GIA WOODS GEARS UP 'YOUR ENGINE' WITH RESILIENCE AND ARTISTIC DRIVE

Interview: Jesse Zapatero

PHOTOGRAPHER: DYLAN PERLOT, FASHION STYLING: ANDREW PHILIP NGUYEN, MAKE-UP: KAYLI RACHELLE, HAIR: ANDI OJEDA, EDITOR: JESSE ZAPATERO

Gia Woods' evolution from her debut in 2015 with "Only A Girl" to her recent EP "Your Engine" paints a vivid picture of personal and artistic growth. In her debut song, she courageously came out as a lesbian, sharing the intimate details of her first same-sex relationship. The accompanying music video amassed over 10 million hits on YouTube, marking a significant moment.

Fast forward to 2023, Gia has solidified herself as a rising pop star with the release of "Your Engine." This EP stands as a testament to her resilience and creativity, showcasing a confident artist who has found her unique sound and is unapologetically asserting her presence in the industry.

The progression from her debut EP, "Cut Season," influenced by personal struggles and a lack of support during a challenging period, to the exploration of life in Los Angeles in "Heartbreak County," demonstrates Gia's ability to channel her experiences into her music. The two-volume EP allowed listeners to delve into both the surface-level glamor and the deeper, more raw side of Los Angeles life. Now, with "Your Engine," Gia presents a cohesive and exhilarating collection of tracks that highlight her growth and commitment to her craft. As a listener immersed in the EP, it's evident that Gia has poured her heart and soul into this project, creating music that resonates with creative authenticity. Each song feels like a piece of her artistic evolution, leaving fans eager to see what she has in store for the future.

"Your Engine" not only solidifies Gia Woods as a rising pop sensation but also exemplifies her dedication to making fun, authentic, and storytelling music. Its becomes very clear that Gia's musical narrative is more than just a collection of songs—it's a powerful expression of self-discovery, empowerment, and artistic individuality.

First off, I want to say I love “Your Engine”, it’s been on replay since it dropped. How do you feel now that you’ve unleashed it out onto the world?

Thank you so much! Any time I put out a project, I feel like a weight has lifted off of me. I live with these songs just living in a folder for months and it’s so surreal to finally have everything released. I feel like I’m continuously evolving as an artist, so every project becomes something new to explore, and I love the new world I created with “Your Engine”.

This EP seems to mark a new phase in your career. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this collection of high-energy pop jams and how it represents this new era for you as an artist?

I wanted to write a concept project based on the things going on in my life. I usually write about my own personal experiences, so most of my projects have been a reflection of whatever was going on at the time. I wanted this project to be empowering because I needed to feel empowerment for myself. My goal was to make something sexy, electric, and inspiring. That’s why “Your Engine” is about discovering what drives you and what keeps you going. I was going through such a tough time in my life and I was thinking to myself, “how am I going to get through this?” That’s how “Your Engine” was born. It’s a message to myself and something I realized would inspire others too.

**LEFT** Set: STELLA XINGYI Jewelry: COSTUME THERAPY, Heels: ELIZEE

"Your Engine" is intriguing, especially in relation to your previous projects. The concept of “Your Engine” feels like it traces back to what drives a car. Can you elaborate on the metaphorical meaning behind "Your Engine" and how it represents empowerment for you?

“Your Engine,” is your heart, your soul, your desires, your passions. It’s everything, it’s YOU. I wanted to veer away from it just simply being about a car. It’s what drives you as a person. Life can be so wild, but at the end of the day we push through the tough times because our engines keep us going. We all have that thing that ignites us and lights us up, and that’s empowering because it means you don’t need anybody else to give you purpose. Everything comes from within yourself.

Your music is the most universal and fun stuff I've heard in a while. Can you share more about what drives you these days and how you maintain your passion for music, especially when facing challenges or setbacks?

Aw, thank you so much! I feel like I’ve always been a really driven person. When I really want something I just go for it and when I’m facing challenges it just drives me to chase after my dreams even more. I’m always inspired by things going on around me and I try to find the beauty in the most simple things. Writing music has always been my escape and the way I cope with anything, from heartbreak to daily stresses. Any time I write a new song it feels like I’m creating a new world to escape to.

**LEFT** Bracelet & Necklace: ANDROHMEDA, **RIGHT** Set: STELLA XINGYI Jewelry: COSTUME THERAPY

The opening track, "Gia Would," sets a dynamic tone for the EP. How does this song, in particular, embody your bold and vibrant style, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?

With “Gia Would” it was so much fun to incorporate a little bit of a Persian sound which is something I’ve really wanted to explore more because of my heritage. I think it’s so sexy and I love that it’s a very confident song, I feel like it’s really empowering. My life felt so chaotic when I wrote this, and the message is about owning up to the fact that we all act a little crazy sometimes. It’s about the part of you that wants to lash out when you’re angry, that has the urge to do something you know you shouldn’t. But instead of trying to shut that down, “Gia Would’ is about embracing and owning up to that side of yourself. It’s acknowledging the darker side we all have, even though we never want to admit it.

The title track, "Your Engine," is a personal favorite & another thrilling anthem that encapsulates the essence of adrenaline and desire. How did the collaboration with the producers and co-writers come about, and what was the creative process like for this particular track?

I got invited to a writing camp for queer artists hosted by Troye Sivan. I went to the camp in Australia and was in a session for another artist, but I connected with the writer and producer in this session immediately. We stayed in the studio at the end for an extra hour just for fun and that’s when we created the “Your Engine” track. The second I heard the synth, I knew it was going to be the title track. The words started flowing and we literally wrote and recorded the whole song in that hour. After that I felt so excited and inspired, and I knew what the tone for the rest of the project was going to be.

