Emerging Artist Of The Month: Georgia Nicole

This month's Emerging Artist is a singer whose function band "Forever to Go" have been making a name for themselves across the Isle of Wight in the past couple of years.

Georgia Nicole became a Mother for the first time earlier this year, but that isn't slowing her down, and debut single "No Longer Love is set for release next week.

The talented singer-songwriter sat down for an exclusive interview with Isle of Wight Radio.
 

Hi Georgia, can you share a little bit about your background in music?

I was involved with musical theatre at a young age but didn't actually perform in front of anyone until I joined Platform One (P1) in 2020.

I had really bad stage fright when I started and couldn't even sing in front of my Mum.

When I joined the theatre group where I lived in Hebden Bridge (West Yorkshire) they pushed me to sing a solo and my Mum said I should join P1, so we moved 300 miles away to come to the Island.
 

Did you have any previous links to the Isle of Wight?

My mum grew up here and moved off when she was 18, and my Grandma and other family stayed here.

It's nice to have beaches nearby and I could never make it to the Isle of Wight Festival before because it was during term time, but now it's on my doorstep!

How did the function band you front, “Forever To Go”, come about?

It was actually Dave (Pontin, Education Director at P1) who put us together.

I really wanted a band and everyone seemed to already be involved with other projects, so I teamed up with Joe and Kurt from the year above, and then George - our newest member - joined a month ago.

Now you’re flying solo – with debut single “No Longer Love” released next week – what’s the story behind the track?

I was in a long distance relationship, and it was really hard for us to be free at the same time to talk, so we were drifting but didn't want to admit it.

So, I wrote about how I needed him to be honest and say if his heart was no longer in it - that's how the song came about.

It'll be released on October 13.

“Forever To Go” guitarist Joe produced the single - how good is it to work with him again?

It was great, I gave him the most basic chords and melody and said "turn it into something good!"

He worked his magic and I'm really happy with the end result.

You've recently become a mum, how has that changed your perspective on the music you're making?

I am still performing and I'm not letting the fact I have a child slow me down - I'm still a musician.

I was terrified at first, I had a couple of people saying "She's not going to be able to do anything any more... all of her priorities are going to change."

It isn't true, I did the Wight Noize competition nine days after I gave birth, and my daughter gives me added motivation to try harder.

I want to provide everything for her and to get my music somewhere I can do that.

I took her to Warrior Fest and gave her a pair of those massive headphones. It was so nice seeing her in the crowd even though she had no idea what was going on and probably slept through most of the set!

As well as Warrior Fest you played at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2024 – how did you find each of those experiences?

My first Isle of Wight Festival was the one after lockdown (2021) and I performed with one other person.

The following year we were lucky enough to do Electro Love as Forever To Go, and we've played on that stage every year since.

We also played on the P1 stage.

Warrior Fest was so nice! It's for a great cause (Wight Brainy Bunch) and everyone there was so lovely. We were on the main stage, the biggest stage I've performed on.

Are there any future festivals you would like to perform at?

I want to play at Victorious and have just applied for Glastonbury - just let me do one song and I'll be happy!

Do you have ambitions to release an album at some point in the near future?

I've got songs ready, but I think it's more of an EP than an album at the moment.

I'm looking at releasing a follow-up single in November.
 

Which global musicians have inspired you over the years?

Recently I've been obsessed with Chappell Roan, I absolutely love her music and whole aesthetic.

The Killers are one of my favourite bands - I've seen them live so many times.

That said, I don't have any direct influences and don't try to make myself sound like anyone specific or a specific genre.

Chappell Roan at the Bonnaroo music festival (c) L Paul Mann

Are there any Island musicians you’d recommend people check out?

Coach Party are doing really well and I like their music.

5 Degrees North are really talented and have just released a single and there's a lot of other P1 bands that could blow up.

What up-and-coming gigs do you have in the pipeline?

Joe and I are playing at the Correo Lounge (in Newport) on October 24, where we'll be doing some covers and stripped down versions of originals.

We've also got a Christmas Eve gig at The Anchor (in Cowes).

Finally, Georgia, how can people get in touch with you or find out more about Georgia Nicole Music?

You can find my personal Georgia Nicole Instagram or one for Forever To Go.

My Mum runs the Facebook - she's a 'mum-ager!' It's her domain and I let her have complete creative control.

I'm going to start doing YouTube once I get the single out, I'm planning to do a lyrics video and then a music video further down the line.

Previous Emerging Artists of the Month

November 2022: Josh White

December 2022: Phoenix Lopes

January 2023: Meg Rasmussen

February 2023: Ben Stubbs

March 2023: Tink Beadle

April 2023: Luna Carina

May 2023: Jay Eatwell

June 2023: The Optimists

July 2023: Amy Joliffe

Jan 2024: Olivia Cure

March 2024: Ruby

April 2024: Jazah

June 2024: The Pill

September 2024: Ugly Ozo