At Local Sounds, we are constantly on the lookout for artists who don't just sing songs, but build entire worlds. Sydney-based artist GENEVIEVE is doing exactly that. With a background that reads like a dream resume spanning the halls of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to starring roles in Mamma Mia! and Beauty and the Beast, she has spent years mastering the craft of performance.
However, it’s her latest transition into the world of alt-indie pop that has everyone talking. Her new single, "Drive Home," is a masterclass in atmosphere, blending layered synths and deep bass with the kind of vocal vulnerability that only comes from true storytelling.
We sat down with GENEVIEVE to discuss the late-night Sydney drives that inspire her, the shift from musical theatre "masks" to personal honesty, and why 2026 is set to be her most expansive year yet.
Local Sounds: "Drive Home" feels incredibly cinematic and intimate. When you were writing this track, did a specific Sydney route or a particular moment on the road spark the lyrics?
GENEVIEVE: "Drive Home" was inspired by a late-night drive back from a gig in Sydney CBD. There wasn’t one exact street that sparked it, but it was that stretch of highway leaving the city, with the high of performing making everything feel cinematic. That contrast between adrenaline and quiet freedom really shaped the lyrics. Through my use of layered synths, deep bass, and vocal harmonies, I wanted the production to capture that feeling of wishing time would freeze in that "in-between" moment.
Local Sounds: You’ve spent a lot of time on stage in massive roles like Belle, Mamma Mia!, and Footloose. How does the "mask" of a musical theatre character compare to the vulnerability of releasing a song under your own name?
GENEVIEVE: My musical theatre background has deeply shaped how I write and where I draw inspiration from as an artist. Growing up, I learned how to step into different roles and fully embody emotions, whether that be my own or someone else’s. The ability to authentically capture a feeling is something I now bring into my songwriting. It allows me to create music that feels honest, expressive, and relatable on a universal level.
Local Sounds: As a student at the Conservatorium of Music, you’re constantly surrounded by technical theory. How do you "switch off" the student brain to let the raw, indie-pop side of your songwriting take over?
GENEVIEVE: My songwriting usually begins in my Notes app or Voice Memos when inspiration strikes, particularly after an event or moment that has impacted me or changed my perspective. I try not to over-analyze in that first stage. I let the melody come naturally, follow whatever chords feel emotionally right, and capture the unfiltered lyrics before refining it later. This is where my theory training comes in handy!
Local Sounds: The title "Drive Home" often implies a sense of relief or reflection. For you, is "home" a physical place in Sydney, or has music become the space where you feel most grounded?
GENEVIEVE: "Home" definitely has layered meanings for me. It can be a physical place, but when writing this song, I had people and feelings in mind. The person you’re driving home with can represent safety and a sense of comfort and belonging. There’s something intimate about driving with someone; whether a friend or a partner, it feels like the thrill of the evening continues in a quieter, more personal way. In many ways, music has also become a form of home for me—a supportive place where I feel most grounded and understood by like-minded artists.
Local Sounds: Your vocal training is extensive, covering everything from Jazz to Opera. Was there a particular artist or vocal style that gave you the "permission" to find your own unique indie-pop sound?
GENEVIEVE: It took a lot of trial and error! I’ve been writing and recording in studios since I was 13, and over the years, I’ve created countless demos across different genres. It wasn’t until last year that I truly felt I had found a sound that felt authentic to me. Artists like Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Radiohead, with their experimental and boundary-pushing approach to indie-pop, really inspired me. Seeing how they play with texture, space, and emotion made me excited about the possibilities. I do feel, however, that my jazz, opera, and theatre training has made me a versatile, well-rounded artist, which is vital in this rapidly evolving industry.
Local Sounds: If "Drive Home" was the final scene in a movie about your life so far, what would the next scene look like? What can we expect from you in the coming year?
GENEVIEVE: My next scene would feel more confident and expansive. 2026 is going to be my biggest year yet! I have new music dropping next month, followed by an EP and a launch show planned for mid-2026. This next chapter continues to build the world of my final project, with each track coming together to convey the emotionally honest, raw experiences of young adulthood. I’m so excited for people to hear what’s coming next!
Support Local Music
"Drive Home" is out now on all major streaming platforms. Want to stay ahead of the curve on the Sydney music scene?
👉 Stream "Drive Home" https://localsounds.com.au/song/genevieve/drive-home
👉 Follow GENEVIEVE on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/genevievebrouillard_/?hl=en