What is the creative process like for imbi the girl?

You are about to drop a new single, perform headline shows in two cities AND release a new EP…
What does that anticipation feel like on your end and how do you channel those feelings?

I feel really excited and super grateful but if you would’ve asked me this question just a few weeks ago I would’ve given you a very different answer. I’ve recently been working on my relationship with my career and have realised that everything comes in it’s divine timing. I used to get stressed and doubt myself but I’ve come to see and understand that in order to deliver creatively and stay on top of my mental health, I need to trust myself and my process. So I began to channel new positive feelings in meditation and just general day to day life. Having that realisation and changing my emotional/thought patterns to better serve me has made a substantial difference to the way I feel when things start to get busy. Where I used to feel stress, anxiety, loneliness and fear, I now feel joy, pride, love, excitement and gratitude. :)

The production on your upcoming EP back then is beautifully understated, and really allows your storytelling to shine through. Was this a conscious decision, or just a reflection of the music that resonated best with you?

The production behind this EP was a beautiful process of collaboration. It all came through very organically. I was fortunate enough to work with a wonderful producer (shouts to Kay Ansah) who allowed me the space to explore different sounds and lean into unique/quirky composition. He really helped me translate the composition I heard in my head into tangible music. Lyrics and melody came first, so the production was sort of constructed around the stories, which I guess makes sense as to why they would ‘shine through’ like that ~ Honestly though, it wasn’t intentional hahaha

Speaking of storytelling, the EP explores themes such as your childhood, growing up and self-love. Seeing how far you have come, what would you love to go back and tell your younger self?

I would tell them to stay strong. I would tell them that they are right to want to love themself and reassure them that it’s only a matter of time until they do. I would tell them they are on the way to becoming exactly who they want to be and that it’s not an easy ride but it’s the most rewarding thing they can do for themself. I’d tell them they’re intelligent, well spoken, special and beautiful. Then I’d give them a hug and tell them I love them.

back then has some notable features, namely SUPEREGO and Genesis Owusu. What is the creative process like when you’re making music with other artists, versus when you write solo?

I think it depends on the artist you're working with and on the structure of the collaboration ~ for instance, I had already written the song when I sent over ‘peaches and scream’ to Genesis Owusu and asked for a verse but with SUPEREGO we wrote the whole track together. I find that when I’m creating alone I have some limitations, I can only generate ideas from my own creative pool. When you collaborate, you have access to creativity beyond yourself. If the collaborators are willing to be authentic, vulnerable and share their creativity, collaboration in my eyes becomes an entirely different process. It becomes a process of establishing connection and trust in order to vulnerably & authentically share creativity. I value both processes in equal but different ways, collaboration will always be a super sacred process though, it’s really something special.

Your performance at BIGSOUND in September garnered a lot of praise. Ahead of your upcoming tour, what do you hope people take away from your live performances, as well as the back then EP?

I hope people walk away from the shows feeling loved, affirmed and connected. I hope folx finishing listening to the EP and feel cleansed, seen and valid.

imbi the girl's forthcoming EP back then is out on 14 November. Available to pre-order here.

Final tickets to their 'our room' tour are on sale from imbithegirl.com

Thursday 7 November – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
Saturday 9 November – Red Rattler Theatre, Sydney