“It’s all about alienation,” Gia Ford tells us of her forthcoming debut album, Transparent Things. “About feeling separated or isolated.”
A storybook of tales — some exploring personal experiences and others where Ford serves as a narrator rather than the protagonist — Transparent Things is everything one could hope for from a debut project. With honest, introspective, and intricate lyricism with a one-of-a-kind sonic landscape that weaves together live tracks and 70s influences, Ford takes us on a journey of self-discovery, introducing us to mythical characters who somehow reflect our inner secrets, fears, and dialogues right back to us. Recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles with the renowned producer Tony Berg, it feels equal parts like an album as it does a novel — one that will go down as a modern classic.
Featuring singles “Paint Me Like A Woman” and “Try Changing,” Transparent Things is out on 13 September. In the meantime, watch Ford’s latest music video…
Read the full interview…
Hi Gia! How are you?
I’m well thank you!
Can you tell us a bit about your musical upbringing? Who were some of your early inspirations and when did you start making music yourself?
My parents and wider family were all big music fans, and were always playing great music. I wanted to learn guitar, so my mum bought me one for my 13th birthday from Toys R Us. I ended up learning covers and that’s how I started singing really. I started writing my own songs at 14 or 15.
How has your sound evolved over time and how would you describe it today?
It started really folky, early on…then it became quite demo-pop on the early EPs. Now, having the opportunity to, I’ve been able to go into a studio properly with amazing musicians and, like most of my main influences, track live. I’ve always wanted to record like that. Most of my favourite music is from the 60s and 70s, like Jefferson Airplane or Carpenters. So I feel like I’m finally honouring those influences.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your debut album — and the new single “Try Changing”! Where did the inspiration for this track come from?
Thank you! The inspiration for this sonically was Fleetwood Mac – the demo was much more that way. Then in the studio, Tony (Berg) had these fold out drums that he pulled out after we had brought in the track “Vitamin C” by CAN. So it ended up having quite a unique quality.
What was the writing process like? Do you have a typical process?
We started with a chord progression and then rough melody, and wrote the words to that. Sometimes it’s different, and it starts with poetry or a melody. We had two days together, so wanted to approach it logically. It’s not always time restricted like that, but when I was writing at that time, it often was. These days I spend a lot more time on the songs in solitude.
How does it, along with lead single “Paint Me Like A Woman”, set the stage for what we can expect from Transparent Things?
Well I’d say “Try Changing” is the least like the rest of the album – contextually and sonically – it stands on it’s own, in a way. But “Paint Me Like A Woman” is pretty representative of the wider record – it’s about an outsider/misfit sort of character, and the instrumental was tracked live, so it has a great warmth and live quality to it. But there is quite a variety of sounds on Transparent Things.
Transparent Things is a mythical storybook of tales — what ties everything together? If you had a thesis statement for the album, what would it be?
It’s all about alienation, whether it’s a personal experience or narrative. About feeling separated or isolated.
Is there a song you’re most proud of?
“Our Mutual Friend.”
One that you’re most excited to play live?
“Don’t Drown Me Out.” I want it to be like ‘The Band’ or something!
Lastly, what’s something you hope listeners take away from the project?
This is an annoying answer, but I don’t hope for anything in particular to be taken away from it. I just hope it is thoroughly enjoyed!