Georgia Sallybanks, the songwriter known as Odette, is a storyteller who finds inspiration everywhere. Her personal experiences and that of those she loves are translated into lyrics – offering, what she describes as, the purest form of communication. “All I know is that when I’m writing something from the heart, I almost leave my body or go into autopilot or something. I don’t think.” It’s no wonder her first love continues to be words. Her debut album, To A Stranger is “a time capsule of the last three years. It shows my own personal growth but lets me process the pain”.
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m Georgia Sallybanks also known as Odette and I’m always ready for a nap/ bowl of pickles.
What inspires you?
Random things I see on my walks, things that happen to me or the people I love. All kinds of things.
How are you planning for tour?
Rehearsing, trying to get together some cute looks. Sleeping as much as possible.
Are there any secret rituals you do before going on stage?
Well they wouldn’t be secret then would they…
You were very young when you got into songwriting, what intrigues you about it and is there a method to your music?
I wish I had a method but honestly it changes all the time. All I know is that when I’m writing something from the heart I almost leave my body or go into autopilot or something. I don’t think at all. Writing for me is my purest form of communication.
Are your lyrics influenced by personal experiences?
Yes they are.
Is there anyone in particular you would love to collaborate with?
I’d love to collaborate with James Blake, Sampha, Maggie Rogers, Flight Facilities ah so many. The list would just be endless.
What does To A Stranger mean to you and what do you want your fans to make of it?
It’s a time capsule of the last three years. It’s important to me, it shows me my own personal growth but it lets me process the pain of those years. It’s time for me to move and performing these songs carries me forwards.
Photo credit: Cybele Malinowski