Matthew Patania Having made a splash in the acting realm with her Emmy-nominated role on The Young and the Restless and multiple TV guest spots, LA-based actress Cait Fairbanks unveiled her musical endeavors under the moniker “Ginesse.” With a signature sound that is not wholly mainstream but still irresistibly catchy.
Working with her longtime collaborator, songwriter, and producer Matias Moras (CYN, AU/RA, The Aces), Ginesse released her new single, “Gatorade,” the first offering from Ginesse since her breakout debut EP, ‘Somewhere To Die,’ released late last year. Dreamy vocal delivery soars atop a myriad of pulsating electro beats, swooning synths, and experimental vocal stabs; the shimmering indietronica production creates an intriguing backdrop from Ginesse’s vivid lyricism. The title of the song is a tongue-in-cheek play on the astrological phenomenon of mercury in retrograde and ties into Ginesse’s personal interest in astrology and the meaning it can hold. “For some reason, mercury going into retrograde has always put me in a very nostalgic place,” she says. “It’s a love letter to those I shared time with where the doors have remained open without resolution and without a clear understanding of why.”
Perhaps due to her strong thespian roots, Cait admits that she often approaches Ginesse as a character to play, but she also acknowledges that Ginesse is the perfect outlet for her to present the most concentrated version of herself. “I want my music to make people feel like the whole world is wrapping around them,” she says. “If I give someone an emotional picture of a specific moment, that is truly special.”
When did you first develop a love for music? When was it you knew you wanted to pursue a career in the industry?
Ginesse: “I started singing the second I could make noise, honestly. I was a pretty shy kid so music became a language for me very early on. I was about 11 or 12 years old when I started bothering my mom about taking me to auditions.”
Having taken part in many professional, regional, and community theatre productions, in addition to acting gigs, how have these experiences in the arts influenced your artistry, and ultimately how you carry yourself as a singer-songwriter?
Ginesse: “Theater forced me to be light on my feet and embrace change. It’s made me a lot more open-minded than I would’ve been otherwise. Singing another character’s song made me realize I could use my own words and create my own music… and it went from there.”
When did you begin writing your own songs? How did you find your sound? What does the Venn diagram between Ginesse and Cait Fairbanks look like?
Ginesse: “I started writing songs when I was around 15-years-old. I went to a songwriting camp and I fell hard for it. Honestly, I’m still working on my sound to this day— I love that though because being put into any box is a fear of mine. The Venn diagram is basically a complete overlap. The ‘Ginesse’ name just gave me more freedom to explore myself under the guise of an artist name.”
Congratulations on the release of your new single, “Gatorade”! While the title of the track is a tongue-in-cheek play on the astrological phenomenon of mercury in retrograde, when taking on a more personal approach, you mention it propels you into a state of nostalgia. Explain how the creative development of the song has allowed you to both combat, and embrace, the good and bad of your past. Was it cathartic for you to put into words?
Ginesse: “Every song is cathartic. Every song is made up of a thousand different memories and people. I think digging back into things you thought you healed from can be hard but it’s really healthy to look at things from a different viewpoint, and accepting your role in it, and forgiving yourself.”
What challenges have you experienced when releasing music during these trying times? In what way has the eventual release of these songs provided you with a better understanding of who you are; both as an artist and individual?
Ginesse: “I really wanted to hold off releasing new music for a while actually. Then, I saw we’d be living in these times for a while. As “the new normal” adjusts, so will we. Music is a safe haven so I believe continuing to release is important.”
What more do you hope to accomplish in your musical career throughout the remainder of the year?
Ginesse: “I’d like to play with different styles and write as much as I can.”
Fans and new listeners alike, what message do you hope to deliver to the world through the listening of your music? Do you have any advice for those that might not know where to begin, or may be too afraid to share their talent with the world?
Ginesse: “I really just love singing in front of a crowd. Especially when I’m singing something that people can connect to. If I can do that, then I’ve accomplished what I want to.”
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