On the Couch with Eilish Gilligan

Eilish-Gilligan-AAR-On-the-CouchWho is Eilish Gilligan?
I’m a singer/songwriter/producer from Melbourne, Australia. I’m also a Twitch streamer at twitch.tv/eilishgilligan!

What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’m working on gratitude – being thankful for everything from nice weather to a delicious meal to my healthy body. These past 18 months in particular have tested this new skill, and I think I’m getting better at intentionally noticing things to be grateful for, rather than just brushing them off to focus on the negative.

Who inspires you and why?
Lots of different people in my life constantly inspire me – I think right now, I’m particularly inspired by my musician peers. As their livelihoods have been torn apart by the pandemic, I’ve watched so many of my friends continue to create and release brilliant, engaging music, and innovate and reinvent themselves just as artists have been doing for centuries. It’s a truly inspiring silver lining.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Oh goodness lol. I feel like that’s a pretty big question! I try very hard to live consciously in the world as an individual – I follow a vegan diet and I run regular fundraisers through my public profile – while also making sure to rally against injustices in the world that are facilitated by massive corporations. I think, as an individual, it’s important to just do your best to fight for what’s right – to do everything within your power to ensure the powers that be are held accountable.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Internationally, nothing can beat New York City for me. I miss the constant rumble, and persistent excitement of the city and am very keen to return when it’s safe. Locally, it’d have to be Lorne along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. I’ve been going there ever since I was a kid and it is a place that I associate with deep relaxation and joy. I love – and miss – the ocean very much!

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
If it’s a nice day, we’ll have a picnic in Edinburgh Gardens before seeing a gig at the Evelyn Hotel, then going for cocktails at The Everleigh on Gertrude St. Then maybe some drag at Mollies on Smith St. Perfect!

What are you currently reading?
Re-reading Burnout by Emily and Amelia Negoski. A must read!

What are you currently listening to?
justified by Kacey Musgraves and If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power by Halsey.

Happiness is?
A warm night, a good book or album (or both), a good negroni, a curled up animal at my feet and the ocean at the door.

What does the future hold for you?
I’m not sure, but I’m very excited to find out. Hopefully, it includes safe travel – these four walls are getting a little repetitive!


Eilish is playing at Isol-Aid and 99designs’ Homegrown Fesitval on Wednesday 22 September – streaming live on TikTok. For more information, visit: www.99designs.com.au for details.

Image: Eilish Gilligan (supplied)