Set: STELLA XINGYI Jewelry: COSTUME THERAPY

As a listener who has been immersed in "Your Engine" since its release, the EP feels exhilarating. How do you think this project showcases your growth and commitment to your craft as an artist?

I feel like I’m always growing as an artist. Each time I put out a project, I feel like the music only gets better and better. I’m really proud of this world I created with “Your Engine.” I feel ever since my last project before this, “Heartbreak County,” I’ve been drawn towards making dance music. With this project I’m getting deeper into the genre and really establishing what I want as my sound.

Having explored various sonic corners of pop in your career, what can fans expect from you in the near future? Possibly a debut album? And can you give us any hints about the direction or themes you plan to explore in it?

For now, I just want to continue putting out EPs, but there will definitely be a debut album when it’s time. I have a lot of ideas for it, but I can’t give you any hints just yet! I’m saving all the details, but I will say it will be extremely personal. I promise it’ll be worth the wait! Your openness about your queerness has been evident throughout your career.

Considering your identity as a queer Persian artist, could you elaborate on the importance of representation to you?

I want to always be genuine with my music, it’s just the honest truth about my queer experience. I write about my relationships with women, I express my sexuality. My first song is how I came out to the world. My music is constantly exploring exactly what I’m going through and I’m never going to hide any part of who I am. I think it’s really important to have representation like this in the mainstream because there’s still so many people out there struggling to find themselves or ashamed of who they are. I hope my music inspires anybody who feels lost, alone, or scared to openly express themselves. I’ve been lucky enough to find my people and my community as an openly queer artist and I’m always going to be pushing that message forward.

Bodysuit: UNCUFFED, Gloves & Chaps: ALABAMA BLONDE, Heels: ELIZEE

How does your personal experience influence the creative process in crafting music and shaping its themes?

My personal experience IS the influence. The second I go through everything, I use writing music as my form of therapy. When I have something going on, I need to go into the studio and write about it the next day. My life can be so crazy, I feel like there’s always something happening. I think that’s why I’ve been able to consistently put out music, I can never shut up!

From your perspective, in what ways do you think music, as a comprehensive medium, has the potential to influence and alter people's views and attitudes toward the LGBTQIA community?

I think that’s one of the points of being an artist. Artists are here to inspire. There’s an artist for everyone, there’s a song for everyone. I think it’s important for LBGTQ artists to continue to push the message of acceptance forward.

Can you share the most valuable piece of advice you've received throughout your career?

One of the first people I worked with told me to always keep your blinders on and focus on the end goal. It’s easy to compare yourself to other artists, comparing your growth to their growth. But the best thing you can do is shut that all out and focus on yourself.

What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to build a career in music?

First and foremost, really focus on what your message is and what you want to say as an artist. Just keep making music until you figure out what your sound is, it doesn’t have to be perfect immediately. Try to learn as much as you can on your own, the less you need anyone else, the better. If you can learn how to produce, make your own content, write your own material… The more you can do by yourself the less you’ll have to spend which is one of the hardest things to figure out as a new artist with a budget. Being independent is the best thing you can do for yourself.

What advice would you offer to your younger self?

Growing up, I was really shy and insecure. I’d probably tell my younger self to stop overthinking and worrying about what other people think about you. Don’t pay so much attention to everyone else’s opinions, you’re not living your life for anybody else but you,

What aspects of yourself would you like the world to be more acquainted with, and what key messages do you hope to convey about your identity & artistry to the world?

I feel like a lot of people think pop stars are still manufactured and being told what to do, but that’s changed a lot in the industry. I can tell people are surprised that I’m so involved in the production, the writing, and the creative process of my projects. I want the world to be more acquainted with the side of me that’s in the driver’s seat of my career. I didn’t always have so much control because I started putting out music when I was just 18, but I’ve come into myself a lot throughout my career and now I’m the one calling the shots.

Can you identify a pivotal moment in your career that stands out as a highlight?

Releasing my first song, honestly. I’m so shocked and happy that the song has reached and helped so many people. Most of the people who discovered that song have stayed for the journey and grown with me as my fans. My biggest highlight will always be “Only A Girl,” that song changed my life.

Who would be your dream collaboration, and how do you envision the sound of that collaboration?

My dream collaboration would be Daft Punk. I think that speaks for itself as far as the sound, I’d really let them take the lead. I’d love to have a song with their iconic French Touch sound.

Apart from your role as an artist and crafting fun bops for the world, what occupies your time and engages your attention?

I love going to the beach and going hiking when I have free time. I love spending time with my friends and family, I’m a really social person so when I’m not in the studio I want to be with the people I care about. I also have a new obsession with fostering dogs who need a home. I've taken care of multiple dogs while they’ve been in the process of being adopted.

You've proven yourself to be one of the best rising pop stars with "Your Engine." How does it feel to see the positive response, and what do you hope they take away from this latest musical journey of yours?

That’s so sweet, thank you for saying that. It’s honestly the best feeling in the world when there’s a positive response to my music. It’s so personal to me and it’s so special that others can love it and relate to it. The best thing about music is that you can say anything you want, but you can’t control what people take away from the music. I of course have certain messages, but at the end of the day I want people to take away whatever message speaks out to them the most.

Lastly, If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I would definitely be a fictional crazy romantic drama with a title like, “How To Be a Lesbian and Not Lose Your Mind”. I think the title speaks for itself… haha