Words by Josie Lyttle

Interview & Photos by Elise Abotomey

No stranger to the music industry, Phoebe Go’s career has spanned over ten years; her latest single ‘Something You Were Trying’ is indicative of a career well spent sharpening her artistry.

A light-hearted spin on the classic break-up song, Phoebe puts into sound and lyric something that is playful, despite an undertone of sadness in a way that is unique to her as an artist. ‘Something You Were Trying’ is a break-up song in its best form; not only does it tap into Phoebe’s emotions and the sadness of heartbreak, it speaks to removing her armour, coming to terms with what happened by breaking it down into a simple sentence: I was just something you were trying.

The dichotomy of Phoebe’s latest work is truly remarkable, as she sings to the experience of closure and heartbreak; melancholy mixed with lightness, a theme which is reflected in the music video. In a thoughtful, cleverly curated visual, Phoebe turns the lends inwards, becoming the subject; being perceived. Pleaser’s Elise Abotomey caught up with Phoebe during SXSW Sydney last week to discuss new music, tours and inspirations.

Elise: How has your creative process changed now that you’re solo? Do you have more creative freedom now?

Phoebe: It’s changed a great deal. Yeah I think when I first started the solo project I had to learn how to write again in a solo way. I was used to that process being so collaborative from the get go for each song. I sort of locked myself up for six months and got used to the idea of being stuck with it alone and not having someone there to bounce things off constantly and reassure me even. I think it took awhile to get used to but it is way more solitary than it had been with the band. I found that I got used to it kind of quickly and in a way it felt like coming home or something. I guess when I first started writing songs when I was 11/12 years old I was on my own with the guitar on the couch or my bed so it felt like I was just going back to how I started.

E: How did it feel to release your last EP ‘Player’?

P: In the lead up, I was pretty spooked by it all and so nervous about having no one to hide behind creatively. I guess because these songs and all my songs generally speaking are quite confessional and real; they are about my life and how I see the world. I was spooked about being seen I guess. I remember the night before ‘We Don’t Talk’ I was a mess, it felt so freaky. I was up at midnight lying on my back spiralling but then I woke up the next day and I was like “sick let’s go, this is fine''. I don’t know why I was so scared, then with each single that came out and then the EP I felt reinvigorated and relaxed about it weirdly. It feels natural and true.

E: A favourite in the Pleaser world is Briston Maroney. How do you feel about going on tour with Briston Maroney in January?

P: Im stoked, I'm a fan of his music and I’m just perplexed that I get this opportunity. I’ve never toured in the States like that before so it's a new experience and I have no idea of what to expect, I’ll just take the leap. It's surreal that he even knows my music.

E: A fan favourite question, if you could write the soundtrack to any film, what film would it be?

P: I’m thinking of the coolest films and how badly my music would suit them. I think the Matrix, like a sad girl version of the Matrix.

E: Pleaser has just released its third issue- The Fan Issue- which is kind of like an ode to fans so what has been a memorable fan interaction for you?

P: There’s been so many lovely moments. A lot of things come through Instagram or email and they always make my day like even someone saying the songs helped them or influenced a time in their life.

Every show where I see people singing along I’m melting, it's really cool. It’s a constant surprise but a treat to see. The eye contact in the room, that old school feeling. Anyone who has sung along at a show- that's a really cool thing.

E: Your new song ‘Something You Were Trying’ is out! What was the inspiration for this song and this new era of music?

P: I think the new music has more openness and is more fun. A lot of the new songs are about me learning to fall in love with myself again after you know life, things happen. This song is… it’s a breakup song I won’t beat around the bush. It's kind of coming to terms with how something was or how I felt. I was trying to be as honest as I could about something and do that without having the guard up or the armour on.

E: Do you think it's more freeing this time around?

P: If the EP was about getting close to myself, this new music is about getting closer again. It feels even more me, which is really exciting!

E: Lastly, how are you feeling about playing SXSW Sydney this week?

P: PUMPED. I have a show later tonight and I’m pumped for it.

Phoebe Go is an unmistakable Australian talent and an artist to look out for. The music video for ‘Something You Were Trying’ is a must-watch, light-hearted commentary that flips the script on the traditional ‘cam-corder footage’ we are so used to seeing; it is Phoebe herself that is the hunted and not the hunter. Her ability to compose lyrics with such sincerity and candour is refreshing; drawing audiences in with her captivating music and brilliantly creative mind has been an asset to her continuing success.