Every now and again, the status quo of the South African music scene is shaken up by the emergence of an inspiring new talent. Gia Mckay is a fresh-faced Capetonian singer-songwriter who released her first commercial track, “I Won’t Ask Why“, at the tender age of 18 in October of 2020 and has managed to garner a strong following of devoted fans since. 

Her latest track, “Movies“, promises to do the same. Presented by a soul-stirring voice that plugs the listener straight into the emotional mains, Gia’s music has a hushed vulnerability that trickles over ricocheting beats and the susurrus of soothing piano chords that are at the same time wintry and warm. 

Inspired by the likes of mentors like Adele, Freya Ridings, Billie Eilish, James Arthur, and Sasha Sloan, this songbird’s deeply personal songs showcase her incredible ability to convey emotion with the subtlest of vocal and instrumental touches to perfection.  

“Movies” was written on a borrowed piano that found its way to her in lockdown when friends moved overseas and needed a home for their Ludwig Meister. 

Gia McKay comments on “Movies”

“The song was inspired by my inner romantic. There is nothing quite like the escapism of movie romance. It is intense, always exciting, never disappointing and leaves you believing in love.”

Currently studying towards a career in medicine while simultaneously pursuing her music, this multi-faceted femme has been dancing since the age of three and performing as a vocalist since she was six. These pursuits have led her to national theatre stages, and even afforded her the opportunity to share the limelight with the likes of Zolani Mahola.

Gia McKay is also a poetry junkie, and describes herself as a happy girl who loves sad songs and a timeless romantic who is always drawn to a good lyric.

Gia explains

“I am inspired by people, poetry, music and art. My everyday experiences with people cultivate my musical inspiration. My family and friends play a big role in providing a space where I can be creative and vulnerable with my songwriting.”

“Storytelling and songwriting come very organically to me. My writing process usually begins with a word or phrase. The lyrics unlock the process. I then go to my piano, find a chord progression that fits with my narrative and build the song on that.”

The music video that accompanies Gia McKay’s latest track,”Movies” takes the viewer into a soft, translucent space that echoes the mystery of a movie theatre and shows Gia as the antagonist in a very personal story that unfolds without fanfare, but leaves lingering remnants of whimsy and wistful romance in its wake.

“Movies” is a song that will capture the imagination of anyone who yearns for a love that reaches beyond the here and now to become the golden thread that runs throughout a life filled with shared joy and purpose.

You can download / stream “Movies” HERE. Alternatively, follow Gia McKay on Instagram.

Watch this space for updates in the Music category on Running Wolf’s Rant.