Speaking to GRAZIA, Australian artist G Flip (whose real name is Georgia Claire Flipo) recalls their earliest memory of summer: “being in the sun, going in the water and waves”. Their family would travel to the Gold Coast every year and stay close to the beach. Since growing up constantly near the water, the Melbourne-based singer has an innate appreciation for the small aspects of being outdoors.

“There is nothing better than being at the beach when the sun is setting and watching the sky change different colours, like a painting,” they tell me.

Unbeknown until recently, G Flip’s home state of Victoria would endure the longest combined lockdown from anywhere around the globe – 262 days to be exact. The artist’s hit track, “Killing Time”, became the unofficial anthem to 2021. As a strong advocate for mental health, the award-winning musician reconnected with nature to tackle their anxiety.

“I’d get up every morning and go for a long walk, I had an app that would show me when I would get to 10,000 steps while walking on the beach,” they say. “Lockdown also made me find and appreciate parks because we had to meet our mates outside so we’d get the picnic rugs out. I would have never done that otherwise and it’s something I’ll keep doing now.”

It’s fitting of course that last month it was announced G Flip would partner with outdoor giant Kathmandu for its current We’re Out There Spring/Summer 2022 campaign. The brand has released an apparel collection of ‘Sun-Stopper’ styles which offers UPF 50+ sun protection from exposure to ultraviolet rays. A UPF rating indicates how effectively the fabric blocks solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The clothing is also made of an innovative lightweight and wicking fabric. Thus, it’ll naturally keep you cool, dry and comfortable in the heat.

It’s not the first time the artist has partnered with Kathmandu. In early 2021, they helped launch the brand’s partnership with Beyond Blue – an Australian mental health and wellbeing support organisation.

“Getting out there is so good for mental health,” G Flip adds. “In my personal experience when I had my darker periods in my life, literally getting out of bed and getting out there was such a game changer for my mindset, so that’s what drew me to the campaign.

Kathmandu SUN-Stopper Women’s Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $80. SHOP NOW

Kathmandu SUN-Stopper Women’s Hooded Long Sleeve Top, $100. SHOP NOW

In October, New South Wales and Victoria were pulled from a months-long lockdown. Understandably anxiety around reopening has been felt by many and according to G Flip, the way to combat this is to continue our relationship with the outdoors.

“Maintaining mental health is something I deal with and so many people deal with, and it’s essential that people get outside because it really does do wonders for your mental health.”

“Although we are so full of anxiety right now all our energy should be put into something we can control,” they noted. “For example for me, it’s taking care of my own mental health and making sure my mind is fit and healthy and I am looking after my body and pursuing my dreams of writing music and playing instruments.”

With that being said, the musician shares the ultimate picnic playlist: “Tkay Maidza, Fletcher, Tones And I, Ruby Fields, Alex The Astronaut.” (You should add G Flip to that too).

The Kathmandu Sun-Stopper range is available online and in stores now.