Georgia Horgan

Access2Arts is thrilled to celebrate singer, songwriter and entertainer Georgia Horgan. Georgia performed at the 2020 Adelaide Fringe Festival with her performance ‘The Georgia Horgan Show’.

Access2Arts (A2A): Tell us a bit about the process of creating your Adelaide Fringe show, ‘The Georgia Horgan Show’.

Georgia Horgan (GH): It all started last year when I spotted an ad online for performers to register for the Adelaide Fringe Festival. I have been busking in Rundle Mall since August 2017 and was looking to do something on a bigger scale. In September, I attended an information day, organised by the Adelaide Fringe Festival, to connect with venue holders. I met the owners of Café Outside The Square and we hit it off immediately! I love the work that they do and knew I wanted to be apart of that. I decided, if I was going to tick off one of my big goals and be part of the Fringe – I was going to do it properly! I booked in 5 shows and began rehearsing with my Lift Up Voices coach, Stefan. Together we worked on writing new original songs, learning new cover songs and extending my vocal range.

A2A: When did you know that you wanted to be an Adelaide Fringe performer?

GH: Well, I’ve been busking since 2017 and thought ‘why not do a live show?’. The Fringe was the obvious choice because it did not prevent me from doing what I wanted to do musically and it allowed me to improve my exposure to more audiences.

A2A: When did your passion for the arts begin?

GH: I was first introduced to Tina Arena when I was 4 years old. I grew up in a house where music was played every day. My sister, Tori and Lucy, a friend who lived across the road, would put on shows for all the neighbours in the street. We would create programs and charge everyone 50c a ticket to watch us perform our own renditions of The Spice Girls and Tina Arena! It was so much fun. As I got older, I started to explore songwriting, as it was a really positive creative outlet for me. So far, I have written and recorded 19 songs – and there are 3 new songs on the way! I can’t imagine my life without music. It helps me to express myself in a way that sometimes my words can’t.Sometimes it can be a challenge to be taken seriously as a musical artist, and encourage people to look past my disability. But I’m out to prove that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.

A2A: How did you navigate becoming a disabled artist?

GH: I never thought of myself as a disabled artist, I see myself as an artist who writes about life experiences.

A2A: What moment of your career you are most proud of?

GH: I have had so many amazing opportunities and moments in my life that it is hard to pick just one proud moment. One memory that stands out the most to me was performing at Carols By Candlelight when I was 11 years old, in front of a crowd of 50,000 people. I just love being on stage. I want to continue doing what I love best and making the most of any performance opportunities that come my way.

A2A: Did you face any barriers establishing yourself as a disabled artist? If so, what were they?

GH: I have always believed – just because someone is in a wheelchair, it doesn’t mean they can’t achieve anything they set their mind to. I want to be taken seriously, rather than be judged because I have a disability. The owners of Café Outside The Square have been amazing, supporting my show and my artistry. I have also had incredible support from my family, friends, support workers and my coaches at Lift Up Voices. Sometimes it can be a challenge to be taken seriously as a musical artist, and encourage people to look past my disability. But I’m out to prove that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to

A2A: How did you overcome the barriers faced when establishing yourself as a disabled artist?

GH: Whatever barriers were in my way like access issues, negative people, limited opportunities, i always kept a positive mindset and find a way to achieve regardless.

A2A: What advice would you give to other disabled artists who are seeking to also display their art form?

GH: Do your research! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask others for help. Planning ahead is also handy to make sure that venues are accessible. Most importantly, have fun! Because that’s what making music and sharing your art is all about.

A2A: What or whom have you been most influenced by as an artist?

GH: Tori, my twin sister, is my inspiration. She is incredible. She is an amazing singer, engineer and songwriter and she is the producer for my music.

A2A: Tell us the funniest moment you’ve experienced as an artist.

GH: At the Carols by Candlelight the conductor have me his baton so I could conduct the audience of 50,000 to the tune of Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer.

A2A: Moving forward, what goals are you looking to achieve as an artist?

GH: Travelling, singing and recording, but also I have my eye on some acting!

A2A: How have you developed your skills as an artist throughout your career?

GH: Singing lessons lots of practice and listening to a lot of music.

A2A: What age did your passion for the arts begin?

GH: At age 4.

A2A: What drives you as an artist?

GH: The joyous feeling of being on stage delivering songs that I have written and receiving positive feedback from my audiences.

Listen to Georgia’s songs on the ReverbNation website.