It was early in her childhood that Garbage Queen fell in love with music after watching her mother rehearse for recitals. While born and raised in Poland, Garbage Queen is now based in the United Kingdom (as of 2015). A classically trained violinist, pianist, vocalist and songwriter, she is about to release her new single ‘PrETTY BOY’. We sat down with this lovely lady to discuss ‘Pretty Boy’, discovering new music and much more!
Why did you decide to enter the music industry?
I come from a musical family. Since I was a kid, I was always surrounded by sounds and instruments. Making noise is deeply engraved within my daily routine; I started playing violin when I was four! When I became an adult I tried to rediscover myself, find a different path in life and I stopped creating and playing. I realised then that I couldn’t live without art. Nothing excites me as much as music.
I don’t feel like I have ever ‘entered’ the music industry. This is me, this is my life, this is what I do. I have a strong need to spit notes out, vomit with images and melodies that are in my head. I must create.
What can you tell us about your release ‘PrETTY BOY’?
The whole concept came from feeling insane, gaslighting, sexual abuse. PrETTY BOY is about relationships where everything feels upside down, where one loses a sense of own identity and sanity. I do believe that by interacting with each other we leave marks on each other’s lives and psyche. You can observe this process in the music video. By the end of some relationships and interactions, you end up being and feeling ‘dirty’.
What was the recording and writing process like?
I wrote PrETTY BOY rather quickly. I woke up at night and words started flowing. I began with the chorus and then created the whole story around the main idea. To be honest, for quite some time I wasn’t sure about the song. I met with Matt Banks from We Are Parkas who encouraged me and gave me a few tips.
The recording process was an absolute pleasure, even though I usually find being in studio stressful. I worked with Josh Butcher from Fangs of The Dodo, Tom Dodd from Squidge, Jake Gazzard from N:oir, Tom Cory from Novatines and Alphi. These guys are all so nice, supportive, super creative and talented! They all left their mark on the song. I am forever grateful for their time!
What do you hope people take from the single?
I hope people will jump, sing, scream and release all negative energy and trauma that they carry in their hearts, whatever it is.
Which is more challenging for you – melody or lyrics?
Absolutely lyrics. I find it easier to express through sound. I usually will come up with melodies and the main idea behind the track first. I accepted this and I respect the process. Then, I draw a sketch of a song with melodies, hooks, harmonies, dynamics and I start to look for the sounds. Somewhere along the lines, lyrics will hopefully appear, otherwise, I need to forcefully squeeze them out of my brain.
Describe your music in three words.
Garbage, dramatic and powerful.
What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
I do listen to a lot of playlists on Spotify created by the platform itself and curated by bloggers, musicians, etc. I also like to follow music-related pages and read articles while listening to the artist. Although, I think the best way to discover new music is by chatting with your mates! I have quite a few friends where we randomly send each other links to music and analyse songwriting, production, etc. Discovering a new artist that you really like feels like falling in love. It’s so exciting!
What does the future hold for Garbage Queen?
A next single is already on its way. I can say that it will be a colourful release and I hope to give people a boost of strength and confidence with this song. I also want to record an EP and take you all for a longer journey in the near future.
Also guitars. More guitars.
What advice do you have for any person planning to become a musician?
Practice. Don’t give up. Don’t listen to criticism unless it’s constructive. Create with feelings and emotions, but edit with your head. Keep playing and creating, the world needs you and your art.
Do you have any message for our readers?
I am sending you all much love. I hope you are all good and safe.
I wanted to add a little note. I hope you will never find yourself in a situation when you or your close ones are sexually assaulted, but here are a few numbers you could contact to seek help.
Rape Crisis – 0808 802 9999
Victim Support – 0808 1689 111
Samaritans – 116 123
NHS 111 or in case of emergency 999
Try not to wash or change your clothes immediately after a sexual assault. This may destroy forensic evidence.
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