Genevieve Hannelius Shares How Taking a Break from Fame Helped Her Embrace Real Girlhood

Genevieve Hannelius.
Credit:

Ally Chen

NEED TO KNOW

• Genevieve Hannelius’ debut EP, Girlhood, is out now.
• The former Disney Channel star reflects on how stepping away from the entertainment industry and “making mistakes” inspired the project.
• She also discusses watching peers like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter rise to fame while attending college.

Genevieve Hannelius, known for her early success as a Disney Channel star, has released her debut EP, Girlhood, encapsulating her experiences after stepping back from the entertainment world.

Having achieved fame as a child, Hannelius, who previously went by G Hannelius, took a break from the spotlight to attend Sarah Lawrence College. Graduating in 2021, she now reflects on her unique transition into adulthood through the five tracks in her new EP.

“It’s a weird transition between childhood and adulthood,” Hannelius shared during a recent lunch in New York City. “You’re smoking cigarettes, but you’re also going home and you have stuffed animals on your childhood bed. You still feel like a kid, but you’re technically an adult.”

Genevieve Hannelius ‘Girlhood’ EP cover.

Ally Chen

Featuring introspective musings on romance and a blend of soft pop-rock sounds, Girlhood symbolizes Hannelius’ return to her musical roots. Collaborating with producer Matthew Bobb, who worked with her on Disney Channel’s Dog with a Blog, Hannelius describes the project as a “full-circle moment.”

Reflecting on her earlier career, she noted opportunities to potentially sign with Disney’s Hollywood Records alongside prominent artists like Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato. “Those were my idols at the time. [Disney] never approached me about signing, and I think part of the reason was that I always was verging on a little young looking,” she said.

Despite those missed opportunities, Hannelius has always been passionate about songwriting. “I love writing,” she remarked, appreciating the creative control she has working independently with Bobb.

While Hannelius took a break after enrolling in college, she remained creatively active. “I really just wanted to have some life experiences. I just wanted to grow into myself. I just didn’t know who I was. I mean, I still don’t really know who I am,” she acknowledged.

Living in New York allowed her to explore beyond Hollywood, forming connections and gaining insights from her experiences. “I’m very happy that I was able to just go away and make mistakes,” she said, noting the friendships she built outside the entertainment sphere.

The EP draws significantly from her college years, featuring tracks inspired by past relationships, including songs about both a metal band drummer and a long-term boyfriend. The title track celebrates the importance of friendship, recognizing that while relationships come and go, true friends remain constant.

As Hannelius approached the end of her college journey, she watched peers like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter achieve notable success. “I’m huge fans of both of them…It’s so inspiring,” she commented, expressing admiration rather than jealousy, appreciating the supportive environment among her contemporaries.

Genevieve Hannelius.

Ally Chen

Through her new EP, Hannelius invites fans to reconnect with her journey over the past few years. “You were in people’s homes when they were growing up,” she reflected on her longstanding connection with her audience. Looking ahead, she aims to perform live, though she admits to feeling nervous about her debut.

As Hannelius transitions into the next chapter of her life, she remains focused on creativity and personal goals, saying, “I would like to just continue being creative in all different aspects… And have a cat. That’s my five-year goal.”