First capturing the nation’s attention in 2016 as a bright-eyed 16-year-old with her moving debut solo single “State Of Art”, a release which took out top prize for triple j’s Indigenous Initiative, Tia Gostelow has been carving out a name for herself as one of Australia’s most promising songwriting talents. Since then, she’s launched her own independent record Label Lovely Records, locked in a global publishing deal, and released her stellar debut LP ‘Thick Skin’, a release that sees her heart-on-sleeve storytelling weaved through mesmerising melodies, pulsing guitar lines, and hazy synths.
The year ahead is already shaping up to be a big one for the Mackay local, with her debut national headline tour around the corner, and tours of the US, LA, UK and Europe lined up. ‘Thick Skin’ quickly became one of our favourite releases of 2018, so we had Tia take time out on the road to chat about her favourite records.
Melody Pool — “The Hurting Scene” (2013)
“This was the album that inspired me to start songwriting when I was about 14. Melody is a magnificent writer and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her play a few times. This album, to me, was something really raw and emotional and, I guess, that’s where I learnt how to put emotions and experiences into songs. This is a record I can go back to any time and still know every single word. An absolute gem.”
The Growlers — “Chinese Fountain” (2014)
“In my opinion, the best Growlers album to date. I only heard about this band last year, but they’re easily my favourite band ever. It’s such a diverse record and every song has such a catchy melody and groove that makes me feel like I’m on a road trip. Absolutely love it.”
Cigarettes After Sex — “Cigarettes After Sex” (2017)
“A very, very nostalgic record for me. I listened to this a lot when I was about to move out of home for the first time and they, as a band, evoke all kinds of feelings very well. For me, it was an album that made me reminisce on growing up. Definitely another record that has impacted my songwriting quite a lot.”
Fleet Foxes — ‘Fleet Foxes’ (2008)
“I discovered Fleet Foxes when I was about 15 and became completely and utterly obsessed. Insane harmonies, melodies, instrumentation, chord progressions, everything. I’m a huge fan, and if there was one record I could tell people to listen to, it would be this one. I fall in to a trance listening to this band.”
Julia Jacklin — “Don’t Let The Kids Win”
“Epic album. Julia has pristine songwriting skills and I just love the whole vibe of this record. I don’t feel like I can flaw it. I love how it is primarily guitar heavy, and her voice shines through in every single song. Her lyrics and voice are really the star of the record. Another ripper.”
TIA GOSTELOW TOUR DATES
Friday 8th February — Howler — Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 9th February – Workers Club – Geelong, VIC
Saturday 16th February – Strand Hotel – Yeppoon, QLD
Sunday 17th February — Mojo — Mackay, QLD
Saturday 23rd February — The Lansdowne — Sydney, NSW
Sunday 24th February – North Gong Hotel – Woollongong, NSW
Friday 1st March — The Zoo — Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 2nd March — Sol Bar — Maroochydore, QLD
Listen to ‘Thick Skin’ here:
And check out Tia’s stunning Like A Version performance here: