by lauren kovolenko
photo by robin glass
When thinking of Genevieve Stokes, I think “you’ll definitely love this music!” This artist has a way of perfecting a vibe fitting for just about everyone’s tastes. A little bit of pop, a little bit of chill, and everything in between. If you want your morning commute to feel like a movie, check her out! Please enjoy the interview we have had about touring, sound, and more!
Greetings! Tell us about yourself. What's your background like?
Genevieve: “I’m an artist from Maine and I play piano and write most of my music in my parents’ garage.”
Were you always a songwriter? When did you decide to pursue music?
Genevieve: “I’ve been writing songs since I was around eight! I always wanted to be a musician, but I released my first project right after graduating high school.”
What's your songwriting process like? Is there a certain feeling you are trying to portray?
Genevieve: “I usually have a vague idea of the emotion I’m trying to portray, but the idea doesn’t fully form until I’ve found the chords.”
I could see your songs playing in a movie — what scene would you want them to overlay?
Genevieve: “I would love to hear ‘Lost Forever Now’ in the first Twilight movie. Kind of random, but I love that soundtrack and I feel like that song fits the vibe.”
When you write songs, where do you get most of your inspiration from?
Genevieve: “I sometimes write fictional stories based on movies and books I’m inspired by, but most of my songs are about my own experiences.”
Congratulations on the release of With a Lightning Strike! What was your favorite song to create on the album?
Genevieve: “I loved recording ‘Dreamer’ and ‘River.’ My friends Fiona Stocks-Lyons and Peter Caffarella created their own arrangements and it was just a very energetic and fun process.”
How has touring prep been so far? What's your most anticipated city to play in?
Genevieve: “The prep for the tour has been strangely smooth! I’m playing with the band I recorded the album with, so we all know our parts by heart already. I always look forward to playing in Portland, Maine (my hometown), but I’m also very excited to visit Toronto and Vancouver.”
Give a piece of advice to someone starting music — what has helped you gain success?
Genevieve: “Consistency and just being very passionate about the songs I make! I never put out a song that’s ingenuine or made to please other people.”
Do you have any dream collaborations you'd like to be a part of?
Genevieve: “I would love to work with A.G. Cook! He’s one of my favorite producers and I’d love to make something more experimental with him.”
What's next for you? What are you most excited about to achieve in your career?
Genevieve: “I’m really excited to tour in the UK and just travel in general. I’ve been hibernating for the past year to make this record, so I’m ready to play these songs and get my myself out there.”