Check out our interview with indie-pop artist Ginesse who just released her new single “Gatorade.” Ginesse is the musical project of Los Angeles-based actress Cait Fairbanks. In 2018, having already made a splash in the acting realm with her Emmy-nominated role on The Young and the Restless and multiple TV guest spots, Cait unveiled her musical endeavors under the moniker “Ginesse.” With a signature sound that is not wholly mainstream but still irresistibly catchy, her singles quickly picked up support from the likes of PAPER, NYLON and Billboard, setting the stage nicely for the release of her debut EP ‘Somewhere To Die,’ which she unveiled in late 2020.
“Gatorade” is a shimmering indietronica track packed with dreamy vocals, pulsating electro beats, and swooning synths. The title of the song is a tongue-in-cheek play on the astrological phenomenon of mercury in retrograde and is a nod to Ginesse’s personal interest in astrology and the meaning it can hold. The single was created with her longtime collaborator, producer and songwriter Matias Moras (CYN, The Aces, AU/RA).
Follow Ginesse @caitfairbanks
Hi Ginesse, please tell us a little about you?
I would start by saying I am a songwriter first, an actor second, and a dog mom third. I primarily grew up in Orange County and started acting when I was a kid. Now, I’m just a hot mess living in a house in LA and I feel really lucky!
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
I would describe myself as creative, passionate, and always willing to learn.
How would you describe your sound in 3 words?
I’d call it honest electro-pop.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to start making music?
I think the first artist who influenced me was Christina Aguilera. She has such a way of expressing herself through singing and I had a lot of difficulty expressing myself when I was growing up so it was something I really admired.
Tell us about your new single “Gatorade.” What’s the story behind this single?
“Gatorade” is about mercury in retrograde. The name is a play on retrograde/gatorade. It’s about looking back at the open doors of your life and wondering why they still affect you.
Tell us about your debut EP last year, ‘Somewhere To Die’
It was a five-year endeavor with my close collaborator, Matias Mora and Mia Minichiello. We wrote hundreds of songs over the years and the EP was a collection of the songs that really stuck with me the most.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The connection with other people is the most fun and rewarding part. I love seeing the stories and messages they post because of the way my music or acting has touched them. I want to make people feel like they aren’t alone. The least rewarding part is the online criticism I receive. It can feel very intrusive. I wish that people would remember that actors and musicians are people too, so it’s hard to read things online that are bigoted and hateful.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
The first “thing” I can’t live without is my dog, Milly. The second would be food. And then, Golden Girls, The Criterion Channel, and Star Trek.
What’s next for Ginesse in 2021?
I’m going to be working in the studio, working on my songwriting, and seeing where the growth of this past year has taken me as a musician.
What is you favorite song of all time? And why?
That is an impossible question! I’ve been listening to a lot of Bjork lately so right now my favorite song is “Human Behavior.”
What book do you think everyone should read?
The one book that really changed my perspective was Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. If you haven’t read that, you absolutely should. It changed my perspective on everything.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decision I’ve had to make in the past few months was realizing that some of my relationships weren’t serving me anymore and I wasn’t serving them either. Something you have to let go of things that aren’t right for you, even when you love the person.
Any loves other than music?
I love so many things! Learning is my new favorite thing. I’ve been taking a lot of courses, watching a lot of videos, and really diving into learning new things. I didn’t go to college so I’ve been trying to take time over the last year to learn as much as I can. I think it’s really important.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I listen to a lot of podcasts and go on a lot of walks with my dog. Lately I’ve also been working on set a lot again, which is really cool. I also love doing a skincare routine and working out — I love taking care of myself so I can take care of other people too.
What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Hanging out with my boyfriend and my dog. Watching a lot of TV and eating good food. Going to the beach. Going on a little road trip. My ideal Sunday always has to include a trip to the farmers market as well.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I grew up a big emo kid so I love anything pop-punk. I love belting Paramore in the car!
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is peace, self-acceptance, and quiet. I think the ability to sit in silence with yourself is a talent and skill I have been working on for years.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet David Bowie. I would have loved to get his insight on maintaining artistic elasticity while still believing in yourself and your art.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself doing the same thing I am now. I’d love to continue to work and make music. I would also love to play more shows. I just want to keep going on this crazy journey.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I love aesthetics and fashion! I’m still trying to find my signature look so I love experimenting with different styles. I love costumes so sometimes I love dressing up in what feels like a costume. Ironically, it makes me feel more like myself.
Favorite Quote: My mom always told me, “love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe.”
Favorite Movie: That is a hard one! A movie I’m always going to love is Moonstruck starring Cher.
Favorite Travel Destination: I have been so lucky in my life to travel and I think my favorite place to travel to is either Bath, England or Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Sorrento, Italy is the most beautiful place I think I’ve been to in my life.
Favorite Sports Team: The University of Michigan or the LA Dodgers. I feel like if I don’t say Michigan my dad is going to be pissed.
Where we can follow you on social media?
@caitfairbanks on all social media.
