Additionally, in April she released a documentary film titled “Dead Hot” on Tubi, which follows GG and co-star Vanessa Hudgens to Salem, MA, where they learn about witchcraft and the supernatural realm. It’s a very exciting time in GG’s career as she explores different art forms, and Poptized got a chance to chat with her about it all.
Brigid: Congratulations on your latest single release, “King”! How are you feeling about the response to it so far?
GG: Super stoked! It’s always so weird putting out music; it’s like you’re giving the world a part of your body like a lung or something. I write so much music and the world only gets to hear about 10 percent of it so I’m super happy “King” is out and I hope when people listen they feel empowered.
B: I love the powerful, dark lyrics on this track. Can you tell me about the writing process for this song, and how it all came together?
GG: I wrote “King” the week I finished shooting a movie called “Dead Hot.” I was feeling so empowered after going on a spiritual journey that the whole song was written and produced in about 4 hours. I knew exactly what I wanted to say and how I wanted it to sound so I already had the bones in my body and then the rest was just making beautiful mistakes as that’s how I make most of my music.
B: You produce your music as well, what does a typical “session” look like for you?
GG: I start every song on guitar. Figuring out the chords and then from there I flow with melodies and lyrics. Once I’ve figured out what I want to sing and how I want to sing it I’ll throw it all in Ableton and just mess around until I’m happy. Producing to me is just about trailing tone until you become married to certain sounds.
B: The music video captures the vibe of the song perfectly, and the scenes with the colorful lights are stunning. What was the process of creating the music video like?
GG: I’ve directed and written almost every music video I’ve put out and I’m a super visual person so whenever I’m writing I’m always thinking of how I want the imagery to go along with the song. I’ll make some sort of treatment and after that just flow. I’m super big on creative freedom as long as you have a beginning, middle and end. I think the rest just usually fills itself out.
B: You also recently released a track with So Tuff So Cute, a duo that consists of you and Mija. How does your collaborative process compare to creating music on your own? What are the major differences?
GG: Honestly it’s a super similar process however So Tuff So Cute has a lot more creative freedom. Me and Mija literally just make whatever we want. There’s some type of direction to it but if it ends up being a totally different style we don’t get pressed. So Tuff So Cute is just two bad bitches having a wild time and I really think that’s what our music sounds like.
B: You recently were in your first movie! What was that experience like for you?
GG: Insane. I’m obsessed. I want to pursue more films and TV. I’ve been taking acting classes for the last 2 years so it’s definitely something I’m wanting to move into if the right opportunity comes.
B: What’s your favorite memory from the filming of “Dead Hot?”
GG: Meeting the whole team and crew. Honestly I’ve stayed so tight with them, everyone at Bunim Murray has truly become family to me.
B: How did you balance making music and being part of a film?
GG: I’ve got chronic ADHD and thrive in chaos. I also wrote an all original score for the movie. I’m a slight work-a-holic so honestly the more I have thrown at me the happier I am. Life is short so do the most.
B: Where do you see your career going from here? Are you going to continue in the film industry, or are you going to focus on music?
GG: I want to do it all. I’m in the middle of writing my next EP, I am working on another TV project and I’ve got a tour coming up in the fall.
Listen to “King” here!
