RENDEZVOUS#8
Musician
Queensland, Australia.
Tia Gostelow
How long have you been a musician for? Where did it all begin?
Well, I’ve been singing ever since I could talk I guess but I’ve been playing the guitar since I was about 7 and I’ve been playing in pubs since I was 12 years old!
Tell us about your latest album Thick Skin..
Thick skin was written over a period of 2 years. Most of the songs are written about my experiences throughout high school and also a lot about my experiences with the tall poppy syndrome. I grew up in a regional town in North Queensland so there wasn’t a lot of opportunities for me but I felt like when I did start succeeding I was knocked down quite a lot for it. I feel like most people experience tall poppy syndrome at some point or another within their career and I think it’s something that needs to be acknowledged more. We need to be supporting each other not tearing each other down for doing well.
You were discovered at the young age of 16, what has been the highlight of your music career so far?
Everything I’ve done has been a highlight, I’m so so grateful for everything I’ve been able to do and be a part of. A standout for me though I guess would definitely be touring with Falls Festival. It had been a dream of mine for so long so it was a little bit surreal.
What have you got planned for this year?
I have a lot of touring haha! I’ve got some shows locked in for the UK and Europe in May and also a huge regional tour with Ball Park Music in June which I’m so excited for! Also, a lot of writing, getting started on the next album and a US trip/tour later on in the year.
What is your favourite album of all time and why?
I’ve just recently listened to Kacey Musgraves album, Golden Hour (I had been meaning to for so long) and it is phenomenal! I totally see how she scored a few Grammy’s! So. Freaking. Good.
Who or what is your greatest inspiration?
Melody Pool is probably the biggest inspiration I ve had. I remember being about 14 and hearing her album ‘The Hurting Scene’ for the first time and I was so in love with her writing, her music and her whole vibe. She is definitely the reason I’ve started songwriting and is still a huge influence on my writing.
Apart from music, what do you do in your spare time?
Haha, not much to be honest! Music consumes the majority of my time but if I’m not doing it I’m working at my other job (at a live music venue) or I’m back home in Mackay with my family!
If you could play anywhere in the world where would it be?
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. I would die if I played there.