"I edited one of the questions- my pronouns are she/her. I am queer."
That was the first line of the 23-year-old Milly Toomey (her real name behind the GIRLI moniker) when she sent back the interview answers. To be honest, I wasn't expecting anything less than that. Just a quick check on her social media is enough to understand that she isn't afraid to speak her mind, be open, but also vulnerable. That's how GIRLI came to life. As a bold personality, who is insanely honest and transforms her thoughts and emotions into raw songs. Her debut album Odd One Out was released in 2019 and saw her popularity growing fast along with the previous singles releases Feel OK and Hot Mess. Empowered, angry, and with the necessary punk attitude that is needed by a new artist, GIRLI manages to deliver opinions and views that express not only her but her generation as well. Because in the end, you know, girls get angry too- and nobody should take it for granted.
Hey GIRLI! How the lockdown finds you? Bored and anxious! But I’ve been keeping busy, and trying to be creative.
I must admit that the first time I saw your clip about the song So You Think You Can Fuck With Me Do Ya, I instantly thought that you are a proper young Londoner. Do you get inspiration from the city? And if yes, how? I definitely used to get a lot of inspiration from London; the people, the nights out, London slang. But nowadays I find more inspiration from what’s going on in my own life, wherever in the world I am. I think I’m ready to leave London and see new things, people and places.
How important is your identity as a feminist and queer artist?
Feminism is the core of everything I do. Feeling empowered as a woman and my journey as a woman and calling out sexist bullshit is a big part of my music. Being queer and proud is also a big inspiration for me in my songs, my videos, my artistic expression. I love being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and a lot of my fan base is part of that community too, so it plays a huge role in my life.
You have always been very supportive about people feeling comfortable in their own skin. Do you feel responsible towards your fans? Is it also a way of express your thoughts about society and what’s happening in the world right now?
I feel responsible to learn and grow and correct myself when I make mistakes, but I don’t feel pressure to be a good or bad influence on my fans. The majority of them are young teens growing up in a digital world and they are super aware and woke, and often teach me things rather than the other way around. My music is a diary entry from my life and what goes on in my head. I’m so happy that people can relate to that.
What’s the story behind your name?
Ask people what brings to mind when they hear the word girly. It’s often a negative view of femininity - weakness, fragility, shyness. And they often think of the colour pink. So I took pink, and I took the word girly, and I flipped them on themselves and made them angry, loud, and outspoken.
How you would describe your sound?
Vulnerable, opinionated, honest.
Which are your biggest influences?
Women in rock and pop.
Can you call the song “Hot Mess” kind of biographical? Yes! All my songs are autobiographical.
You find it more liberating to work as an independent/self-released artist or under a label in terms that some things can (probably) be a little easier?
I am with an independent label now, which is the best of both worlds. I get complete creative control and a supportive team around me helping me bring my ideas to life.
Can you tell me three artists that you would love to work with? 070 Shake, Janelle Monae, Bjork
You say in your Spotify bio “I don’t give a f*ck what anyone thinks. But actually, I do” How hard was it to figure it out and work on it? Do you get pressure as GIRLI?
I’m always growing. Self-growth never stops really. I think it’s possible to not give a fuck and give a fuck at the same time, or feel differently on other days. Some days I feel super confident. Others I feel like trash.
Which is your current favorite record? I loved Caroline Polachek’s Pang. Such a cool album.
What are your plans for the future? Playing shows all over the world & making loads more songs & videos !!!
Which is the best place to skate in London?
Hop Kingdom, my favourite skatepark.
Comentários