In the vibrant world of electronic music, every artist has a unique story to tell. Meet That Girl, an introspective artist with a passion for crafting emotive melodies and poignant lyrics. In this exclusive interview, That Girl invites us into her creative process, shares her musical influences, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring musicians. Let's dive into her world and discover what sets her apart in the trance music scene.
Tell us about yourself and how you got into music? "I’ve always had a deep passion for music and writing songs since I can remember. I later started playing around with Garage Band and recorded little ideas just for fun. My sister (who is a DJ) snatched it without my knowledge and sent it to her DJ friend, who then suggested we do a collab. That’s how things and my interest in pursuing music seriously officially started! I am quite an introvert, so I initially never intended to be in the 'spotlight', but fast forward to today, and I’m really grateful that Sis plugged me! haha"
What is your creative process like?
"It really depends on the type of project I’m working on. Most of my collaborations come from the producer sending over a basic instrumental of the track, which I then listen to and write a topline for. I use the existing melodies of the track to inspire the emotions of the lyrics and what the 'story' should tell. When starting a track from scratch, I often like to grab my guitar and freestyle ideas/melodies that may pop up and record them."
What is your favorite track that you've written, and/or sang and which artist was your favourite to collaborate with and why?
"I really cannot pick a favourite, as each collaboration has its own unique experience! However, I enjoyed writing ‘Lose Yourself’ as the melody sent over by Ruben was a perfect fit for what I was going through at the time, so the lyrics were a great way to express those emotions. As for my favourite artist to collaborate with, I’d have to say Robbie Seed because he was the very first to ask me to collaborate back in the day and re-introduced me to trance; hence, I will always have a special place for him."
What do you hope to achieve with your music?
"I’ve always just had one goal since making music, and that is for my music to reach and touch listeners out there who can resonate and need to hear it, whether this means thousands or even just one."
Drawing from a diverse array of musical influences, That Girl's sound is a fusion of EDM's electrifying energy and the raw emotion of alternative rock and pop. From iconic bands like Depeche Mode and Muse to contemporary artists like P!nk and Alanis Morissette, her eclectic taste in music shapes her unique sound. With each track she writes, That Girl pays homage to her musical roots while carving out a distinct identity that captivates listeners worldwide.
What sets you apart from other singer/songwriters in the same genre?
"I guess what sets any artist apart from the others is constantly reminding yourself to “be yourself” as much as possible. It’s a competitive world out there, but I believe each artist has their own spot and purpose in the world and ‘flavour’ of music. I always strive to improve where I can and love to play around with different or new methods often to help expand my abilities. Also, I love peanut butter milkshakes!"
How do you handle creative blocks or challenges in your writing process?
"Over time, I have learned some ways and techniques to try and counter when I do hit that inevitable writer's block! Taking breaks as often as possible, looking after your mental health, and changing up your surroundings or studio look has proven to be quite important. I also find that exploring or listening to other genres broadens the mind and can help with inspiration. Last but not least, breaking away from strict deadlines (Also, don’t put too much pressure on yourself; otherwise, it becomes a job!) Don’t stop writing; don’t force it; let it flow.…"
"Don’t be afraid to be different; dig deep, and always put a piece of your heart into whatever you do in life, not just music. I believe if we do that and remain authentic and true to ourselves, the universe will align accordingly." - That Girl
What do you think makes Reason II Rise music unique?
"I noticed quite early on that their approach towards the artists is unique in a sense that R2R is quite invested in getting to know the artist behind the music that they release, which I think is really important and I love that. They also keep us in the loop about track performance and achievements down the line, which is quite cool!"
What are you most excited about releasing your music on Reason II Rise?
"I'm genuinely thrilled about the opportunity to work closely with the team at Reason II Rise. The energy, vision, and passion they bring to the music industry is really exciting and fresh. My future releases with Reason II Rise open up exciting possibilities for creating and sharing music that resonates with a wider audience. I believe it's a fantastic platform for any artist, and I'm looking forward to what the future holds."
Who do you think has a big future in Trance Music?
"That’s a tough question to answer without being biased by my own taste, to be honest. It is great to see so many new talented and upcoming names popping up on the scene! I am currently a big fan of the Hel:Slowed guys as well as D72. As for fellow singer/songwriters, there are just too many great artists currently out there to actually pin point someone specific. However, I remain a huge fan of Susana, Novelli, Cari, and Susie Ledge, to name a few, and look forward to what they have coming up."
In the ever-evolving landscape of singer/song-writers, creative blocks are inevitable. For That Girl, overcoming these challenges requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace change. Taking breaks, exploring different genres, and prioritizing mental health are essential strategies for maintaining creativity and inspiration. By allowing herself the freedom to experiment and evolve, That Girl continues to push the boundaries of her artistry and forge new paths in the world of trance music.
Catch That Girl Live in Edinburgh, Scotland and Rhenen, Netherlands for her debut performance in Europe as part of the Reason II Rise Label Nights. Click here.
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