Victoria George’s Journey Through Music and Healing
Victoria George has spent most of her life immersed in the world of music, both as a writer and performer. However, when she recently took the stage with her band, the High Lonesome, at Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall, the experience felt uniquely different. In a room filled with friends, family, and strangers, she shared a sneak peek of her upcoming album, “Wilderness.” This project was inspired by her recent health journey, which included a brain tumor diagnosis in February 2024 and subsequent surgery and radiation therapy.
“It was very cathartic to play some of these songs,” George reflected, noting that her health has significantly improved since then. She described how a diagnosis like this can change a person’s perspective on life, leading her to rediscover her passion for music. “As soon as I could, I started writing.”
George, known for her country roots and folk storytelling style, is set to release her third album in June. This follows her 2018 album, “Victoria George and The High Lonesome.” However, the pandemic disrupted her momentum, halting her music gigs and school activities for her children. She began recording again in January 2024, but not without challenges—she experienced strange neurological symptoms before receiving her diagnosis a month later.
A Collaborative Effort and Supportive Community
Singer-songwriter David Luning, who performed with George at the Sweetwater Music Hall show, praised her talent and personality. “Victoria is an incredible artist and such a wonderful person. She’s funny and charming, but also wickedly talented. And that voice. It’s always a joy to sing anything with her. And her new album is a true gem; everyone should know about it.”
The two will reunite again on May 24 for a show at the Occidental Center for the Arts. Admission is $25, with tickets available at occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
Reflecting on Her New Album
George took time to reflect on the last few years and the emotional depth of her new album. When asked about the title of the first single, “Every Little Bit,” she explained that the song was written during her recovery process. “I felt like the experience, while it was terrible, hard and scary, was also so incredibly beautiful.”
She emphasized the importance of gratitude and positivity, especially in difficult times. “I think a song about gratitude and positivity and turning lemons into lemonade is a good song for right now.” George also highlighted the impact of small acts of kindness, noting how people’s support made a difference during her journey.
A More Personal Approach
George described the album as her most personal yet. “I’ve always been a songwriter for a long time,” she said, explaining that earlier work often involved creating characters and storylines rather than drawing from personal experiences. “But a lot of these songs that I wrote from this journey are personal in a way that I’ve never written about, so they feel extra special.”
The Title Track: A Reflection of Her Experience
The title track, “Wilderness,” was inspired by visions George had during her surgery. “I just remember I was in a place where there was this fellow, and he was waiting with me in this waiting room, and I felt like I went somewhere.” After recovering, she found solace in nature, often hiking near her home in Marin. These experiences shaped the song’s theme of navigating through darkness and uncertainty.
George shared that the lyrics reflect her fear upon learning that her tumor was not benign. “They said I had further to go” became a powerful line in the song, symbolizing the ongoing journey ahead. The track also captures her ethereal experience under anesthesia, blending magical and mythical elements to cope with the challenges.
A New Chapter in Her Career
When asked about her current stage in her career, George expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her music once more. “I’ve been making music for a really long time,” she said. “This album feels really special, and this band feels really special. A lot of these guys I’ve been playing with forever, and I’m stoked to be right where I am right now with this band and this record, feeling good and putting it out there. It’s a good moment.”
