Today marks the release of For Me, the debut EP from Sydney R&B artist imbi the girl. Tone Deaf had a chat with imbi ahead of the release about the EP, touring, and what is next for the rising artist.
Watch: imbi the girl – “Swell”
TD: For Me is your debut EP, what can new listeners expect from your music?
imbi: They can expect a slow moving journey through some relatable feelings.
TD: Your lyrics are incredibly personal and discuss some heavy subjects, do you ever get anxious about sharing the music with the world because of that?
imbi: 100%, definitely. I share my music in hopes of getting folks grooving, showing people they aren’t alone in their struggles and sharing a little bit of love. The reality is, I can’t see or feel everyone’s reactions to my tracks. It’s less about whether people will like the music and more about how it will make them feel. For all I know one of my tracks could be really triggering for someone and that shit keeps me up at night.
You released your first track last year, since then you’ve performed at VIVID, Groovin The Moo, BIGSOUND, and are about to play at Listen Out. What’s been you favourite gig so far?
I’d have to say my favourite gig so far was this little charity ball I did early this year for my sibling’s roller derby league (USRDL). It was a really intimate, beautiful event filled with close friends and queer comrades which made for a super special, connected energy the whole night. I felt so heavily supported and connected to the crowd at that show, it was pure love.
Your live show has a lot of buzz behind it, what can festival-goers expect to experience at Listen Out?
My live set is my attempt at broadcasting love and positive energy to any and all who attend. I set an active intention before every show, I bring my crystals up with me to help amplify my energy and try to project it to anyone who’s heart is open and willing to receive. Festival-goers can expect a chill groove and hopefully a big smile on their faces by the end of it.
Watch: imbi the girl – “V.I.P”
TD: What’s your favourite song on the EP?
imbi: That’s such a hard question. I mean, they’re all really meaningful and special to me. Like “V.I.P.” is a love song for myself, Acidic helped me regain clarity and recover from a rough time, Angel Face is about a painting that changed the way I see art and collaboration; I could keep going but I think you get the idea.
TD: What do you get up to outside of making music and performing?
I have a casual job in disability support work which takes up a lot of my non-music time. Most of my spare time outside of that is spent at the beach, napping, talking with friends about society, politics or the universe. I think that’s pretty much all I do, oh also eating. I love eating.
Related: A$AP Rocky, Skrillex and more front a massive Listen Out 2018 lineup
TD: With the EP out, what does the rest of the year have in store with you?
I’m gonna rest up a bit after Listen Out and give myself some time to recharge. The next chapter of imbi the girl is going to be on a whole new level and I want to make sure I’m ready to fully engage with it. The music, the live set, everything is going to grow exponentially.
I want to make sure I can keep up with it all whilst maintaining my mental health, spiritual connection and existing friendships. It’s all been a ride and a half and it’s just going to get more hectic. I’m beyond excited but I need to be realistic as well and give myself time to breathe and prepare.
You can listen to “FOR ME” by imbi the girl here, and see them performing at Listen Out 2018. Watch the video for “Acidic” below.
Watch: imbi the girl – “Acidic”
