GEO, the British soul-R&B songstress, is making waves with her empowering new single, “My Turn,” a bold declaration of self-worth and intentionality that captures a pivotal moment in her creative evolution. With a sound that blends organic instrumentation, soulful textures, and personal storytelling, GEO is stepping into a new era of artistry, embracing growth, boundaries, and unwavering confidence. Produced by GEO herself, “My Turn” showcases her unique blend of influences, from jazz to R&B to Caribbean rhythms, while also honoring the legacy of the late Reuben ‘Sleepy’ White’s percussion. As GEO prepares to release her debut project in 2026, we’re excited to dive into this next chapter of her musical journey, beginning with the empowering anthem “My Turn.”
“My Turn” is such a powerful anthem of self-empowerment. What was the defining moment that inspired you to write this song, and how did it evolve from the initial concept to the finished track?
Thank you! I’ve been making music for a while, and, like many artists, I’ve experienced moments of crippling doubt and fear, including periods of complete writer’s block. After I finished university a couple of years ago, I found myself standing at the bottom of the mountain that is the rest of my life, facing the choice of whether or not to continue following my passion. If I’m honest, I’ve never truly thought about ‘giving up’ music, but I definitely found myself struggling to hear my inner voice and what she wanted to say. But I have grown and reconnected with myself and my free creative spirit, and My Turn is a declaration of that. It’s a mantra to take with me on this journey.
The song lyrics are very personal, and they address themes of growth, self-esteem, and breaking harmful habits. How do you approach songwriting when facing this sort of raw and exposed emotion?
When I write, I go deep inside myself and face whatever’s there, no matter what dark or light I find in that season. It’s always revealing, and it’s a great feeling when I surprise myself with something positive and confident. Other times, it’s helpful to process what’s weighing on me if that’s what comes up. It’s my therapy! My process mostly starts with me just improvising over rough rhythms, then I just follow my own lead. What I want to talk about just naturally comes out. Writing a song is like unlocking a conversation with my subconscious.
You mention in the song, “water me, let me grow.” Can you explain what that metaphor means to you personally and how it connects with the broader message of the track?
Like a plant, I need the right conditions to thrive. The wrong energy stunts growth, and I’ve learned to recognize it early. This lyric is my calling in what nourishes me—people, experiences, and choices that help me evolve. I’ve definitely had people in my life before who tried to mold me into something that they could better understand, but that outcome was unnatural and unauthentic for me. I’ve experienced the negative effects of misalignment in my inner circle and have heard similar stories from others. I live life dodging these vibes; it’s much too precious!
“My Turn” features contributions from Reuben ‘Sleepy’ White, who passed away. How did his percussion influence the track, and what does his contribution mean to you in the context of this song?
So the bare rhythm for “My Turn” was actually composed 23 years ago by Steve Marshall. Steve hired Sleepy to play congas and percussion on that and a load of others. Some of the rhythms from that session went on to build albums for other artists, such as Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, and others stayed in the archives. Until last year, when I was looking for inspiration, I found this one. It’s crazy that something created when I was a baby has found new life in my music. Steve and Sleepy played together on many recordings and in many bands. In a way, “My Turn” is a preservation of history, and I really appreciate these roots. Sleepy was a true drumming legend and pioneer, so it’s very special to have him on this.
As a self-producing artist, how has your approach to songwriting and production evolved over the years, and what role does that creative control play in your work?
I co-produce my music. Over the last 3 years, I’ve mostly been coming to the studio with a song written and then working all the instrumentation out around the melody and lyrics. Working alongside producer Steve Marshall on lots of music has been a process filled with experimentation, trial and error. It’s fun. It’s like painting a picture. The palette is a blend of live and programmed instruments: Fender Rhodes piano, Prophet synth, Korg synth, guitars, bass, double bass, percussion, live drums, and loops. I’ve learned how to better articulate my vision and find the language and tools to bring to life what I’m hearing in my head. But the beauty of collaboration is that things can turn down roads you never expected.
Your music blends a variety of influences, from jazz to R&B to Caribbean sounds. How do you decide which elements to incorporate into each track, and what kind of mood or message are you hoping to convey with your unique sound?
I’ve internalized a lot of styles over the years, so I just naturally have different things going on in the music. It’s like building vocabulary to communicate with. I don’t really decide what I’m going to draw from; I just let the song find itself and take shape through experimentation. It feels almost like it’s outside of me. It’s clear when something works and when it doesn’t, but every decision is to serve the feeling of the song, and nothing’s really off-limits. I enjoy trying different things and challenging myself, so when improvising and writing, I like to use a variety of drum rhythms to get inspiration. Whatever I’m feeling on that day will inevitably help me set the tone for the song’s style, but anything can happen in the process.
You’ve performed in iconic venues across the UK, Europe, and the US. What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had on stage, and how does performing live shape your connection with the music you create?
Most memorable is probably Union Chapel in London, when I supported The Teskey Brothers on tour. I was performing an old song of mine called ‘Lonely Blue Messiah’ which was very meaningful at the time, and the setting was just picturesque. It was sold out, and the audience was sitting in pews; the lighting was illuminating the stained glass windows, and directly in my eye line when I looked up was Jesus! I was feeling pretty ethereal like I was going to lift off the ground. I love performing live; to tell stories, see faces, and connect physically is a unique exchange that I appreciate.
You’ve spoken a lot about the importance of embracing personal boundaries and choosing the right energy to surround yourself with. How do you protect your mental and creative space while navigating the pressures of the music industry?
It’s a constant balancing act and can feel isolating. I’ve just moved to London too, so I’m currently learning how to navigate life at a different pace. Everyone has their own ways to stay grounded—the things that help them tune into themselves and pause the noise. Something I’ve clocked about myself is that I have to let myself feel small joys. If I’m too caught up on the ‘big picture’ and the size of the mountain ahead, then I could miss a lot. For me, a really subtle thing can transform how I feel and help me reset. A good meal, a happy dog, my favorite music, the sun on my skin. Being present enough to notice how these little things feel is the key for me. Not just drowning in pressure and missing the whole point. When I feel these moments, it’s a sign to myself that I’m on the right track and my head’s ok. But when things are overwhelming, I just try to keep the knowledge that all seasons are temporary, and then I write a song.
Looking ahead, you’ve mentioned that “My Turn” is just the beginning of a new chapter, with a debut project arriving in 2026. How do you envision this new era of music for you, and what can fans expect from your upcoming releases?
I feel like I’m in a metamorphosis, and the music is evolving with me. People can expect variety and experimentation—I’m trying new things, collaborating more, and in unique ways. There are some interesting things happening, and I’m letting the process surprise me. Everything has a common thread though, and that’s the subtlety, sensitivity, and softness that I can’t ever shake. It feels special, and I’m looking forward to sharing this journey!