Who is Girl Whatever?
Girl Whatever is a shapeshifting and ever-changing musical project that encompasses some of the darker, more vulnerable parts of the one helming the ship, Stella Ewart, presented in a pretty dance-pop package wrapped up in an experimental bow.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I think I would dance more. I have a huge passion for house music and as a trans woman it feels like I’m a part of something – our presence in the genre is colossal, especially in ballroom. I’m passing down something sacred, so I want to dance to it more!
Who inspires you and why?
My friends inspire me a lot, mostly because they’re talented people and it encourages me to do better myself! My best mate, Vanessa, has been releasing some awesome music which I really get behind both because she’s my bestie and because she is insanely talented. I’m also quite inspired by a lot of pop divas, femme lyricists and electronic musicians, bonus points if they’re all three. I think FKA Twigs I’ve been studying a little bit lately…
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
What a profound question, I would make a difference in the world by continuing to do what I do. I have a longstanding relationship with activism and including it in my performance art so I think staying true to that and always keeping politics in the periphery of my creativity is something I can hopefully change the world with!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
This is tricky because there’s so many different types of holiday you can have, but I do enjoy a cheeky Europe summer! Let me juggle my time between the beach and the club. I also have hot boys with accents to meet. Charli XCX would agree.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Probably do the Fitzroy vintage market circuit, on a nice day maybe bahahaha. I don’t have a lot of interest in showing my friends places around the city! Boringggg! I would much rather take them to the bush and show them our beautiful wilderness, especially if they’re visiting from overseas. Just need to work on getting my licence.
What are you currently reading?
Lots of Wikipedia articles, like always. If I open it up, it seems I was most recently researching Delia Derbyshire.
What are you currently listening to?
Lots of Caroline Polachek at the moment, lots of Magdalena Bay and the Wicked soundtrack has gotten it’s fair share too, admittedly. Mariah is always going to take my number 1 spot though!
Happiness is?
Somewhere in the club bathroom.
What does the future hold for you?
People like to tell me that there’s a lot for me there, but I feel like I’m perpetually fighting to make it happen to no avail. I’m trying to make my life as peaceful as possible after a lifetime of rough seas, so hopefully all good things.
Girl Whatever can be seen as Daedelus in Forest Collective’s production of Labyrinth – which will be presented at the Abbotsford Convent, as part of the 2025 Midsumma Festival, from 31 January – 8 February.
Image: Girl Whatever (supplied)