Since popping up as one of Triple J's Unearthed High finalists a few years ago, Tia Gostelow has graced the Australian scene with her unique brand of atmospheric indie rock. She has now put out her debut album which shows off her amazing writing over these years.
Tomatrax caught up with Tia to talk about her music.
You're just put out your debut album, how does it feel to have it finished and ready to go?
It is such a bittersweet feeling, especially having it out now. I've been working on it for two and a bit years and I'm so excited that people can finally see what I've been working on for so long.
Where did the title Thick skin come from?
I think it sums up the album perfectly. I was actually on a synonyms website kind of sifting through words and Thick Skin came up and it instantly just clicked with me and there was really no talk about changing it because it fit so perfectly.
You'll be playing 3 album release parties in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane through October & November, what can fans expect from your show?
Whole new set, and I feel I'm way more confident now with my live shows so I'll definitely be loving around a lot more. I'll keep the rest on the DL.
You are releasing the album on your own label, Lovely Records, what inspired you to start your own record label?
I've always been about making sure I have control over what I'm doing, and I haven't really been looking to sign with a label so it kind of made sense for me too create my own label and release my music on it. I eventually want to sign regional artists when I have more time in the future. I'm super excited about it.
Is it hard to manage the label while also making your album?
Not at all to be honest, I'm not doing to much with it at the moment.
Where did you get the idea for the puppet driven video clip for 'That's what you get'?
It was actually given to me by the producers and directors - really can't take credit for it. But it was such an obscure idea and I was so down to try it and it's such a different angle to take for a music video. Turned out great!
From an early age you've received a lot of critical acclaim for your music, has this made you feel any pressure when putting together this album?
Um not really I don't think, there was obviously pressure but I was happy just doing my thing and if people like it then they like it!
What was it like to feature on The Rubens latest single?
I got to go on their North Queensland run of shows and sing 'Never Ever' with them. It was honestly such pleasure touring around and singing 'Never Ever' with them, I had been listening to their music for years so to be asked to come along and sing with them was so insane!
What inspired you to become a musician?
I have been asked this a lot lately and I definitely think it was after I saw Taylor Swift in like 2009 at CMC Rocks the Snowys. I was so in love with her and wanted to be just like her! After that I swapped my keyboard for a guitar.
When did you write your first song?
I think I was about 14 or 15 and my first full song was 'State of Art'.
When writing what comes first, the words or the music?
For me it depends on the environment I'm in but when I'm writing alone it's usually the music, melody and then lyrics.
Do you ever listen to your own music?
Hahaha yes I do.
What other music do you listen to?
Sooooo much! At the moment though a lot of Parcels and Clairo.
What do you have planned following the release parties?
A bloooooody good time with some good friends!
