Genevieve Stokes on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Writing in a Cabin in Maine, and Her Debut EP, ‘Swimming Lessons’
Photo by Max Christiansen
[UNPUBLISHED:] Your lyrics are so complex, intricate, and beautiful - where do you find inspiration for your work?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] Thank you! I’ve learned a lot from Fiona Apple, Adrianne Lenker and Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse.
[UNPUBLISHED:] I read that your debut EP, Swinnings Lessons was created in a cabin located not too far from your home in Maine, how do you think creating the album in this environment has influenced the music on it?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] Being in such a comfortable and familiar environment totally shaped the music. We recorded a lot of atmospheric sounds from near the water and inside the cabin, so there are also actual sonic layers from Maine.
[UNPUBLISHED:] How do you think growing up in Maine influenced your sound?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] It’s hard to know how I’d be different, but the feeling of Maine has definitely influenced my identity and music in subtle ways. Maine is beautiful but the weather can be harsh and unforgiving. I like writing from that place of contrast.
[UNPUBLISHED:] You take inspiration from iconic movies like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Midsommar, and directors like Wes Anderson, if you could have your music in any movie which one would it be and why?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] I would love to create a soundtrack that matched the feeling of Donnie Darko— but the soundtrack is already so good, I wouldn’t want to mess with it.
[UNPUBLISHED:] I watched the music video for your hit song “Habits” and I loved it! What influenced the concept behind the music video?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] I came up with the video idea with my creative director/ best friend Abbie Pitre. It’s the first chapter in a storyline we are building throughout the EP and it’s visually inspired by The Wickerman and a few Alice in Wonderland adaptions.
[UNPUBLISHED:] I totally see the Midsommar and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland influences in the video which I loved, do you have any favorite moments from filming?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] The tea party scene was a lot of fun. It was filmed at the end of the day when we were all deliriously tired so it ended up being very silly.
[UNPUBLISHED:] How do you think your sound has evolved from when you first started making music?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] My songwriting has matured a lot, but the core of my music has always been the same.
[UNPUBLISHED:] If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive on your next project, who would it be and why?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] I would love to work with Lana Del Rey or Fiona Apple.
[UNPUBLISHED:] You have another project coming out in January, what’re you most excited about in regard to that?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] My life has changed a lot in the past few years so I’m excited to share where I’ve been at mentally and hopefully connect with more people.
[UNPUBLISHED:] How do you hope your fans react to the new EP?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] Writing “Catching Rabbits” helped me process a lot of painful experiences, so I hope it can help other people do the same—or at least provide some relief.
[UNPUBLISHED:] You recently toured, do you have any favorite cities you played in?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] I love Portland, Oregon. I could see myself moving there someday!
[UNPUBLISHED:] What makes you feel at home while you’re away on tour? Do you have any items you take with you that remind you of home?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] I don’t bring anything that reminds me of home, but maybe I should. I can feel pretty homesick on the road.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] Traveling, making music, and feeling very content with my life.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Who is an artist you’ve been listening to a lot recently?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] Alex G. I love his new album, I can’t stop listening to it.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What is one fun fact that not many people know about you?
[GENEVIEVE STOKES:] I have a travel Tobasco that I bring everywhere.
Photo by Max Christiansen