Photography: Irvin Rivera

Photography Assistant: Xena Peterson 

Words: Miles Holder

It’s been over five years since Gia Woods released her ‘Only A Girl’, a true coming of age anthem which to this day hold a dear place in the hearts of many within the LGBTQ+ community. A lot has changed since its release, but Gia Woods’ ability to take honest narratives and push the creative boundaries through her art has only gotten stronger. 

Entering the Cut Season era, Gia Woods has upped the ante with the release of singles Ego and Hungry, once again. Today she returns with new single Into It . FAULT caught up with Gia to discuss her music process, wicked creativity and of course, her FAULTs.

 

What something you’ve learned about yourself in quarantine?

Gia Woods: I’ve learned how to be alone with my thoughts and not feel the need to be continually talking to people. Before, I had a co-dependence issue and was very dependent on others. During this time, I’ve found ways to self-assess and be alone with my thoughts. 

With your music being so creative, do you ever fear your listeners can misinterpret your intended messages?

Gia Woods: I prefer that! I like when the listener can take my music and apply the messages to situations happening in their own lives. I never want to force my message on someone, so while I write the song for myself, I put it out there in hopes, it will connect with others. That’s how I feel about all the songs I put out, but I’m not scared about it either. 

 

Speaking of misinterpreted, many people interpret your song and music video for track ‘Ego’ very differently. I wondered if you think Ego is something that people can ever be free from?

Gia Woods: I think we all have egos and that it never goes away. Sometimes I think we can use it to our advantage and as an asset if used in the right way. I also think some people have egos but let it get in the way of relationships and communication. There’s a certain level where you can use it to your benefit, but some people are just immature and let their egos get in the way. 

What’s been the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn throughout your musical journey?

Gia Woods: I think trusting my intuition. When I started in the industry, there were so many people involved and so many voices. I learned to understand each person’s role in my team and realise that they’re working with me because they believe in me. Now I’ve learned more as an artist; I’m starting to feel more confident with just fully trusting my instincts instead of leaning on others and needing people’s advice all the time. I think that’s been the biggest lesson because getting into this industry is scary, especially without having any experience because you’re just kind of thrown into it. 

 

What helps you stay motivated when you fail? 

Gia Woods: I make music continuously because I’m obsessed with music. It makes me feel alive. What keeps me motivated is just like getting better and writing a bunch of shitty songs until I find a good one. That’s like the best motivation ever, because I think when you put in all those hours into your music and writing, something will come out of it. I can keep writing a million songs until I write one that both I love and I feel will connect to listeners as well. Also being able to travel and go on tour and meet my listeners is the best feeling, and that only comes if I keep putting music out there. 

You have a close bond with your fanbase, what do you attribute this connection to? 

Gia Woods: I always joke about this, but I feel like I’m like their therapist. I gave them my number, and I texted with a lot of like my core fans. I talk to them like I would talk to anybody because they’re just people who like connecting with my music. 

A lot of people come to me for advice on how to come out to their parents or just advice on same-sex dating, which can be challenging to navigate at times. There are so many questions that I wish I could’ve had answers to when I was younger because I didn’t have anybody to talk to about those things. I try to be that voice for my audience because I want them to know that what they’re going through is completely normal.

 

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Gia Woods: “Don’t be so worried about everybody else’s opinion; everything will fall into place.” When I was younger, I was just so shy, closed off and lacking confidence. If you met me when I was like in high school, I was always scared about everyone else’s opinion of me, especially with my sexuality. That’s the biggest thing I would say, “don’t worry about everybody else because everything really will fall into place.”

When you look back on your career in 50 years, what do you want your body of work to show or to say?

Gia Woods: I think having people genuinely connect with it, and I hope that my music is genuine enough. I’ve tried to write exactly how I’m feeling when I’m going through it. I want people to feel excited, happy, confident and badass through my music. I think that’s the best feeling. I hope that people, years from now can listen to my music and still feel that exact way. I want my music always to feel a hundred per cent genuine because I write it from a hundred per cent authentic place. 

What is your FAULT? 

Gia Woods: Wow, there’s a list! I think I need to be more vulnerable in instances that I am quite closed off. Being closed off is my safety; I have like a little bit of a wall sometimes situations. That’s why music is always my outlet; through it, I’m vulnerable.