GIA WOODS RELEASED CHAOS, TALKS ABOUT CUT SEASON EP

WORDS BY IRVIN RIVERA

GIA WOODS, the unapologetic, queer, Persian pop artist just released her single CHAOS which brilliantly explores the cycles of toxic relationships and the power to break away from it. WOODS, whose music could be described as sensual, raw, vulnerable and moody, creates a relatable realm of expression to her audience. Since the release of her coming out debut single "Only a Girl", in 2016, GIA WOODS has been creating music that echoes the complex, crazy, yet beautiful human experience.

In this exclusive interview, GIA WOODS also spoke about her upcoming EP CUT SEASON and also talked about being a queer artist and how her music impacts the LGBTQIA community especially in the Middle-East.

What’s the story behind your upcoming EP CUT SEASON?

My EP cut season is about all of the toxic traits and behaviors that I want to cut out of my life. I really wanted to explore those traits – having an ego, being naive, or self-sabotaging. It's about what I've learned along the way.

How was the creative process and collaboration like?

I start most of my ideas alone with just my guitar. Then I’ll bring the idea into the studio with producers and co-writers and we’ll continue building the song. Sometimes I’ll just go into the studio and start an idea on the spot.

Just accepting that nothing will ever be perfect. Life is such a shit show and you really never know what it’s gonna throw at you, but there’s also something so exciting about the unknown and where you’ll end up next.

To those new to your music, how would you describe your music/sound?

I would say my sound is dark, moody, energetic, vulnerable, and sensual.

Where do you get your inspirations whenever you create music?

I usually write from my personal experiences. I don’t really fantasize about situations in my music, it’s all very raw and personal and true to what I’m experiencing.

Does music run in the family?

Yeah it does! My dad would sing a lot and he had a beautiful voice. My cousin is an amazing producer, so I basically grew up going to his studio and playing with his instruments.

How did music start for you?

I loved playing guitar and writing songs in my room when I was younger. Music and songwriting have been my creative outlets for as long as I can remember. In high school my sister convinced me to join choir, which is where I ended up getting scouted by my first manager.

Do you still remember the first place you performed your music professionally?

The first place I performed professionally was actually LA Pride in 2016. Being on stage at such an iconic festival in my hometown is definitely something I’ll always remember. The energy and love I felt from the crowd & LGBTQIA community was unmatched.

How important is representation for you, considering your background as a queer Persian artist?

Representation is extremely important to me. I never felt like I saw any queer role models in the media while growing up, let alone queer Persian role models. I hope I can be an example for people!

How do you think music in general could help influence the mindset of people towards the LGBTQIA community, especially in the Middle East?

Music creates a common ground and safe space for people to connect - it’s the one universally understood language. So I think it helps build a strong sense of community for LGBTQIA individuals. It also helps spread useful information about the community to people who might be unaware, like those in the Middle East where queerness is far from normalized.

What do you think is the best lyric/song that you’ve made so far and why?

I have so many depending on my mood haha but right now I would say, “ I don’t mind that everything sucks and I think it’s amazing.” Just accepting that nothing will ever be perfect. Life is such a shit show and you really never know what it’s gonna throw at you, but there’s also something so exciting about the unknown and where you’ll end up next.

What are the highs and the lows of your career?

Always staying creative and motivated has definitely been difficult especially this past year, with everything that’s happened in the world. My perception has changed as I’m sure a lot of people have. So I’m still learning how to navigate through it all and I think that’s just a never ending cycle in general. You always have to keep yourself in check and re access.

Highs, I would say the messages I get on a daily basis. Being able to connect with my audience is such a beautiful experience. I get so many messages from people telling me that I changed their life or that my message helped them become more themselves. That’s truly the best feeling in the world and it’s why I do what I do!

How were you able to rise up to the challenges?

You just gotta keep going! I mean I always try and remind myself that everything is temporary and nothing lasts forever. So whatever challenge comes your way you just gotta face it and handle it the best of your capability.

Do you prefer working alone when you create your art or do you thrive whenever you work with other people?

I think both are necessary. Sometimes I need to sit alone to work on an idea. Other times I thrive off of my producer and co-writer’s energy but honestly I love working and collaborating with other people. You basically have a group therapy session and then suddenly you have a whole song. It’s the best feeling.

Aside from music, what else keeps you busy?

Making a balance and doing the other things I love to do like going to the beach, hiking, seeing friends! If I don’t have a healthy balance I go crazy haha

How do you keep your music fresh?

I just make what I’m inspired by or currently listening to. I usually always try to pull from artists I grew up listening to. But again I try not to over think it and make what I’m feeling in the moment.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned from your career that you always carry with you?

Trust your gut! And no one is gonna ever care more than you do. That’s a lesson I always come back to as well.

Is there any advice that you can provide to any aspiring creative individual who wants to break into the industry and establish themselves as a business?

I would say having a message and knowing your sound to some level is so important. It’s easy to get lost creatively if you don’t have at least that vision initially. Because other people can try and tell you what they think you should do or sound like and that happens a lot in this industry. I think that’s where people get lost and disconnect from why they’re even doing music in the first place.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? (Open question. Could be a title/a genre/a made-up book/ your own book, etc)

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. I remember reading this book during a time where I had pretty bad anxiety and after reading it I just had such a different outlook with the things I was worrying about. This book is really special and I don’t wanna give anything away but I highly recommend this book to anyone!