Words by Luke Byatt

We caught up with LA based Aussie producer, GEM to talk over her new single ‘Malibu’. The single is a stylish, meditative affair adorned by warm synths, chilled 80s-inspired percussion and a wistful vocal. Delve in with GEM as she unpacks the writing process, music video and what the future holds for the project.

Futuremag Music: Hey GEM, how're you holding up in this wild world?

GEM: Wild World, aw! I did a chilled electro version of that song last year with Aussie artist Max Jackson. Perfect description of these times! I’m good. Having highs and lows like everyone. Staying positive through music.

Futuremag Music: Congratulations on the release of 'Malibu', could you talk us through the production and writing process of the release?

GEM: Thank you so much. Malibu was written with emerging artist Alicia Brock and produced with Danny Straya over zoom, actually we’ve never met he is currently quarantining in Ecuador. I just love how he makes drums sound. The engineer is Catharine Wood- a very skilled woman.

So it was written in Australia, about California utilising a super talented LA engineer made with a Canadian guy who is currently in Ecuqador. Whoa! That is a mouthful. Hahaha. It’s truly an international little baby. Thank goodness for FaceTime and zoom is all I can say… ohhh and coffee, sometimes the many timezones had me a little perplexed.

Futuremag Music: Accompanying the release is a phenomenal music video, could you talk us through the creation process for that?

GEM: Thank you again. The video was created by a designer friend I’ve been collaborating with for years - Hussam Eissa. He is just delightful and really understands the vibe I was going for. I found him years ago and we stay in contact via instagram, he’s based in Egypt. It’s funny, I’m collecting my creative soul tribe all over the globe to work with.

The concept started as a dream - I was in a bed floating around Malibu and these majestic whales were jumping over me, I wasn’t scared it was this truly tranquil moment. I woke up feeling really at ease and in harmony with the universe and thought- YES that is what we need to capture. That feeling of balance and peacefulness.

Futuremag Music: What does the future hold?

GEM: Very excited to be performing for the Woman’s Power summit 2020 in November. I have a cosmic mix coming out for Soul Spirit magazine in the UK and single two is almost here. That and eating too much during COVID…

Futuremag Music: To wrap it up, if 'Gem' was a cocktail, what would be in it to best describe the project?

GEM: Malibu is a Pina Colada! Pineapple juice - for that summer feeling. Cream for the silky smooth dreamy finish.