To embark on a solo project in search of one’s sound is something that has to be admired. Casey Logemann is doing just that with her solo project, Gloomie, and I can guarantee we’ll be hearing a lot more from this talented musician in years to come. Futuremag Music spoke with Gloomie about her new EP, Storm Chaser, some of her musical inspirations and some other topics close to her heart.

FMM: You had your own presence in the indie music scene with Goodside before deciding to embark on your own solo project. What inspired the name Gloomie, as well as your decision to go solo?

Gloomie: Probably similarly to many other artists, the decision to start a solo project came from the lack of shows and the amount of writing I was doing in and out of lockdowns over the past few years. I needed a creative outlet so I started to conceptualise this project that became Gloomie. I wanted a name that represented the melancholic songwriting and dreamy soundscapes. Also, to be perfectly honest, I was just looking for something that wasn't already taken, which is actually pretty hard.

FMM: Your EP, Storm Chaser, has been out since March. It’s a really easy listen. They’re gorgeous pop songs and I think the general sound feels very melancholic, almost nostalgic. Is this a kind of feeling you’ve tried to generate for the listener through these songs?

Gloomie: I actually get that a lot and I think it's because I was raised listening to bands like The Go Betweens and The Sundays. The 90's nostalgic Indie somehow makes its way into everything that I write. As a songwriter, I find it much easier to write sad songs or songs that focus on an intense emotion or an evocative moment. I definitely strive to capture those feelings, so It's really cool to hear you describe my music that way.

FMM: Your music has been defined at times as alternative, indie, pop, etc. Is there a particular genre where you would personally describe your sound best falls under?

Gloomie: Indie is so broad and open to interpretation, but I would classify the EP as Dream Pop and the music I'm currently working on is a little more Shoegaze.

FMM: Personally my favourite song of yours is Every Time I Leave. It feels like a bit of an emotional journey. Can you tell me about the lyrics behind it if you’re comfortable, because they feel deeply personal?

Gloomie: I'm so glad you like it! This one is pretty deeply personal, but most of them are. I often write songs to process my emotions, so this song was cathartic for me. I used to have a pattern of falling into depressive episodes and then literally moving houses in an attempt to externalise my pain and distance myself from it. I did this about five or six times before I realised what I was doing - I couldn't stay put because I was trying to get away from myself. It obviously was not a productive pattern but the song is about coming to that realisation. I've since found support and put in the hard work and maintenance - it's not always smooth sailing, but I have found so much peace and self-acceptance in the last year which is actually what Storm Chaser is about. For anyone out there struggling, I implore you to reach out to someone. You are not alone. I’ve provided some mental health resources at the moment of this interview if you are struggling.

FMM: I want to make a habit in asking this question to every artist we interview because I want to be able to help where we can. What do you think needs to be done to help more up and coming Australian artists get more recognition?

Gloomie: That's a really big question that goes so deep. If we're focusing on how we can individually support independent and local artists, I'd suggest that if you like someone's music, chuck them a follow on your preferred streaming platform, save the song, add it to your playlists, share it and interact with it. Even better, still purchase music on platforms like Bandcamp if you can. Buying merch, vinyl and showing up to local, live music events is such an important way to show support as well.

FMM: What’s been the biggest struggle for you so far in terms of not only making new music, but making sure it gets heard?

Gloomie: I think as an emerging artist it can be hard to cut through because of the sheer amount of music coming out everyday. It's so easy to get lost but at the same time it's so cool that there is so much new music to discover and that I get to be a part of such a vast community of talented people across the globe. I'm constantly discovering and obsessing over new music from emerging artists.

FMM: Are there any tour dates on the horizon?

Gloomie: I have a headline show at The Union Hotel in Newtown on the 25th of June. If you live in Sydney and you're reading this, I'd love to see you there. I'll be joined by the incredibly dreamy Maia Toakley, so come through!

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, here’s some mental health resources you can access:

AUSTRALIA
Lifeline (lifeline.org.au // 13 11 14)
Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au // 1300 224 636)
Rainbow Door (rainbowdoor.org.au // 1800 729 367)
Suicide Call Back Service (suicidecallbackservice.org.au // 1300 659 467)
Suicide Line (suicideline.org.au // 1300 651 251)

USA
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org // 1-800-273-8255)

UK
Samaritans (samaritans.org // 116 123)