Artist on Artist – Georgia Lines and J. Tajor Chat About their Upcoming BIGSOUND Performance

Live Nation Australia’s ONES TO WATCH series is making its return to Brisbane in a big way in 2024, setting up at its new home of The Outpost for BIGSOUND this September. Featuring a talented trio of artists from Australia and Aotearoa in GEORGIA LINES, J. TAJOR and ISHAN, this special showcase of live music is set to further prove that some of today’s best creatives are producing their art straight out of the Antipodes. To celebrate the showcase, Georgia Lines and J Tajor have a chat about all things, music, creativity and everything in between.

Georgia asks J. Tajor 

What was the moment for you when you realized you wanted to make music?

 I think for me, it was those moments when I would come across the perfect song, those types of songs that got me addicted, that could change my mood, and that I couldn’t get enough of. From there I was so intrigued about why these songs made me feel these ways, what was about these songs that made them so good. Those built-up moments led to the reason why I wanted to make music.

When you’re not writing or making music, how do you keep your creative energy alive?

One of my favorite things to do to keep my creative energy alive is to go for a run, zone out, and listen to music. That way, my mind isn’t too focused on the specifics of the song, and I’m more focused on the vibe and feeling of the song.

What role does experimentation play in your songwriting process? Has there been a time when taking some kind of creative risk led to an unexpected result in your music?

I think experimentation plays a huge role in my songwriting process, especially at the beginning of my music career. I think it helps me stay excited, curious, and motivated which I love. There are definitely a few times when taking a creative risk led to me making songs that I didn’t even know I was capable of. I feel it’s so important to ‘go with the flow’ sometimes and let the natural flow lead the way.

What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of being a songwriter/artist, and how does that impact the way you approach your work?

I think the most misunderstood aspect of being a songwriter artist is that sometimes, it’s not about being a great singer, or a great lyricist, but more about your ability to see and visualize a song and make it come to life. So when I’m making a song, whilst thinking about the lyrics and how to perform/sing the song, I’m also thinking about what melodies should go where, what kind of bounce am I getting from this song, and so on. If I get too caught up in one aspect of a song such as trying to get the perfect take, it might lead me away from the more important thing which is the entire song itself.

Tajor asks Georgia Lines 

Where does your inspiration come from when you’re in the studio making music?

Musically, I often find myself deeply inspired by the people around me in the studio. Collaboration excites me and seems to draw something special out of me that I would never have discovered on my own. I tend to write about things happening in my own world—what I’m learning, experiencing, relationships, questions that I’m asking, etc.

If you could have any artist cover one of your songs, which artist and what song would that be?

Yebba covering “Grow Old Without You” would be an absolute dream!

What advice would you give upcoming artists who are unsure about the music industry and how to navigate it?

There are so many things I’ve learned along the way that have been incredibly helpful. I’ll try to summarize a few key points:

• Find people who believe in you and who will cheer you on during tough times. There will be moments when opportunities fall through or disappointment knocks at your door. The people who love you and believe in you will always be there to lift you up when you’re feeling lost.
• You can only control what you can control! This ties into the previous point—there are many aspects of the industry you can’t control (what playlists you get on, how a song is received, what gigs you’re offered, etc.). The more energy you put into trying to control the uncontrollable, the less enjoyable the journey becomes, and the more stressed you’ll be along the way. What’s meant for you will find its way to you. In the meantime, focus on the things you can control—writing the best songs you can, being prepared for opportunities before they arise, etc.

• Which song of yours (released or unreleased) was the most fun to make and why?
  Making my whole record was a pretty fun experience, but “Grow Old Without You” was particularly exciting. I had the idea of incorporating Disney-inspired strings into the arrangement, so we brought in a string quartet to play the parts. That was one of the most exciting moments in bringing the record to life.
• If you could collaborate with any artist (alive or passed), who would it be and why?
  Carole King! Her songwriting is something else, and the way she crafts her songs with such depth is incredibly inspiring to me.

Extra Questions (Music Related)

1. What do you love most about your fans?
   That they’re there for the journey! It’s been so cool to connect with people from all over the world at different stages of my career.
2. What is your favorite current song on replay?
   “I Could Be a Florist” by Olivia Dean.
3. What is the craziest experience you’ve had when doing a show?
   During a solo show a few years back, I had a blowfly lingering around my mic. I couldn’t ignore it any longer—shooing it away while trying to sing wasn’t working, and I was terrified I was going to swallow it. So, at the end of a song (about four songs in), I somehow managed to catch the fly on stage, mid-set, in front of 1,000 people. Then I panicked, not knowing what to do with it, so I called out to one of the crew members, who ran on stage, took the fly from my hands, and let it go outside. Definitely the craziest and strangest experience I’ve had!

Extra Questions (Non-Music Related)

1. What would be your go-to meal or restaurant after finishing up a tour?
   Depending on where you’ve been touring, you often lose any kind of routine, especially with food. I usually come home craving veggies, fruit, and some kind of home-cooked meal!
2. What are your top 3 TV/streaming shows you’ve watched this year?
   • Bridgerton
   • Emily in Paris
   • Friends