“Crash Test” – Gia Darcy

Listening to Crash Test, the latest EP from Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Gia Darcy, I wondered why she’s playing tiny venues while Taylor Swift is selling out arenas. I understand that the Swift juggernaut is bigger than the music, but when I listen to the tunes Gia’s creating I think they’re every bit as good. At the risk of offending the Swifties, they might even be better.

Gia’s got a similar knack for creating vulnerable, relatable pop songs. Like Taylor, her lyrics feel like the most eloquent of diary entries, insightful yet brimming with emotions that sit right on the surface. The bittersweet happiness coupled with the uncertainty that plagues new relationships shines through the incredible opener “Nice Things” and “Make Me Wanna.” She explores heartbreak so powerfully in the title track and the closing number, “In the Next Room.” In amongst the tracks about makeups and breakups, there’s “Next Life.” This is a different kind of love song, one that celebrates platonic love. Listening to this feel-good track made me wonder why more artists don’t write songs about this steady, reliable love. Whatever the case, I’m thrilled Gia has.

Thoughts of Taylor popped into my mind several times while listening to Crash Test. Gia has a similar sweet voice and a comparable knack for lyrics and melody. But while Taylor’s released several albums of varying quality in recent years, Gia understands that sometimes less is more. Unlike those recent Taylor releases, every song on Crash Test is outstanding. Take a listen, then get out to see Gia on her Crash Test tour.

9 October 2024 – House of Strings @ Mumbo Jumbo’s, Darkinjung/Terrigal (FREE)
10 October 2024 – The Hamilton Station, Awabakal/Newcastle (FREE)
11 October 2024 – TBH Friday’s, Towradgi Beach Hotel, Dharawal/Wollongong (FREE)
2 November 2024 – Trocadero Room, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: renata.jpg

“Horror Movie” – Gia Darcy

Hailing from Darkinjung Country/Central Coast and now based in Eora/Sydney, Gia Darcy is a breath of fresh air on the indie pop landscape. With the release of her EP Horror Movie, she delivers five tracks that showcase her excellent songwriting and angelic voice.

The quality of Gia’s songwriting was what really drew me in. The title track is such a witty commentary on her horror relationships that unfold so predictably that outsiders can clearly see the dangers she’s oblivious to. “Do I Know” is a sweet country pop song in the vein of early Taylor Swift and local artists like Chelsea Berman and Amber Lawrence. Gia shows her sensitive side with “Say It.” This poignant track is really the heart of the EP, a song that shows a vulnerability that’s so compelling. She might have been entangled in relationships with a few horror movie villains, but by the end of the EP it’s clear that Gia is no victim. “Save Your Breath” and “Toxic” are modern girl power anthems. They leave us with such a strong impression of this artist and her power.

With the release of Horror Movie, Gia Darcy shows she’s a pop chameleon with a real knack for storytelling. Her lyrics are clever yet honest, always from the heart even when her tongue is planted firmly in her cheek. Take a listen and if you’re in Eora/Sydney, make sure you get out and support her when she launches the Horror Movie EP at Oxford Art Factory on November 3.

Images used with permission from Gia Darcy

Gia Darcy Releases Empowering New Single, “I’m Not Sorry”

Sydney singer-songwriter Gia Darcy’s latest single “I’m Not Sorry” is an unapologetic anthem that should strike a chord with anyone who’s been told they’re too much. I love the lyrics which celebrate being all parts of yourself, whether other people like it or not!

This is Gia’s third single, and I honestly think it’s her best. It’s got a great pop sound and a real confidence about it that is so endearing. It sounds like she might just be taking her own lyrics to heart and being every bit as bold as she can be.

Image used with permission from KAOS