“I would highly recommend writing funny songs about your ex’s. It’s much cheaper than therapy.”
Last week, I caught up with the extremely talented (and extremely quotable) Girl Upstairs, or Iona McCall. Find out what she’s been up to below.
The last time I met you was a while back, while you were in the process of mastering “Running Jump”. Of all the things you’ve done since, gig and release-wise, what’s your favourite?
I would definitely have to say putting out my latest release “Casper”. Filming all of the promo footage and shooting the art work with my brother, Chris McCall, was such a joy. It’s quite a dramatic change in sound from “Running Jump” but It was such a fun track to record and I think it may be the start of a new direction for my music.
You’ve come from the Scottish borders to a big, bustling city- has that shift in scenery affected your writing and style of making music? If so, how?
Moving to Glasgow has given me the opportunity to get out and experience more live music, play more gigs and meet people working in the industry. Every time I see a new band or artist live I come away feeling inspired and wanting to create. So I’d say my musical influences have definitely been broadened and sparks of inspiration keep being lit.
What’s a lyric you’ve written that made you think twice about sharing, but you kept it in anyway?
There are several lines in my song “Childhood Baby” that made me question if I wanted to share it with people. I wish I could remember who said it, but there was an interview with a songwriter I saw years ago that I always think about when it comes to sharing vulnerable lyrics. They said something along the lines of “if it scares you to say it, that’s what you should say.” Music, to me, is therapy and there’s no better feeling when you hear a song that completely encapsulates what you’re feeling. So I think it’s important to say the vulnerable thing because chances are there’s someone listening who has been through a similar experience and is scared to talk about it too.
Could you share a little bit about your creative process?
My songs usually start with a little phrase that pops into my head. It could be the most mundane thought at work or in the supermarket but some thoughts have a nice ring to them. So it goes into my notes app and when I get the chance to sit down with my guitar I see if I can spin that phrase into a chorus or a verse. Other times I’ll have a feeling sitting heavy on my chest and the best way to get it out is to have a big ol’ vent via song.
Your name, Girl Upstairs, paints quite an interesting picture of who you are as a person. Where did that come from?
At my parents house, my bedroom was in the attic. I was always up there making something, whether it was art or music. The name Girl Upstairs started off as a name for my YouTube channel where I would post song covers. Then it became my instagram username. And after that it just kind of stuck.
What’s the most surprising sound or influence that’s found its way into your music – something that wouldn’t typically belong in an indie/folk track?
My first release “Heaven (I Want to Die)” was actually inspired by 50’s Doo-Wop music. By the time it was recorded, I had been playing it live for a while and it gradually settled into my usual indie-folk style of singing. If I ever had the opportunity to re-work the track, I would definitely do a 50’s inspired version.
If you could write a duet with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would the song be about?
My pick would be Dolly Parton, without a doubt! I’d like to sing about something dramatic and scandalous with her. Maybe a song about betrayal or revenge. Something fun like that.
Have you ever had someone contact you saying, “Hey, is this song about me?” And what did you say? (Or did you just ghost them back?)
Fortunately that situation has never come up. I did, however, have an ex ask me to tell him if I ever write a song about him. I’ve written many songs about him. I’ve told him about none of them.
“Casper” paints a vivid picture of being ghosted — did writing the song give you closure, or did it just open more emotional tabs in your brain?
Writing songs is how I find peace and closure with many difficult situations, and “Casper” was no exception! It turned a painful moment into something I can laugh at and have fun with. I would highly recommend writing funny songs about your ex’s. It’s much cheaper than therapy.
If you could have anyone write a song about you, (again, dead or alive) who would that be? As in, which artist do you think could best capture the essence of “Girl Upstairs”?
I’d have to say Karine Polwart. I grew up listening to her albums and going to her gigs. She’s one of my all time favorite musicians and lyricists, I just think everything she writes is gold dust. She paints the most wonderful pictures of nature, landscapes and characters in her songs. I’d love to know how she’d paint me.