GEM – Overthinker

By starrymag | May 12, 2025

By: Alejandra Gil M.

 

 

Q) You are often described as making “genre-defying” music. How would you describe your sound?

 

A ) I guess it depends on the project. I tend to be picky and enjoy building a sonic identity as I go for each song. Although nine times out of ten I lean towards a more aggressive, punchy sound with a groove. 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Eminem, Missy Elliott, Kanye West, Tech N9ne, A Tribe Called Quest, Frank Zappa, Stanley Clarke, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Freddie King, Otis Redding, Massive Attack, Gorillaz, Muse, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Queen… The list goes on and on, but these are some of the names that I tend to circle back to for inspiration and just good vibes!

 

Q) Your debut single, “Hurts To Exist,” is out now. Where did the idea for the song originate?

 

A) I wanted to write an EP that told my story through each song, and I knew that I wanted to start with my rock bottom. I knew that I didn’t want a typical sad pop song because that doesn’t resonate with  my experience. So, Flawless and I spoke about it in depth and we agreed that the beat should reflect the turmoil rather than melancholy, we both worked our magic and here we are! 

 

Q) What’s the song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It really depends. Sometimes I write just lyrics with a rhythm so no music or melody. Other times I hear a beat and then write. If I have a melody stuck in my head then I might get on the piano and lay some chords down and move forward from there. I approach writing like Tetris or a puzzle game. I don’t limit myself to one specific method, though I am habitual so I always write in the morning, always use a thesaurus and a rhyme dictionary, and I always physically write my lyrics with a pen and paper. The actual idea just kind of builds in whichever way it wants to. 

 

Q) Have you received any feedback for the song that has stayed with you?

 

A) Tons! Actually, I was not expecting the amount of attention “Hurts To Exist” has been receiving at all. I’m grateful for every feedback both positive and constructive. Here is a few that I loved:

“Hurts To Exist” is an incredibly strong debut for GEM. Her unique blend of vulnerability and aggression, combined with her genre-defying sound, positions her as one of the most exciting new voices in music. The single lays the groundwork for what promises to be an ambitious and emotionally charged EP. GEM is an artist to watch as she continues to break boundaries and redefine the rules of contemporary music.” – Melodrift

“With ‘Hurts To Exist’, GEM makes an undeniable statement: she’s not just an artist to watch, but one to listen to. The track sets the stage for her upcoming EP, Overthinker, a project that promises to explore even deeper emotional and musical landscapes. If ‘Hurts To Exist’ is any indication, GEM is on the verge of creating something truly groundbreaking—an artist who isn’t afraid to be raw, real, and completely herself.” – Sonic Sisters Magazine

“The song’s lyrical themes touch on the cyclical nature of self-doubt, a theme that resonates with anyone who has ever battled their own inner demons. But instead of wallowing in the despair, GEM finds a way to transform that pain into empowerment. The message is clear—though pain is inevitable, it is also a catalyst for growth. The track serves as a reminder that even in our lowest moments, there’s an opportunity to rise from the ashes.” – Rotate Magazine

 

Q) The song is described as a fearless reflection of inner turmoil, self-doubt and resilience. What do You hope people take away from it?

 

A) I guess I wanted to express the complexity of my experience. All of these themes; resilience, healing, self-destruction, self-doubt, order/chaos are extremely variable and unique to each one of us. The universal rule seems to be that we all go through some combination of these themes one way or another. That being said, I feel that we tend to view mental health and what makes up the psyche of a person in a very rigid way. I’ve never experienced one singular feeling at any given time in my life. It’s always a combination of emotions, thoughts, reasoning, traumas, etc. all interacting with each other simultaneously and continuously. Kind of like an ecosystem. I used the bright visuals and maximalist style in order to visualize that concept by using the natural ecosystems as an example. 

 

Q) “Hurts to Exist” will be on your six-track EP, Overthinker. What are some themes you will be exploring on this?

 

A) Following “Hurts To Exist,” I’ll continue using contrasting themes to tell my story. I like to leave room for my audience to relate to my work in their own personal way, but some themes that will be present are definitely clear – rage, forgiveness, compassion, self-awareness, insecurity, acceptance, self-pity, perseverance and control to name a few, but how my audience will relate to these themes is completely up to them! 

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform live?

 

A) Truthfully, performing live is something I wish I got to do more often! From the experiences I do have, two really stuck out. I had the pleasure of performing on a talk show, and the venue was almost like a speak-easy or a jazz club, I enjoyed that a lot! Another was in a church and that was just magical. The acoustics, energy and the beauty of the venue itself was unmatched! I will say, one of my goals as an artist is to perform in unique places, especially out in nature. 

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I think about this very often! Even though I know it’s a long-shot for any of the names I’m about to list, I like to dream big! Eminem, J Cole, Tech N9ne, Little Simz, Doechii, Massive Attack, Creepy Nuts ( DJ Matsunaga and R-Shitei), D Smoke and Jon Batiste are some names that would be a dream to work with! 

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why?

 

A) Eminem, I always listen to him. I don’t think there was ever a time when I wasn’t playing at least one song of his on repeat since I was ten years old. I think he is brilliant not only as a lyricist and a rapper but as a business person and a producer. Kanye, his innovative nature is always inspiring. Doechii because of her lyrical content and audiovisual creativity. I’ve also been listening to every track Little Simz drops because her style feels very close to mine. I’d love to be able to make music with the same freedom that she does. She puts out tracks that are very different from one another and I love that I never know what to expect!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the music that you make?

 

A) A massive THANK YOU to start with! I appreciate every stream, like, comment, feedback and criticism. In an industry where newcomers often get lost in the cracks, it means the world to get the level of attention that I have, even though I only have one single out for the moment. Feeling their support makes me challenge myself, stay consistent and grow as an artist.