G Flip's '80s Makeover: Butch Springsteen & Masc Madonna on 'Dream Ride'

G Flip’s Dream Ride: A Journey Through the '80s and Beyond

Throughout their career, Australian pop artist G Flip has consistently demonstrated the talent and creativity needed to become the pop star they've always envisioned. Starting as a multi-instrumentalist who created synth-pop songs from their bedroom, G Flip has evolved with each release, expanding their sound to reach an even broader audience. From the introspective songwriting of their debut album About Us to the percussive pop-rock production of 2023's Drummer, G Flip has grown in both influence and impact.

Now, with the release of their third studio album Dream Ride, G Flip is taking another bold step forward. This time, the artist has embraced the sounds of '80s pop and rock icons, creating a vibrant collection of songs that are filled with energy and fun. "I've had the album and songs for a while now, so it's just like, I'm just ready to get them out there," G Flip shared, highlighting the excitement surrounding the new project.

The album features a variety of tracks that reflect different aspects of G Flip's personality and experiences. Songs like "Cut His D–k Off" encourage listeners to move on from toxic relationships, while "Bed on Fire" celebrates societal disapproval and self-expression. "Exactly What I Like" is a declaration of freedom and joy. Each track contributes to a sense of hedonism, making Dream Ride a compelling and energetic listen.

Fans can look forward to experiencing G Flip's music live as the artist embarks on a global headlining tour starting on September 9. With 36 dates in North America alone, the tour promises to be a high-energy event. G Flip admits the schedule is intense but sees it as an opportunity to push boundaries. "It's definitely a lot, and I think a lot of people wouldn't recommend it," they said with a laugh. "But then I'm just like, ‘Why not?'"

The Creative Process Behind Dream Ride

G Flip's journey to create Dream Ride began during the writing of their previous album, Drummer. Collaborating with co-writer and producer Aidan Hogg, G Flip found themselves exploring the musical landscape of the '80s. While working on Drummer, they experimented with big, '80s-inspired drums, which sparked the idea to delve deeper into that era for their next project.

Listening to a wide range of '80s music, G Flip discovered that the era's musicality—characterized by big drum solos, a cappella moments, guitar solos, and synth solos—felt natural to incorporate into their work. G Flip also mentioned that their live show already included elements reminiscent of the '80s, making the transition seamless.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dream Ride is G Flip's creation of two '80s personas: "Butch Springsteen" and "Masc Madonna." These personas helped shape the album's direction. G Flip explained that while they were initially drawn to the femme energy of artists like Madonna and Whitney Houston, they wanted to balance that with a more masculine edge. Bruce Springsteen's vocal delivery and rhythmic style inspired the "Butch Springsteen" persona, which added a unique dimension to the album.

Playing Every Instrument

G Flip's involvement in the production of Dream Ride extended beyond songwriting. They played nearly every instrument on the album, a continuation of their approach on Drummer. Their studio in Los Angeles was filled with various instruments, and G Flip and Aidan would experiment with different sounds as they worked. Although the saxophone was played by someone else, G Flip decided to learn it specifically for the tour. "I just decided to learn it rather than hire someone to come out with us on tour," they said, emphasizing their commitment to the project.

Songwriting and Lyrical Themes

The lyrical content of Dream Ride draws from personal experiences, observations, and stories from friends. G Flip emphasized that while the songs are rooted in real-life situations, they often include dramatic embellishments to fit the '80s aesthetic. For example, "Cut His D–k Off" reflects G Flip's experiences with friends in toxic relationships, while "Big Ol' Hammer" was inspired by a late-night session with co-writer Jesse Thomas, where they were dancing and drinking wine.

Another standout track, "Bed on Fire," explores themes of queer identity and defiance. G Flip reflected on how the '80s provided a dramatic backdrop for personal milestones, such as their first experience sleeping with a woman. The song's lyrics capture a sense of rebellion against societal norms, resonating with audiences during a time when such messages are more important than ever.

Touring and Live Performances

As G Flip prepares for their biggest headlining tour yet, they're focusing on physical and mental well-being. Playing multiple shows a week requires stamina, and G Flip has been training to keep up with the demands of the tour. "Playing a show is like a sport," they said, noting the energy required to perform, sing, play the saxophone, and run around the stage.

Fans can expect a dynamic live show filled with surprises. G Flip plans to bring back elements from their early tours, enhancing them for a larger audience. Expect saxophone solos, drum solos, and new band members, all contributing to an unforgettable experience.

With Dream Ride and the upcoming tour, G Flip continues to push boundaries, celebrating individuality and resilience in a world that needs more representation and support.