SH3 – Gelato

By: Robert Warren

Q) How did the song “Gelato,” first come to be? 

A) “Gelato” started out as a VoiceNote on my phone. I have so many voice memos of melody ideas and song concepts and I knew when I had the melody and lyric “gelato” come to me so effortlessly it was something I had to fully develop. The VoiceNote; however, did sit in my phone for maybe a year or so before I wrote it completely. I was encouraged by my production team, NdroiDBeats, to finally take my voice memos and start developing them into songs to be placed with other artists. This developed into folders of songs that I thought were great, but maybe better suited to be sung by other artists. Gelato was one of those songs.

Q) Originally when it was written it was titled “Gelato Full Ref + Beat – Jeremih” as it was intended to be sung with Jeremih, but that changed as you were advised it would be better as your solo. Reflecting back, what do you think of that choice?

A) I think “Gelato” is a great introductory track for me at this point. It was a song that got a lot of praise from people I showed through its development and it also allows for growth in my future music since vocally it is a pretty simple song. Having the opportunity to make a music video also made a huge difference in the amount of attention it received and I’m super excited to continue releasing more music with these new found listeners.

Q) Digging into the song itself, it’s a little less personal than some of your other songs, written as a club song. What’s it been like venturing into this new style?

A) This style of music has always come natural to me – writing it and singing it. I understand the genre very well. I think the hesitation came more from is this an image I want to put out publicly? However, I think listeners today are so much more open than ever before and it has become so much more acceptable for an artist to put out a pop record and then their follow up be something completely different. I love writing in so many different genres and styles, and I look forward to releasing records that are continuously changing from the last.

Q) What is it about “Gelato” that you think makes it a special song?

A) I think it’s the simplicity of the track that resonates with people. The melody line is simple, most of the production is simple, yet it’s catchy and really effectively stays in a sonic pocket.

Q) Some of the feedback you got on this song was that it suited your voice well. What does that mean to you?

A) It’s always flattering when people love hearing your voice on something. For the longest time this song was a demo to me, so I didn’t really see past that. However, upon many, many listens the idea began to grow on me that this could actually be a song I could put out as my own. I think this song works for my voice type because I sing the song in a rather gentle tone. Meanwhile, the beat (although still smooth) has a more aggressive Hip Hop vibe. I think the juxtaposition intrigued people.

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

A) I mean, I’m gonna shoot for the stars with this answer, but I would love love love to write a song for Rihanna one day. I’ve listened to her since I was a kid, and I understand her voice and its nuances so well, I know I could write a killer track for her.

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) “Gelato” is actually part of an album called H2 Zoom Voicenotes, which is a collection of songs from those demo folders I previously mentioned. Most of the songs on the project I had no intention of putting out as my own, which is why the genres are all over the place. There’s Pop records, Hip Hop, R&B, EDM, Singer/Songwriter and a whole assortment of other genres featured. The purpose of the project was to showcase my songwriting primarily, but I think future projects may be more consistent.

Q) Where some of your favorite places to perform? 

A) I’m actually more of a studio rat and haven’t put much emphasis on performing. My background is more in songwriting and engineering so performing is definitely something to explore. In my early years when it was just my guitar and I, I would hit a lot of open mics in Toronto and those communities are just fantastic. I would regularly perform at Free Times Cafe and The Supermarket and those crowds are just so supportive, it’s awesome.

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming singer-songwriters?

A) My biggest advice would be to not overthink your every move and don’t be afraid to put out music. The earlier you start, the more you can grow with your audience and your connection will be that much more sincere. I was an artist who just hoarded my music and was always waiting for the “perfect” time to start releasing it. But as the famous cliché says, there is no such thing as a perfect time and it is so true. Just start. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way because they are bound to happen, and the earlier you start the quicker you’ll become a pro at it.

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

A) Thank you!!! Thank you a million times over. I try to respond to every comment, every DM and hearing people’s feedback on my music means so much to me. I would also like to say I value them as listeners and don’t take them for granted, not even for a second. I put so much of myself into the songs I create and I hope as I continue releasing music, listeners will feel they have a place with me – they are understood and never alone.