A Coachella Conversation with GG Magree
[UNPUBLISHED:] You’ve noted that you are a self-taught producer. How early on did you start noticing that music was something you wanted to pursue as opposed to just listening to it?
[GG MAGREE:] It was a really natural process for me. I started throwing illegal raves when I was in uni and then I was like, “wait I wanna control the music..” so I taught myself how to DJ, and then all the next steps I took to learning how to produce, sing and write just happened when the timing felt right. I’m a big believer that the universe always has my back.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Do you have a music-making process?
[GG MAGREE:] I usually start with an acoustic guitar and build from there. I'll come up with a melody I like and start writing lyrics. Once I feel happy about the direction, I’ll track the guitar, add some drums and from there it's just a flow. A lot of it is trial and error.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Where do you find inspiration for your music?
[GG MAGREE:] I write about whatever is going on in my life. I also love going to festivals and shows to see DJs and bands I've never seen before.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What is your favorite song that you've ever made?
[GG MAGREE:] That’s a hard question to answer as every song I've written portrays where I’m at in my life. “BITCH” is def a huge fav.
[UNPUBLISHED:] You’ve stated that you learned by playing for hours in your father’s pub. How did learning in the moment teach you to read the room/read your audience’s reactions to your sets? Has that influenced how you perform now as a producer/vocalist/DJ?
[GG MAGREE:] Playing smaller intimate venues when I was growing my career was so good for that. I used to be a mashup DJ so I would go to venues play for $100 and just vibe out with the room.
[UNPUBLISHED:] From “Frontlines” to “Already Dead”, how did you find your vocal style/timbre?
[GG MAGREE:] A voice is just an instrument. The more I use it, the stronger it becomes. I’m super grateful for my friend Nick. When Covid was in its prime, we spent a lot of time making music and he helped me come into my voice and learn how to manipulate it.
[UNPUBLISHED:] You've mentioned that you dedicate your concentration and energy when writing music. Clearly, this is also relevant in preparation for shows. What are some ways in which you immerse yourself when writing? Any particular rituals?
[GG MAGREE:] I have really bad ADHD so working out is super important to me. The healthier I am the happier I am.
[UNPUBLISHED:] How was your experience playing Coachella? Was it different than previous shows, since you had a band?
[GG MAGREE:] It was a dream. Coachella was a huge achievement. It was the first time I ever did a live element to my set and adding a band just really made the songs hit as hard as I wanted them to. I’m a rock baby at heart and I’ve always had a vision to DJ and do a live band so to be able to do it at Coachella on the Sahara stage is one of my biggest achievements to date.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Where do you see yourself (and your music) in five years?
[GG MAGREE:] Honestly I’m just down for the ride. My goal in life is to be happy and music makes me so happy so I’ll continue to try to push boundaries.
[UNPUBLISHED:] With “Dichotomy” weeks away, what comes after that? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
[GG MAGREE:] So many more but if I tell you I’ll have to kill you.
