Q&A: meet GEM, Aussie abroad drops dreamy new track
It’s been one week since GEM has dropped her new single If I’m Honest and we are loving the retro-electro track that transports you to a dream state of mind. The track boasts a modern take on classic 80’s instrumentals and percussion, if you could feel the song physically it would be like touching a cloud that was made out of spicy fairy floss, dreamy but with a bit of a kick.
Her recent release is a follow-up to her previous release Malibu. GEM has embraced this retro-electro genre that is wrapped in sentiment and feeling.
Another one of favourites you must check out is her track Midnight Train To Georgia Ft. BoySoda, it is this tasty bluesy/electro track that is nothing but JOYOUS. Again fully embracing the sentiment of nostalgia and bringing to life this funky new take on electro music.
The music video for If I’m Honest, designed and edited by Hussam Eissa, is pure aesthetic bliss. He has created this dreamlike utopia that is set in a summery tropical paradise. Like you can’t tell me you wouldn’t want to kick it back there.
We caught up with GEM to chat about her new track, headlining at the LA Power Women Summit and what songs are on her guilty pleasure playlist.
Check out all the feels below:
Hey GEM! Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into music?
Hiiii. Sure, I grew up around it, I think it was always part of my DNA. My family were in country music, so I saw first hand how gruelling a touring life can be and frankly how not glamorous.
I loved being in the studio though, that was always a happy place for me. I started hanging around, making coffees, watching how everything worked and although I longed to operate the mixing board and all I was operating was the microwave in the lunch room, I did love every moment of watching those sessions. :-)
Stepping out behind my 2070’s record was the first time I had done anything like that, it was a big step towards what I really wanted to do. Although I had been training and experiencing a range of music jobs, that was the first real time I stood as myself.
Your new track If I’m Honest is killer! Can you tell us about what the song means to you and about the process behind it?
Awwwww, thank you. It really touches me to hear that. The song was written about a twin flame connection, in my original music I am weaving a spiritual theme throughout. Bringing new age elements to electro-pop music.
This one corresponds with the crown chakra - it’s for surrender, which really connects back to the lyric of the song where I offer up these questions, surrendering what is in my heart.
It is a feel good, summer, romantic vibe.
Can you tell us about the concept behind the If I’m Honest film clip?
The film clip is a continuation from single Malibu, you continue on the adventure of this GEM character in this dreamy, surreal, very pretty world.
There is a message of your thoughts creating your reality- so invest wisely.
Later this year you’ll be headlining the LA Power Women Summit, How does it feel to be headlining such a stellar event?
I am thrilled to be performing at an event that so beautifully represents a lot of the things that are important to me at my core. That feels as though wonderful synchronicity is at play.
A women’s event celebrating diversity and inclusivity, I was all in. They’ve been so open and cool about the set too, I am excited to bring something a little unexpected.
Showbiz Magazine named you in the top 5 females in the world to watch, who are your top 5 female musicians to watch?
I read that and almost died last year, ha! There are so many emerging super talents and we have sooo many here in Australia too!
Max Jackson - a country artist, gorgeous songwriter who I did a remix for this year.
Odette- What a singer, I mean whoa girl.
Vixens of fall, country music sisters with a new single out now.
Courtney Keil- Her debut single was #1 on the iTunes chart, looking forward to future releases.
Alicia Brock- Emerging pop girl from my hometown, we might have a little something coming soon.
Grammys… Spill!
Haha! It still feels like a dream. I was so unbelievably honoured to become a voting member when I moved to LA, then to be invited into the Grammy NEXT program for this year and next, I was thinking- Can this be right? I didn’t even know they had programs like that, talk about naive. I’ve met some like minded people through that program and although some of it has been interrupted with COVID, I am very grateful and cannot wait to see what they’ve planned for 2021.
I was sitting at The Grammy Awards, watching the show and it really was spectacular, the audio and visual component was awe-inspiring and it left me boosted for weeks after. The little girl in me who grew up on a cattle farm in country Australia just felt immense excitement.
What would you rather be without eyelashes or eyebrows?
UMMMM- wow. Eyelashes because mine are so non-existent anyway! HA.
What songs are in your guilty pleasure playlist?
SO many. I love a good run in the park to 90’s anthems. Tracks like Torn, You were meant for me, She’s so High, Together Again…the list is looonnnng.
Where was the first venue you played at?
My first proper gig was at Rock Lily in Sydney.
Can we expect any more music coming from you in the near future?
Yesss, my aim is to be releasing music super regularly. Keeping it in the same energy as the time of creation. Stay tuned for November.
Yesss! What a group of female artists to watch out for, super talented bunch, I think we sniff a collab. GEM brings a great energy to her music and is really reppin’ Australian music both locally and internationally. It’s super great to see someone talented work hard and get the rewards they deserve. YAS GEM, killing it.
Check out her new track below or head to our Picnics, Parks & Pinot Gris👒 playlist to hear some more vibey songs.
By Samuel Seedsman.