Get to Know: GIO

28 July 2020 | 4:52 pm | Emma Jones

Newcomer GIO has released her debut single by the name of 'Holding On', custom made for fans of London Grammar or Kllo.

Following up a sensational debut single is not an easy task, but emerging Melbourne artist GIO makes it sound impossibly so with her latest single, 'Holding On'. For fans of London Grammar or even closer to home with Two People or Kllo, she pairs brooding, dreamy production with a stunning voice to make for an experience that stays with you long after that last note has played.

Inspired by "the all-too familiar experience of navigating a relationship breakdown in real-time," 'Holding On' is about doing exactly that even when you know it's all over. Complete with gorgeous, sweeping atmospherics and GIO's glorious vocals, 'Holding On' is a vulnerable, intimate and still strikingly bold affair that shows there's something seriously special happening here.

So, with that in mind, what better time to get to know her a bit better than now — before the rest of the world catches on? Take a read of our quick chat below, and get lost in the world of 'Holding On' here:

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Who are you?

Hi, I am GIO, a Melbourne-based alternative electronic pop artist and an absolute misfit.

How did GIO come to be?

I have been playing and writing music for as long as I can remember. However, at the end of high school, I was told (like every other millennial) that “it's time to get a real job" - so naturally, I went on to uni to study film.

After a few years away from music, I realised I was absolutely not cool or niche enough to fit into the film world, and after meeting my partner who is a musician in the Melbourne music scene, I decided it was time to jump back in!

We initially started a music project called Qualia as a duo, and then as trio with a good friend of ours who’s also in the Melbourne scene. After a few years of hanging out and trying to incorporate as many Juno sounds as possible, I decided it was time to step out on my own and see what happened - and here we are!

What are we talking, vibes-wise?

Vibe wise? I would say I draw quite heavily from both the Melbourne and UK electronic music worlds - I love all things dark and broody, as well as house and UK garage! However, I would be lying if I didn't admit there is a heartbroken 14-year-old inside of me who yearns for sad, dancey melodic pop. So, I'd say this track is a strange amalgamation of my two angsty sides working with one another.

Tell us more about your new single, ‘Holding On’?

This single was one of my first collaborations with Melbourne producer Rino Darusman. who weaved his sweet, sultry magic to bring this track to life! I really wanted to create a sound that was both mellow and upbeat: imagine it’s a Friday night, you're drinking alone and trying not to think too much about your quarter-life crisis. It makes me want to weep and boogie at the same time, and hopefully you feel the same too.

What can we expect from you in the months ahead?

I am planning on releasing a few more singles over the next few months in the lead-up to a larger EP - there’s a bit of a vibe shift moving forwards as I love to explore new sounds, which is exciting!

Where can we hear more from you?

I’m all over Facebook and Instagram, and you can listen to me on any streaming platform that tickles your fancy!

'Holding On' is out now.

Introduction by Emma Jones

Image: Supplied

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