Gem Malibu Interview

Otherworldly LA-based Aussie producer and DJ, Gem has shared her dreamy new electro pop banger, Malibu, the first taste of her forthcoming EP set for release later this year. The track is accompanied by a suitably contemplative video that gently whisks the viewer through the utopian dreamstate of Gem's mind.

This stylish, meditative, retro electro track is buoyed by warm synths, chilled 80s-inspired percussion and that wistful vocal. For fans of The 1975, Jessie Ware and LANY, the song was mixed by Grammy winning Serve Courtois (LANY, Sasha Sloan, Loud Luxury) and mastered by multi Grammy award winning Dale Becker (Khalid, Macklemore, RÜFÜS DU SOL). Tuned to 432hz, the frequency known to align oneself with the universe, Gem explains, "This song is my love letter to the universe, written with the intention of manifesting new love and produced in 432hz, I wanted to experiment with the powerful formula of frequency + intention = healing." Gem contemplates, "What if producers could be the modern day shaman?"

Having lived in LA and made an impressive splash in the entertainment industry for the last year, Gem has revelled in the spotlight playing regular high-profile gigs, including The Emmy Awards pre-party and Pride Festival in Miami and NYC. She recently flew back home to Australia to perform at the Melbourne Grand Prix, but the event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which luckily saw her able to hunker down and isolate here in Aus with her family.

Proudly repping Australia, Gem was named one of the top 5 female producers in the world to watch by Showbiz Magazine and she's been welcomed in to the industry's inner circle via the Grammy NEXT program as one of the top emerging producers for 2020-2021. Gem insights, "LA has acted as a teacher and mentor to me, the city itself has so many different colours, smells and experiences - the access to inspiration in that wonderful city is vast and plentiful."

Best known for her electro reinterpretations of 70s classics on her covers album the2070s that peaked at #2 on the iTunes electronic charts and last year saw her nominated for best electronic album and producer of the year at the Independent Music Awards in the US. "It feels like a coming of age in a weird way, to be stepping out from behind the desk and releasing original music that is my own," Gem explains. "It definitely has a greater sense of vulnerability attached and at the same time it feels like I'm exactly where I need to be, letting my guard down and getting my true music out."

Created by Hussam Eissa, an emerging digital artist out of Egypt, this 4D video takes viewers on a journey through the wonderland of the inner workings of Gem's imagination. "The single artwork and video clip is inspired by a vivid dream I had. I was traveling in my bed over the waves of Malibu, constantly searching. The waves lapped at the side of the bed as it rolled gently on the ocean. A whale swam around me and jumped out of the water and dived across the bed while I stayed asleep thinking it was a dream, not realising my thoughts had been so powerful the room had burst open and the bed really was laying on the waves, realising then that being awake can be a simulated dream state if you're truly living presently from your heart chakra."

Interview with Gem

Question: How would you describe your music?

Gem: Chilled out retro-electro. A blend of new age and electronic feels.

Question: Can you tell us about Malibu?

Gem: Malibu is a blissed out love letter, a soothing mantra in a way. It is a call to the universe- that you can manifest everything you want.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Gem: I really hope it lifts them and that they come away feeling brighter, more aligned and centred. I am very particular with the frequencies I produce in for this exact reason. I want to leave you better, more empowered.


Question: How has LA influenced your music?

Gem: It has opened me up to more styles, seeing gospel and soul music still just blows my mind. There are just so many unique shows and experiences to be had which in turn provides me with different stimulation and inspiration. I always think as a creative you need a diverse and ever changing range of inputs, LA achieves this for sure.


Question: Are you happy to be back in Australia during COVID-19?

Gem: ABSOLUTELY. This time with my grandparents is a real gift. Australia is so beautiful and I am endlessly proud to be from here.


Question: Can we expect a tour once all restrictions are lifted?
Gem: Yes! I am also doing some shows digitally that were pre booked and still going ahead. The Power Summit for women in LA in October has locked me in for their entertainment and I will be performing Malibu and some other songs too. All digitally but good to be performing music again.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Gem: My uncle Frankie, he passed away many years ago but continues to inspire me. We would always dance around the living room in our pjs to Elvis songs, gosh it would be so nice to share one of my concerts with him. I never got that chance. That would be a real dream moment.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Gem: Love, heartbreak.. anything that is highly emotional. Any event that has caused deep refection.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Gem: Shallou, WET, St South, Gordi


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Gem: I always knew it would be hard work and take dedication.

Question: What's a typical day like?

Gem: I try and meditate as soon as I wake up to get myself in a calm, tranquil state. Excercise, even if it is just a walk in the park. Get my body moving, gets the energy flowing. I do anything creative at the start of the day - where I am fresh. Songwriting, new production ideas. Emails, and replies come after that. I jump on zoom sessions and collaborate online for a major part of the afternoon/ evening.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Gem: My favourite part is stepping into the girl I wanted to be. Allowing yourself to grow and braving the front, giving myself that permission took a minute. I want others to feel inspired to turn that same light on inside of themselves and do it unapologetically. I was a little timid to really embrace that side of myself and now I have I think why did I hesitate?


Question: What's next, for you?

Gem: My first original EP release this year is the biggie. With my next single in September called If Im Honest.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Gem: @gem_rpm  


Interview by Gwen van Montfort