Genevieve Sovereign has fast become one of my favourite modern composers, due to the amazing sounds captured within her music. It’s been almost two years since our last interview – after discovering Genevieve’s recent single Square Root -1, I decided it was high time we got back in touch. The track is pretty unique, seeing Genevieve use spoken word poetry and a selection of electronic beats in a unique way – check out a full stream at the end of this interview!

By Jane Howkins

It’s been a while since we last caught up with you. How have things been over the past couple of years?

Thanks for having me back on York Calling, as ever it’s a delight and an honour to be here. Really, I’d describe my past couple of years as remarkably growth-filled and inspiring, as cheesy as that might sound! I’ve focused a lot on learning, exploration and upskilling since 2022’s It’s yours EP, releasing further singles across different electronic based styles – both solo and as collaborations. It’s been a massively fun and educational adventure, always taking me to places I’d never even realised I could go.

You recently released a new single titled Square Root -1. What can you tell us about the song?

It’s definitely a curve-ball song, on manifold levels! It’s my very first spoken-word release, written with a highly intentional structure and lyric strategy. But it’s also all about enquiry, experimentation and playfulness, amidst the possibilities life eternally presents. Square Root -1 didn’t even start out as a spoken word piece, incidentally – however, through assorted happenstances,it formed into the shape it holds today, haha.

How has the reception to Square Root -1 been so far, and where can it be purchased?

The reception has been incredibly encouraging. One of my favourite aspects of creating music is learning about a listener’s personal take upon hearing any piece – what they perceive, what they associate, what they enjoy… For some listeners, Square Root -1 has been their favourite track of mine yet, whilst others have been somewhat confused and not sure what to make of it. Every individual hears a more-or-less different song from every other individual, each according to their unique set of interpretations – and I’m very excited by everyone’s reactions. It’s a sign I’m ‘doing art’, I think! And naturally, folks interested in purchasing it will be most welcome at my Bandcamp page…

Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?

Why yes, I do! It’s still in the production phase at the moment, but I’m thinking Starspin might be my next single – a more danceable and arrangement focused, lyrically minimal track. Not entirely sure of its drop date yet but likely mid-late December, maybe around the solstice which would align well with the overall concept!

You have a new album called STARSEEDS WANTED: enquire within coming out soon. What can you tell us about the record and when will it be released?

It’s been my deepest obsession for most of 2024, so I’m stoked to report here that STARSEEDS WANTED: enquire within is well into its production phase – tracking well for release in early 2025 (whee!).

SWew will be my first full-length album, with the overall sound/genre being experimental electronic (I think?) In line with my existing catalogue of eclectic vibes, SWew’s content will also be quite varied… Ranging between folktronica, hyperpop, avant garde, EDM/IDM and other flavours – with vocals encompassing both singing and spoken word – and all with a kind of cosmic philosophical theme of expansion, exploration, experimentation and wonder at the mysteries of existence. Beyond album creation and release, I’m also keen to explore opportunities for expanding the project post-release into audio-visual, movement, performance, etc. Fun times ahead for sure!

Has the writing and recording process changed much over the years for you?

Oh, it’s always changing – every song has its own unique creation story really, haha. I’ve also learned more about what works well for me. For example, I’m very much a ‘spur of the moment’ creator and find that when I choose to let myself immerse myself in a moment of inspiration (rather than try to approach the creation process piecemeal or bookmark an idea for later), that often yields superior results. I also like to fully explore an idea, flesh it out and see what it has to offer. If I’m not satisfied with how a concept is developing, I’ll usually take it into a new direction that feels more correct, rather than simply drop it. I’ve also started recording most vocals at home instead of heading into a studio, as it gives me more freedom to work in my own processes.

Square Root -1 has a really unique sound. What/who were you most influenced by when writing the track? What have you been listening to recently?

I guess the general feel I aimed for with Square Root –1 was something cosmic and profound, yet playful and exploratory at the same time. The STARSEEDS WANTED: enquire within project as a whole has that theme running throughout – wonder at the vastness of creation, and joy in getting to investigate it. My fascination with cosmic themes musically might stem from being raised on Star Trek, as well as falling in love with ambient and experimental electronic music as a kid. Artists like Jonn Serrie and Steve Roach, all the way through to Björk, Enigma and Enya – any flavours I could get my ears on really, I adored it all.

More recently, I’ve increasingly been listening to a number of Australian electronic based artists – with personal faves including Aphir, Ryan Fennis, DJ Naru, and Ninajirachi, which have all probably influenced my choices in SWew soundscaping somewhat too.

Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?

Always and forever, LOL. For instance, beyond obsessing over SWew, this year has seen me invited to co-curate ongoing a couple playlists run by Melbourne Musicians. It’s given me an excuse to spend near-embarrassing amounts of time trawling 1nterwebz platforms for fresh Melbourne-based artists and projects to get into, all in the name of updating these two playlists on a monthly basis:

• MELBOURNE ELECTRONICA: A playlist showcasing standout electronic music from Melbourne-local artists and projects

• MELBOURNE RISING: An all-genres playlist showcasing Melbourne-ish based artists and projects in any/all flavours of musical amazeballness.

I highly recommend checking those out for fantastic new music from my neck of the woods-ish! And of course, every spin folks have of these tracks is a real help to the artists involved – the majority of whom are independent and running totally under their own steam, in order to create and share their music.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

My currently visible possibilities-horizon suggests no, but I guess the universe can be a pretty surprising place sometimes…

Any last words for the fans?

Love always, and my deepest gratitude for your company on this incredible adventure! In case anyone’s interested, all my latest re: shenanigans will be shared via my website and/or my social media platforms.

Thanks so much for reading, listening and having me here on York Calling – I hope you’ve enjoyed the ramble.

All the love and e-hugs as ever,

Genevieve Sovereign xoxo