GEM is a fast rising multi-genre singer, songwriter and producer who made her professional solo recording debut in 2017 with the eleven-song collection The2070s. The record had a hit with a smooth and soulful cover of the Hall & Oates classic “Rich Girl”. Five years and a few million streams later, that album and a half dozen singles that followed have found new fans for the singer around the world.
An internationally recognized and award-winning producer, GEM spins pop, EDM, rock and r&b grooves with equal ease. She was named one of the Top 5 female music producers worldwide by Showbiz Magazine and was one of only six producers selected globally to participate in the prestigious Grammy NEXT program. She returns this month with her first new music of 2022.
“Ruins” is the debut single from GEM’s forthcoming EP Healing Feelings. On the dark indie-pop lament we find the singer at her most vulnerable. In a departure from her usual slick electro-pop sound, she opens the track with a raw, loosely thumbed electric guitar playing a melancholy melody.
As the song progresses, bass, keys and drums fade in and out of the mix. It is a beautifully minimalist arrangement. At the center of the sound is GEM’s haunting voice and that lonely guitar. We feel every beat of her broken heart as she sings of the void left by the unwanted end of a relationship.
Check out “Ruins” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with GEM about the song and her new EP. Check out her answers to our 7 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artist. Get on her socials and get in the loop on all things Healing Feelings.
7 Questions with GEM
Where are you from?
I’m from Australia, now living in Los Angeles.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve grown up around music, it was always part of my life. Producing was a very natural step that occurred later, over the last few years. I’m in love with the process, I can’t wait to continue this craft and develop it even more.
Where did the idea for “Ruins” come from?
“Ruins” – my new single is a true story. I was feeling very far away and alone. It was a heartbreaking time and I think you really feel that in this track.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I am so excited to take this on tour, we have dates across America booked and I’m thrilled to do it live with an all female band. The EP Healing Feelings released on Sep 30.
What inspired you to create this project?
My inspiration for the project was throughout Covid I’ve seen and felt the need for high vibrational healing music that was a blend of pop/ new age/ downtempo chilled electronic.
Tell us more about the EP.
Healing Feelings is a journey through my personal healing and I’m hoping it will encourage and inspire others. It starts with a traditional sound bath I recorded at the village studios – and I’ve named this soul bath. I wanted to have an experience built into the record. It’s so people can cleanse ahead of taking in the songs.
Many of the other tracks are produced in 432hx which is one of my favorite frequencies. It’s softer and lighter and has enormous benefits for your health and well-being. I’m loving this becoming more known and more mainstream. I’m really motivated to bring alternate tunings to the world.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Ruins video drops on Monday- recorded in a very low key way in a friend’s airstream. It’s the first of a series we are going to so called inside the airstream.
Sydney launch show Sep 24 in Surry Hills!