A Quick Chat With Tanya George

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘The Devil’?

I've seen firsthand how temptation can shape our lives and how difficult it can be to stay on the right path. I've watched friends and former partners struggle with addiction, and through years of busking on the streets, I've also seen the impact that poor choices and difficult circumstances can have on people's lives. I've had my own battles with peer pressure too.

The truth is, we're all surrounded by something unhealthy in one way or another, and it all starts somewhere. That's why I believe it's important to be honest about these struggles and talk about them rather than hiding them. The more we have these conversations, the more we create understanding, compassion and reminders we may need.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?

I'm a very philosophical and spiritual person, so I naturally spend a lot of time thinking deeply about life, listening to podcasts, and exploring different ways of seeing the world. I am influenced by deep reflections I have as I get older.

For this album, Jamiroquai was a big musical influence. Their sound, groove, and approach to songwriting really inspired me throughout the process. A lot of boppiness to the grooves and cool chord progressions.

What’s the creative process like for you?

With this song I had a clear subject I wanted to discuss. I was thinking of temptation as a representation of the Devil. Not necessarily as a physical being, but as anything that pulls us away from who we're meant to be. I believe we're all walking our own path with purpose, and along the way these temptations appear, trying to distract us. They can take many forms: addiction, ego, fear, unhealthy relationships, peer pressure, or anything else that draws us away from our values.

Sometimes we follow those distractions without even realising it, and before we know it we've wandered off our path. In that sense, it's almost like the Devil has "got you." But the beautiful thing is that it doesn't have to end there. The moment you become aware of it, you have the choice to turn back. No matter how far you've drifted, there's always a way to find your way back to the path you were meant to walk.

That’s how this song came about, just with two chords and a laid-back groove underneath! I improvised the melody first and then matched the words to fit what I’d sung.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry, what would it be?

I'd love to see festivals stop getting cancelled and instead become more sustainable so artists have more opportunities to perform. I'd also like to see more funding go directly to artists' pockets, not just for touring, but to support the time and space needed to create new work. Most of all, I'd love the music industry to be a healthier, kinder, and more supportive place. We need more opportunities in Australia for artists to develop, grow, and build sustainable careers. Not to forget, AI for music should be illegal.

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?

I think I'd be completely lost! It would be such a different life because everything I do revolves around music. If I wasn't making music, I think I'd probably be in the fitness industry, and I think fitness would become that outlet for me.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with? Why?

I'd choose Erykah Badu because I think she's incredible. The way she uses her voice as an instrument, her phrasing, and the musical choices she makes are so unique and expressive. There's a real artistry in how she approaches every performance.

The other would be Ariana Grande. I genuinely think she has one of the greatest live voices of our generation. Her vocal control, range, consistency, and effortless delivery are phenomenal, and she's someone I've always admired as a vocalist.

Then probably Allen Stone because I think he would actually like this new song and my Contrast album! We would write some good music together.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?

Develop a strong sense of self and be clear about how you define success on your own terms. When you measure success by your own values rather than external expectations, you're more likely to stay focused, fulfilled, and true to your path. Don’t listen to every single person’s advice. Learn as much as you can about everything surrounding what you do as a business, not just the creative side.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with or met?

We haven’t worked together, but I loved meeting Matt Corby recently. He was just a lovely person.

I worked a little bit with Julia Stone, where she really pushed me to think deeper about the artwork for my singles and the album. She made me a mood board.

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

Yes! International this time. I play my album launch in Melbourne on August 8 at Wax Music Lounge, then I fly to Bali to perform at Ubud Folk Festival, along with a bunch of side shows and events. After that, I head to China to play the Chengdu International Sisters Cities Youth Music Festival.