A Quick Chat with Georgia Scarlett
Georgia Scarlett has shared a warm and thoughtful debut album, ‘Rhythm of Life’ that blends the intimacy of folk with the glow of country pop. The Meanjin singer-songwriter traces heartbreak, growth and self discovery across tracks that move from stripped back stillness to full band richness, guided by her clear, steady voice. Banjo, slide guitar, harmonica and soft harmonies fill the record with texture as Georgia reflects on the lessons time leaves behind and the strength found in change. We caught up with Georgia to talk about the album, its stories and inspirations.
Can you tell us what this album means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
This album means so much to me because it captures a significant chapter of my life, one filled with change, uncertainty, and growth. I wrote most of these songs right after finishing high school, during my first year of university. It was a time when everything in my life was shifting. It was challenging, but it was also incredibly beautiful. I had space to explore my creativity, to try new things, to figure out who I was becoming. One of those “new things” was writing an album in just a few intense months, in the middle of all that change.
Now, I’m releasing this album years later as I graduate once again, this time from my
university degree. I’m in a completely different place from where I was when these songs were written. My stubborn determination to see this album through has taken me on an unexpected journey of growth. Writing these songs, recording them, and playing them live has helped me understand myself and the people around me in a new light. It’s opened doors to interesting new opportunities, all while grounding me in authenticity and reminding me to stay true to who I am.
Time is powerful, it shapes us quietly and constantly, and that’s what the album is really about. I hope that when people listen from beginning to end, they can feel that sense of time passing, of changing, and becoming. I hope they find moments within these songs that resonate with their own experiences, no matter where they are in their journey. This album took me through three years of growth, and my hope is that listeners feel carried through their own story as they move through it too.
Who were some of your influences when making this album and why?
When I started writing the album, I wasn’t consciously thinking about what I wanted the songs to sound like, not the genre, not the sonic space, none of it. I was only just beginning my journey as a musician outside of high school, and I didn’t know what my sound was yet. I wasn’t heavily influenced at the time either, it truly felt like a fresh slate, ready to receive whatever came naturally.
I’ve always believed in staying true to yourself and letting authenticity lead the way. I think the best music comes from not forcing anything, not trying too hard to make a song fit a certain mould or fill a specific gap. It’s about welcoming whatever flows out with open arms.
Of course, subconsciously I’m sure I was influenced by the artists I love listening to: the emotion and storytelling of Lisa Mitchell, the spaciousness in Billie Marten’s lyrics, the energy and honesty of Missy Higgins. Later, during the recording process, maybe the genre-blending of Kacey Musgraves, or the country-tinged folk of artists like Courtney Marie Andrews and Madeleine Roger. Who knows! I’m always absorbing the sounds around me, it’s hard not to be.
What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
For me, every song starts with a story, a memory, a feeling, or an emotion, something real that sparks the need to create. I always need that core motivation before the melody or tone starts to form. When a song begins this way, it sticks with me longer and it generally comes together more naturally and quickly.
If you stepped inside my songwriting brain, you’d probably find me pairing chords and melodies with a mood, an idea, or scraps of lyrics I’ve saved in my notes app. That’s usually where the first spark lands. From there, the process can go in any direction, sometimes the lyrics lead, sometimes the guitar, sometimes a melody takes over. No two songs follow the same path, but they all begin from that same place of feeling.
When it comes to recording, the process shifts again. It becomes about translating that initial emotion into a full sonic world, choosing the right textures, instrumentation, and space for the song to breathe. The recording is where the song grows into a full picture, a complete story.
What do you think makes a great album?
I think a great album looks different to everyone, but for me, it’s all about storytelling, both lyrically and sonically. I love when an album feels like a journey, where each track has its own identity but still fits into a bigger picture. When the music, the lyrics and even the pacing all work together to guide you somewhere emotionally, that’s when an album becomes something truly special. It’s that feeling of being invited into a world the artist has built and wanting to stay there until the last note.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with anyone at this moment in time, it would be Canadian singer-songwriter Madeleine Roger. One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done was with her. She’s such a natural storyteller, and she works within the textures and tones I love in contemporary folk and country music. There’s something so human and effortless about her writing. I can imagine us slipping into conversation and getting swept up in the creative process.
Another dream collaboration would be with New Zealand artist Marlon Williams. His voice is unbelievably rich and expressive, with this timeless quality that makes everything he sings feel huge and intimate at the same time. Working with a voice and storyteller like that would be an incredible experience.
When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?
When I’m not working on music, most of my creative outlets still circle back to it in some way. Beyond songwriting and performing, I’m passionate about radio, I’ve been hosting my show From the Roots on 4ZZZ for over two years now. I also love music journalism and writing, content creation and street interviews, and teaching music. Any project that I can share and express my love for Aussie roots music!
Outside of music altogether, I’ve always been a creatively minded person. I love drawing, painting, colouring, sewing, baking, and hair styling/braiding. If I had a little more free time beyond my musical commitments, you’d definitely find me doing all of those.
Who are some local bands we should check out?
There are so many incredible local artists, I genuinely couldn’t narrow it down! As a local radio host, I’m constantly meeting amazing talent and drawing inspiration from the scene around me. I do want to give a special shoutout to the wonderful artists joining me on my AUS album tour next year: Maddison Kate (QLD), Favourite Kid (QLD), Ryan Martin John (SA), and Paige Barnard (VIC).
Winter or summer and why?
Summer, 100% - no doubt about it. I love the fashion, the time spent outdoors, and the way my whole body just feels freer in the warmer weather. Winter and I don’t get along as well, even though I adore my jeans and jackets, you’ll often find me snuggling in my oodie with fingers turning a little blue.
Now we are reaching the end of 2025, what do you have planned for 2026?
I’m really looking forward to 2026. It feels like the start of a brand-new chapter for me. I’ll be kicking off the year with a tour in February/March alongside my band, playing shows across QLD, SA, and VIC. There’s also plenty of new music on the way, with next year marking the beginnings of something fresh creatively including some collaborative work.
I’ve just graduated with my Fine Arts degree as well, so 2026 doesn’t just mark a new phase in my musical journey, it marks my first steps beyond student life. You can expect to see me diving even deeper into what I love: songwriting, performing, radio, events, and creating content I resonate with.
'Rhythm of Life' Vinyl Launch
Fri Dec 6 - Dutch Vinyl, Brisbane
‘Rhythm of Life’ Tour 2026
Fri Feb 21 - Royal Hotel Nundah, Brisbane
Sat Feb 22 - Banshees Bar, Ipswich
Wed Feb 25 - The Gov (Fringe Festival Event), Adelaide
Sat Feb 28 - The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
Fri Mar 13 - The Presynct, Nambour