Gilska talks bathroom lightbulb moments and MTV nostalgia

Photo credit: Ethan Porter

London-born, Sri Lankan-origin powerhouse Gilska's latest offering 'Supply' is brimming with celebration and nostalgia in perfect amounts. The atmospheric number takes us back to the innocence of our teen years as it channels the vibrant excitement that accompanied new experiences, making mistakes and learning lessons.

Gilska sat down with No Lip Service following the release of her latest track; speaking on her creative process, places from which she draws her inspiration and how she defines success. Giving us a much anticipated insight into her headspace, join us for a chat with the rising songstress.

How did you come to realise that music was the path for you?

I was always immersed in the arts from a very young age. I remember being glued to MTV, watching all the music videos and seeing artists performing and dancing. I would always try to recreate them in my own world. I remember in my first week of secondary school I decided to put myself up for performing in front of the whole school to sing Respect by Aretha Franklin. Realising I had the confidence and passion to sing like that, it quickly became the only thing I wanted to do.

What is your favourite time of day to create?

I love writing during the middle of the day when the street is quiet and no one's home. It gives me the space to experiment a bit more.

Where do you seek inspiration?

I seek inspiration from my personal experiences as well as my friends' experiences. We all confide in one another and I love making music that is relatable to be able to comfort people.

What’s the most weird and wonderful thing about your creative process?

I actually get a lot of ideas when I’m in the bathroom. I don’t know why but it happens all the time.

As you champion your Sri Lankan roots while calling the UK home, do you find your background influences your work in any unexpected ways?

I sometimes like to incorporate Sinhalese melodies into my ad libs that I add into all of my songs. You’ll find that in all of my songs I like to have an orchestration of ad libs in the background to create texture.

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I would really love to perform in the Hollywood bowl. I’m an avid movie watcher and I’ve seen so many stars performing there and it just looks magical.

If you had to sacrifice one skill, which would you least like to let go, and why?

My voice because without that I wouldn’t be able to sing - I can't imagine that now.

How do you define success as an artist?

When my songs have spread around the world as an international artist and people find comfort in them and can relate to each of their messages.

How do you see your sound evolving in the next couple of years?

I can see my sound evolving into more of a house sound. This will be debatable as I love house and electro pop music and I love creating both but it will depend on how I evolve as a person as well and what experiences I go through. I feel that my music definitely reflects my moods and stages of my life so we shall see!

Stream 'Supply' below: