Q&A: Genevieve Stokes Releases New Single and Viral Sensation “Habits” on the Full Moon

Q&AMusic

Aug 19

☆ BY Sophia Garcia ☆

WITH THE COMING OF THE FULL MOON — at midnight August 11, came the release of the highly anticipated single by Genevieve Stokes, “Habits.” A viral sensation on TikTok with a snippet of the song that became highly popular following Stokes’ teaser videos, the video amassed over 50 million views. But this isn’t the first time the 21-year-old has garnered attention for her craft. With the release of her debut alternative-pop EP Swimming Lessons in 2021, songs such as “Surface Tension” and “Parking Lot” Stokes received millions of streams, leaving her with over 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Growing up in Portland, Maine, Stokes took inspiration from her natural environment for her songwriting, something that’s prevalent in the lyrics, music videos, and visualizers of her music. Her song “Surface Tension'' features Stokes sitting by the water, while the visualizer for “Habits” finds her sitting in a bed of grass and wildflowers along with a masked individual, sun-soaked and surrounded by nature.

Stokes’ music often feels paired back and natural, eliciting an indescribable feeling only made understandable by listening to her music. And “Habits” maintains this magic — for a song about longing for change after a dark winter and emotionally turbulent relationships, Stokes manages to create an ethereal quality in the track that leaves you feeling light and airy, floating despite the more somber lyrics.

Written by Stokes and produced by Tony Berg, “Habits” is early in its success, having already received over 800,000 listens. Teetering between whimsical music and aching lyrics, Stokes has managed to yet again create music that captures the intensity of feelings in life and love in a way that feels light and true.

Read below to learn more about “Habits” and where Stokes finds herself most at peace.

LUNA: I wanted to start by saying congrats on your single “Habits”! Can you tell me a little bit about how this song came to be?

STOKES: Thank you! I wrote “Habits” last spring when I was struggling with some unhealthy patterns in my life. I was just frustrated and wanted to vent.

LUNA: The lyrics in “Habits” are beautifully heart-wrenching. What lyric is your favorite from the song and why?

STOKES: “I’m growing up but I’m not growing old.” I know I’m getting older, but a naive part of me feels like my youth will never end.

LUNA: I had the fortune of listening to you open for Sarah Kinsley at Bowery Ballroom in New York City, where you shared some of your upcoming music, including “Habits.” What was it like sharing that with a live audience?

STOKES: “Habits” is so much fun to perform. There’s a waltzy quality to it so people immediately begin to sway and bob their heads. I like that it’s a sad song but comes across as uplifting live.

LUNA: The snippet you released of your song has completely blown up on TikTok — there are 97.5k videos under your sound and growing! How has it felt to receive such a positive and emotional response from such a large number of people?

STOKES: It was so unexpected and exciting. I’m still trying to process it, honestly.

LUNA: Why do you think people have connected with “Habits” like they have?

STOKES: I think the lyrics can apply to many different types of love, and a lot of people have experienced rocky relationships like the one I described.

LUNA: You’ve mentioned that your favorite time of year to make music is spring. Can you share why you feel that way?

STOKES: Spring is my favorite season. I write a lot of music in my parents’ uninsulated garage, and after a long winter it’s a relief to feel warmth and hear the birds chirping and just lean into that feeling.

LUNA: What was your favorite memory from working on this song?

STOKES: One of the most enjoyable parts of my writing process is after the initial inspiration strikes. I like to record while I’m improvising and then go pace around in my backyard, rewording and piecing together a narrative. Writing habits felt super intense and magical, like I was tapping into my childhood imagination.

LUNA: Your songs often have a peaceful quality — when do you feel most at peace?

STOKES: I feel the most calm when I’m near the ocean. When I’m back home in Maine, I get coffee and sit by the water every day. That regeneration time is important for my creative process.

LUNA: What are you focusing on for the rest of the year?

STOKES: Making more music and playing live shows. I’m also moving to New Orleans with my siblings this year, so I’m excited to see how the new environment will inspire me.

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