Meet The Collective
Tell us about GirlsGirlsGirls… we're the Glasgow-based collective comprised of Emily Beckwith (Lacuna), Priya Fergusson and Riley. We’re all Glasgow-based musicians and artists working in different genres of music who collectively share the same goals, both in our individual careers and for our local scene.
How are you connected together?
We actually all met through our part-time retail job at Urban Outfitters in Glasgow. Once we discovered our common ground and love for music, we ended up developing a strong friendship that led us to creating GGG’s.
3 things you should know:
1. EVERYONE IS WELCOME
This is your space to be you. We encourage all our GGG goers to be as bold and free with their performances as they wish. It might be the only time in someone’s week where they get to off-load, relax and express themselves freely without fear of being judged. This space was created solely for people to be wholeheartedly themselves.
2. WE ARE HERE TO HELP
We get it, it can be incredibly nerve-wracking meeting new people and heading into a new environment for the first time, never mind standing up in front of people you don’t know to express your art. We want people to know we are here to help. We are learning as we go how best to navigate the wild and wonderful industry that is music. If you have any queries on the night, don’t be afraid to ask. We’re also on hand in our Instagram DMs @girlsgirlsgirlsglasgow if you’d prefer to chat to us there.
3. WE ARE A COMMUNITY AND WE WANT TO CREATE CONNECTIONS
This space is not just for musicians, but for photographers/videographers/graphic designers/producers/sound tech/artists etc. Having other types of creatives join our nights has led to us discovering new contacts who now help us in our own individual careers.
Who can perform at one of your events?
We encourage everyone to come down to our events, however for our open mics we prioritise women & queer people. We want to cater to and provide a space to those who might not otherwise get an opportunity to perform or find it challenging to get heard within our scene first and foremost. With that being said, we think change only really happens when everyone is playing on the same team, chasing the same goal and strongly recommend everyone and anyone to come along to our events.
How has your relationship with music changed since meeting each other?
Priya: Since meeting the girls, I’ve had so much more insight into different genres because we are all so different and have learnt so much more about each other's experiences within the industry.
Emily: I’ve worked alongside other collectives and artists that have opened me up to other genres I never would have crossed paths with before.
Riley: There is something incredibly powerful and empowering about sisterhood. I think we’re taught as young women/people to view other artists as your competition in this industry. We all shared a similar experience of starting out in music and being told what box we’d fit in or suit. We decided that didn’t sit right with us so we took the boxes and built our own home. GGG has created a network of women who can enjoy each other’s art without threat of competition. We don’t rate jealousy and I think it’s been so encouraging to see women enter the GGG space, watch their guards come down and realise how great it is when everyone supports each other. Everyone wins.
What’s your go-to feel-good album and why?
P: Play with the Changes - Rochelle Jordan. This album is my ultimate feel-good album as I’m obsessed with her use of sound which merges pop, electronic and R&B together.
E: Here Comes The Cowboy - Mac DeMarco. This album makes me feel so peaceful, whenever I stick it on I always have a good day.
You’re heading to an event, what’s on your playlist?
P: Don Toliver, Kendrick Lamar, Ravyn Lenae
E: Jockstrap, COBRAH, Wolf Alice, Deftones
R: I’m Every Woman - Whitney Houston, I find myself singing this when I’m needing a boost of self-encouragement. Maneater - Nelly Furtado, if you’re nervous, it makes you feel like you run the show. Suckerpunch - Fletcher (unreal bop), Escapism - Raye (I mean, DUH) and In da Club - 50 Cent - just really puts me in a good mood.
What festivals are on your list this year?
P: Otherlands, Wireless & Primavera Sound
E: TRNSMT & The Great Western Festival
R: Belladrum and Barn on the Farm are my top 2 festivals for this year. Both have such a cosy, intimate vibe yet showcase acts – both big and small – giving emerging artists a platform to break through and be heard.
3 emerging creatives you’d like to spotlight…
P: Nesta, P-sweat-pants, Nikhita
E: Isabella Strange, Milange, Dusk Amadeus
R: ili and Emiah are both singers, writers and friends of mine and I think they’re two captivating powerhouse women who will own 2023. I would also say Abbie Gordon, a 15 year old singer/songwriter from Irvine - when I heard her voice and songwriting I thought she was one to watch! I think we’ll hear a lot from her in the next few years.
Best advice you’ve been given?
P: Keep going
E: Stay true to your craft and what you want to make. Go at your own pace and work with people who have the same values that you do.
R: I heard this in a podcast recently - people won’t remember what you looked like, but they will remember how you made them feel.
