‘Rhapsody’ - a musical composition of irregular form having an improvisatory, or fluid and free flowing character - taking shape naturally

Through a chance meeting in the infancy of Verve Magazine, we ran into Georgia Jones, the Director of Rhapsody Studios.

The instagram feed, @rhapsody_studios, had already caught our eye as something to take note of, as a fount of talent to experience. Upon realizing who we had met, we had to make time to have a discussion with Georgia about exactly what Rhapsody Studios is.

Little did we know how alike our stories were, and just how that chance meeting would inspire us at Verve to keep plodding on this new course we had charted for ourselves.

During an hour long chat that started as an interview, which meandered into various topics from passion to life advice, we delved into the story of Rhapsody Studios, and the creative mind behind it all.

Rhapsody Studios is a Music Management and Coordination company headed by Georgia Jones. Back in 2019 she found herself around a dinner table with two friends she had made while studying music at UCT, discussing the need to keep the community alive and create more spaces for cultural engagement. So she took the plunge and registered a company. Initially, in the throes of the COVID pandemic and the fluctuating regulations they were subject to, they started by focusing on an online platform for music education and promotion of local musicians and their work during the pandemic, in order to keep the spirit of the culture alive. This then led to them collaborating with “La Maison” by La Rozell, hosting jam sessions and local performances, to keep the community alive. From there she moved on to assisting with the coordination and curation at The Athletic Club and Social, and before she knew it she was being approached by artists to embrace a management role.

What exactly is Rhapsody Studios, and how did you find yourself starting this venture?

“Rhapsody Studios strives to create a recognisable platform for local artists from Africa. The initial aim; A local platform in support of music education and local artists. Moving through different stages, both online and in person, Rhapsody Studios has progressed to embody the roles of Music Management and Coordination throughout South Africa.’’

Starting her musical journey by taking music as a subject at Bergvliet High School, Georgia quickly fell in love with the art form, taking full advantage of the esteemed musical program on offer by the school. She then went on to study music at UCT, giving her an understanding of both the performance and artistic side of the field. Going on to teach music for 10 years, as well as perform, even at one point being part of a Nigerian led and influenced band, “The Jo Kunnuji Experiment”, all these aspects of her career readied her for the next chapter in her story. 

What has it been like going from a musician and teacher to managing artists on this level? And what exactly does your role entail?

“It has been an interesting experience and chapter moving into the music label and distribution end of the industry, where I now find myself involved in full spectrum artist management, inclusive of label interactions and artistic strategy, tour management, media and PR, album development as well as coordination and curation of events.”

Embracing the local sound of Southern Africa, Georgia strives to bring Southern African Artists to the forefront. Being as passionate as she is about the curation of sound and the individual behind it, she strives to find alignment between the artistic development, and the audience.

What would you say is the sound that you are curating for Rhapsody Studios, with the artists that you represent?

“As much as it happens organically, my passion for the intersection of Afro-centric sonic landscapes and global fusion definitely informs who I choose to work with. I tend to back artists that are intentional in both their personal and artistic expressions, as I believe the work they produce is very aligned with their personal intention. That being said I do look at what I do through both the business and creative lens, and try to bring the two together to the best of my ability.”

As an experienced musician yourself, how does your learning and experience in the field inform your role in Rhapsody Studios?

“I am thankful for my education and performance experience - I believe that my experience in the industry has molded me into the person I am today. It has taught me to occupy the space that I find myself in, within the industry, and through the management space, to cultivate and nurture the spaces that so many artists crave and deserve.

It has taught me to find strength in my voice and to now serve as a kind, yet firm and informed voice within the management space of the music industry.”

What would you say is the vision behind Rhapsody Studios and the work that you’re doing?

“Rhapsody Studios was born and registered to be whatever it created for itself within the music industry. Initially serving as a platform for music education and performance which then developed to the present version of music management and coordination, Rhapsody Studios has stayed true to its name -  enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling. The current vision is one of an overall holistic approach. Music is empowering, it gives a people a voice, a platform to explore and to learn. Embodying the understanding that it takes a team member to support an artist's vision and goals. 

I believe that Rhapsody Studios shares in the joy and appreciation of World Music and the individual artist’s vision.”

And how would you say being a woman in the industry has informed your vision and your work?

“Being a woman, in general, and especially in the South African context comes with its own challenges. However, within all these nuanced complexities, I believe that it has allowed me to experience equally in both challenging and joyful moments that ultimately has allowed me to create my current reality - one where I find myself learning daily and aiming to grow consistently.”

What do you see as the future for Rhapsody Studios?

“I see Rhapsody Studios growing organically in support of Southern African and greater African informed sonic landscapes, which most likely will be recognised as World Music. 

I believe that it will remain consistent in its principles of transparency, honesty, kindness and authenticity. 

With regards to the artists that work in association with Rhapsody Studios - I strive to continue supporting and appreciating the local sound, intention and belief of the artists, along with being inspired by the artists themselves and supporting the local music ecosystem.”

Lastly, upon reflection, what can you say about your journey thus far, and where its taken you?

“Lastly, I express my deepest gratitude and pride for working with artists that I do. I feel incredibly blessed to work with such mindful creatives that honour their intentions to their work and sound, and are simply such a pleasure to work with. I aim to continue exploring, learning and creating within the African music ecosystem and wish to elevate the appreciation of our sonic landscapes globally.”

We at Verve are grateful to have run into Georgia, and to have had this interaction with someone who’s values align with what ourselves are striving to do.

We hope that her story will inspire others as it has us, to broaden your horizons as to what this beautiful city, country and even continent has to offer.

Follow @rhapsody_studios and check out the feed, as well as the artists they represent. Or give the above playlist a listen and let yourself be transported by the music.