INTERVIEW: EUCA releases debut EP 'Transitional Period': "The messages on the EP are very personal to me and I just want people to feel it with me"
Hailing from the Gold Coast, singer-songwriter EUCA creates emotional, honest and raw music that combines elements of indie, folk, pop and country.
She recently released her debut EP Transitional Period which explores the stories that have formed her as both an artist and a human over the past seven years. She pulls no punches with her lyrics and opens up about some of her darkest moments, such as latest single ‘Only Fools’ which details her struggles with thoughts of self harm and destruction. While the subject matter may be confronting, EUCA infuses such a warmth and depth into her music that it simply wraps around your soul.
To celebrate the release of Transitional Period we recently caught up with EUCA to chat more about the creation of the EP and her career.
Hey EUCA! It is great to chat to you today. How is life in your world at the moment?
Life in my world is bloody fab. Just polished up my first ever tour for my single and hosted my debut EP listening party. It’s been a fantastic few months.
That debut EP Transitional Period is out now, congratulations it is absolutely gorgeous. How does it feel to have it out in the world?
Thank you! I’m stoked. The title comes from the fact the tracks have all been written across the span of seven years where I had some huge troubles come my way. It’s a strange feeling baring it all, after all this time.
There is such a warmth and soul to your music, it is really beautiful. Your lyrics are also really honest and at times raw. What was your desire, or intention for the feel and message of this EP?
You’re too kind. I definitely thrive in lyricism. I love belting a song out and channelling a specific memory or phase of my life, so I write songs the same way I like to enjoy them! The messages in Transitional Period are very personal to me seeing as it covers so many years and experiences of my life – my first heart break, failure, regret, shame but also finding my person, feeling empowered and growing into the strong person I like to imagine myself to be now. I just want people to feel it with me. I want listeners to hear the development.
Can you talk us a little through the creative process for creating this EP?
Seeing as ‘Fathers’ was first written in 2014, its been a long time coming! I write all of the concepts myself – lyrically, melodically and rhythmically. Then I pretty much share the bones with my drummer, Cody Costa and bassist, Harrison Norman. These guys are so insanely talented and they just throw their pieces together over the top and its always exactly what I wanted.
From there we all run to the studio, record and produce with Scott French at Love Street Studios. Followed by mastering by Paul Blakey.
‘Fathers’ is one of the quieter moments on the EP as well as possibly the most emotional. Can you talk us through the inspiration behind this song?
When I was 17, I had a boyfriend whose father left when he was really young. He struggled a lot emotionally and never new how to put it all into words. I wrote ‘Fathers’ as a way for us to connect and share with each other. It evidently didn’t work very well seeing as we haven’t spoken in over six years. I never really saw the song as one that would remain in my repertoire, but once I started touring as EUCA I threw it in the set list to fill time, and people loved it. So now it’s a crowd favourite!
As we have discussed, your music explores your private, personal experiences, such as battling thoughts of self harm and why your partner bothers to stay with you on the single ‘Only Fools’. Is there ever a moment of fear or anxiety when you are releasing such intimate details of your life for everyone to pick over and analyse?
I don’t feel fear or anxiety about sharing these thoughts anymore, no. I definitely find comfort in knowing that people know about it. It helps me connect with the audience, as well as with my inner self to be honest. Writing and sharing songs about my extremely difficult mental health struggles helps my personify them in a way? Kind of like I can separate them from myself and tangibly put them in a box of three or four minutes or so ha ha ha!
What role did music have in your upbringing?
I was always singing in eisteddfods and choir, but I never did too well. The comment I would always get from educators is that I had “too much style” ha ha! I took guitar lessons from 9 years old all the way through to the end of school. My guitar teacher, Paul Roberson, played a huge role in my music career. He truly believed I could make something of myself and never cared if I had a backup plan. Music was essentially my world all through childhood.
How did your career in music come about? Was there a ‘lightbulb’ moment, or was it something you always knew you would do?
I was 14 and playing in a restaurant. I got paid $20 an hour for three hours. A random couple came up and asked me to sing at their wedding, and I did just that a few months later. Having strangers believe in me and my talents that much definitely became the foundation of my confidence. I’ve been working in wedding music for 10 years now, thanks to them! But it truly did convince me I had the sound.
Traditionally the music industry has not always shown kindness or even respect for female artists, mainly because it has been run by older, white, straight men for so long. What are your thoughts on gender equality and sexism in the music industry?
Time’s up! I have had so many ridiculous and wild experience as a female fronting a male band. I get spoken to the least even though it’s my show… so weird. It’s so embedded in the industry’s culture that I genuinely don’t believe men realise they are behaving this way toward me.
Simply put, I am ready for the industry to be completely flipped on its head.
What is coming up for EUCA in 2022?
I have one song in particular I am determined to share. I want to move cities. I want to tour nationally. But right now, my books are open! My debut EP Transitional Period is finally out and I can’t wait to share it on stage across Australia.
Transitional Period is out now. You can download and stream here.
To keep up with all things EUCA you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
