Next up in our BIGSOUND Q & A’s is Wild Gloriosa. The Geelong based Tamil-Australian soul singer is making her BIGSOUND debut in style with a six piece band to support her soulful set! Read on to find out more about what to expect, her musical inspirations and who she’s hoping to catch at the festival.
For anyone hoping to catch you at Big Sound that maybe doesn’t know too much about you can you tell us the story of Wild Gloriosa in a few sentences?
Wild Gloriosa is a slow-blooming flower that is finding her way in this world, as we all are. A flower that uses soulful melodies to help herself and others move through emotions. Whether its grief, joy, anger or plain silliness, she encompasses everything into a steady groove and a unique tone.
And can you share a few of your musical influences?
My origin influences are Bill Withers and Nina Simone. As I grew and learned more and more music they’ve also become Cleo Sol, Yebba and Lianne La Havas.
You’re often quite real on Instagram about the challenges of working in the music industry such as burn out or anxiety and it’s something I really appreciate about you as an artist. You’ve obviously had an incredibly successful past year with the release of your debut EP, a move to Melbourne and numerous live shows and accolades.
Is it now feeling easier to navigate the industry and be kind to yourself whilst doing it, and what advice would you give your younger self?
It is at times hard to navigate the industry. I have a strong sense of integrity and also spiritual connection to my music so it has at times clashed with what the industry wants from me. I would give baby G the advice that I still use to this day, which is to remind myself of why I am making music. To me, success isn’t held in awards or even money. I am so content in what I do with music, and I have hustled for sure to get where I am, but even if it all falls apart, I still have my voice and my song. And that detachment is what I believe has got me to make it so far already. At the end of the day I am making music that is meaningful with friends I care about. There is already such joy and depth in that already.
Can you share your favourite lyric you’ve ever written?
It would be from my EP, in my song All Wishes Come True. I like to have repeated mantras in my songs which is something used a lot in the soul/rnb/hip-pop space. Hooks that are powerful! It would be the hook
Pick up pick up my chest from the floor
Keep my head up I am one with the All
Follow with love and move to restore
Belief in myself I am worthy of all
These lyrics have reminded me countless times of my worth, and my place in this world. A reminder that I am not my thoughts, I am the observer of my thoughts! The negative things that come up in my brain are not me, and this mantra solidifies that.
Music is so so healing and I want people to know that.
For people who are hoping to check you out at BIGSOUND but maybe don’t know you that well, what one song would you recommend people listen to to get a taste of Wild Gloriosa, and why that song?
I would listen to two. Lover Girl foremost, because that song has such an important message for the lovers out there. I would also listen to All Wishes Come True!
All wishes ties positive messages with groovy instrumentation and the balance of that duality. I like to think of myself as a duality. I am, one, a blooming flower that feels connected to the universe and to life and who is trying to help herself and others grow, but also two, a super silly and unhinged person who can be a bit spicy and hectic. I love both those parts of me equally! Those two songs show a range of what WG offers.
And what should people expect from a Wild Gloriosa live show?
Expect to go in knowing that you’re going to feel uplifted coming out. Whether you resonate with the lyrics or you’re just steady grooving, I am a vessel to help you experience warmth like the first rays of sunlight when spring comes around again. Expect a live band!!! 6-piece band coming live to you! All live no track baby!!!! Soul music always feels the best live.
Who else are you excited to catch at BIGSOUND (if you have the time)?
I am very excited to see my previous mentor Ngaiire, my friend Pa777ience and I will be doing some vocals for Dugong Jr’s set so keen to do that! Also Grace Chia and Queenie.
Can you recommend a few artists you’re listening to at the moment who you think deserve a bit more love?
Yes!!!!! Melody Kin who just released an EP and Kasinda who is an incredible flautist and singer.
You can catch Wild Gloriosa playing the following sets at BIGSOUND
Wild Gloriosa
Tue 1st Sep
8:00PM – 8:30PM
Wonderland – Upstairs
Wild Gloriosa
Thu 3rd Sep
8:15PM – 8:45PM
Blute’s
You can follow along with Wild Gloriosa here.
And find out more about BIGSOUND here.