Australian singer-songwriter G Flip recently had a pleasant surprise when pop superstar Taylor Swift liked their Instagram post, which featured a cover of Swift's 2019 hit 'Cruel Summer.' G Flip, who goes by they/them pronouns, performed the cover for Triple J's 'Like a Version' YouTube series. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, G Flip shared their excitement about Swift's support and expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Despite never having met or spoken with Swift, G Flip was touched that she took the time to acknowledge their cover. 'She just liked it,' G Flip shared with a smile. Recognizing the overwhelming curiosity around the interaction, they added, 'I know everyone's asking me so many questions. I'm like, we've never met, we've never chatted.'
G Flip admired Swift's down-to-earth gesture, considering her busy schedule and immense fame. As G Flip puts it, 'She was just lovely enough to obviously see my cover come up and just gave it a double tap.' They couldn't help but gush about Swift's talent and iconic status, describing her as 'the greatest musician of all time and greatest songwriter.' Being able to catch Swift's attention meant the world to G Flip, who appreciates her artistry and holds 'Cruel Summer' among their favorite songs.
G Flip's rendition of 'Cruel Summer' showcased their vocal prowess and drumming skills. The cover featured accompanying violins and other string instruments, highlighting their unique style and musicality. During a January interview with PEOPLE, G Flip shared their reason for altering the song's pronouns. As an openly gay artist, they expressed the importance of authenticity, explaining, 'I am very gay, and I wouldn't be singing about bad boys.' Hence, in their cover, G Flip modified the lyrics to reflect their own experiences, singing, 'Bad, bad girl shiny pearl with a price, you know that I bought it.'
Fans of G Flip were ecstatic with the acknowledgement from Taylor Swift, and the interaction further boosted the singer-songwriter's visibility in the music industry. G Flip's talent and authenticity continue to resonate with audiences around the world, and their cover of 'Cruel Summer' serves as a powerful testament to their artistry. With their unique voice and undeniable talent, G Flip is sure to achieve even greater heights in the future.
