GIMMY Redefines Taboos in 'Bathrooms'
Dive into GIMMY’s latest sonic adventure, 'Bathrooms', a surf-rock infused anthem pulsating with infectious drumlines and dynamic guitar riffs. Pushing the boundaries of conventional norms, the track challenges societal taboos, inviting listeners to explore realms beyond the ordinary.
Accompanied by a visually captivating music video crafted by visionary American filmmaker Ben Bloom, known for his work on 'Things Look Different Now', 'Bathrooms' paints its themes and energy through abstract visuals, unfolding a narrative set amidst the picturesque landscapes of Northern Rivers / Bundjalung Country.
GIMMY, the brainchild of Byron Region's own female artist, introduces a fusion of indie-rock with hints of new wave-garage, indie-rock, and folk influences. Backed by her talented band including Samson Radici on guitar, Kyle Aubrey on bass, and Barclay Israel on drums, GIMMY's signature raw and authentic sound, coupled with her soul-stirring lyrical prowess and captivating vocals, leaves audiences spellbound in their electrifying live performances.
Having graced stages alongside Australia's rising stars such as The Murlocs, Bad Dreams, Floodlights, Maple Glider, and Nice Biscuit, GIMMY has carved her path on the east coast music scene. Her accolades include winning hearts at Bigsound 2023, claiming the main stage at Splendour In The Grass 2023 as the Triple J Unearthed "Feature Artist", and supporting notable acts like Ruby Fields and TOPS (CA).
We had a quick chat with GIMMY to learn more about the project, and what’s coming up!
Hey Gimmy, How are you?, and where are you currently based and speaking to us from?
Hello! Good thanks guys, I am speaking with you from my house in Mullumbimby.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single, “Bathrooms”, and the message you aimed to convey through it?
Bathrooms was birthed from an improv jam, spewing out like rain, the cheekiness just formed on its own. Initially a subconscious concept of pushing boundaries in an audacious way, this track was an abstract expression and the personality of the song birthed on its own, spoken in riddles. This track implies the unspoken honest things we all do which are often seen as unmannerly or taboo, like going to the toilet or intimacy.
How do you navigate blending various genres like surf-garage, indie-rock and folk in your music?
It comes with not much thought at all, it just comes through that way. I suppose it's a cocktail of all my influences and music tastes intertwined. I think being the young artists i am, i'm not bound to a strict genre or technique, though my writing style might always be like that because each song has its own personality to it and I like having diversity in my music. I think as well now having the band beside me, that influences the sound by their own styles seeping in.
Could you describe your creative process when crafting heavily lyrical songs?
I’m quite an existential person (god help me) haha. In saying that, its partner is humor. I am a very introverted writer. I don't like creating or writing around anyone, i like understanding what i'm saying before sharing it. Songs are commonly created with me in my music room with a guitar or a bass and my emotions.
What role do your bandmates play in shaping the sound and direction of GIMMY’s music?
They are all so talented! Naturally their individual style has bled into the GIMMY sound even with songs I had really clear vision and structure for but am stoked and welcome their touch because it is always mint. Their talents and touch has made some of the songs really come to life in another way! Some songs, i do feel quite strong in remaining how they were initially birthed and others I encourage them to add to it! And for songs like SWEAT (An Australian Summer) & Bathrooms, we wrote those song in an improv jam at practice. So yes the abd are having the most wonderful role is shaping the evolving project.
How do you ensure authenticity and raw expression in your performances and recordings?
For recording , having a comfortable space with a humble, patient sound engineer is really important me for me channel authenticity and maybe the occasional nip of whiskey to calm nerves. Live performance is one of biggest authentic expressions in my life. I can be as chaotic as i want and it be allowed. To remain in that state would be not to think too much, just move and feel the song, not to judge self of looking like a silly goose, just own being the silly goose. Hehe.
What challenges have you faced as a solo artist in the Byron region music scene, and how have you overcome them?
Probably a lack of great venues. There aren’t many venues with taste or style or a welcoming to more mellow solo music. To overcome them, I have been trying to play in local halls and create events at the halls or bowlo’s, to create a different essence and environment.
How does your music reflect your inner world and your thoughts on different topics, as mentioned in your bio?
Everything i sing about is commonly a process i have gone through or seen first hand that i am passionate about. My music is quite intimate and vulnerable to me as it is a mirror art expression of my inner world expressed through the song writing or tone choices.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your live performances where you felt a strong connection with your audience?
New Years eve 2023 at Bangalow bowlo. The place the absolutely bonkers. Everyone was very excited about the new year but i did my first stage dive and it was a pretty surreal feeling trusting the hands under me from my surrounding community. On another intimate note, was at my launch for “SWEAT” I performed a solo song “Where are you going” which is on the upcoming record, inbetween the band set. Everyone sat and listened to intently to whole song without a peep, it felt really special to me.
Can you give us some insight into your local music community, and what you are most proud of?
Most proud of how much talent there is but partnered with how lovely and humble and kind everyone is. Everyone is so encouraging of each other! The community is small but large and there s a bunch of really inspiring awesome people doing so much fun shit!
Are there any other artists, creatives, bands you want to put forward that our readers should get around?
My girlfriend is one, she is the art haha - she is always covered in paint or pushing fashion boundaries. Her name is Alexandra Rees. She is a visual artist and lead singer of a newly formed girl punk band “Royal Ratbags” which i also play in, on the bass. Another would be the fantastic Baby Cool. Marlay Alvaraz & Bessminda, both determined talented visual artists. Golly there are so amnt around here, the list would go on! — Local bands to get around, Love Banana, Pop Radio, Pasi Florez to name a few more!
How does it feel to receive recognition from Triple J and RAGE for your music, particularly for “SWEAT (An Australian Summer)”?
It felt so good to be honest. That particular week they called and asked us to play main stage Splendour in the Grass, was a week of burn out and doubt haha so that couldn't have come at a better time! Felt like fate was whispering “keep going even though you're tired and its a slog sometimes”. Rage is such a privileged platform to be apart of, growing up with Saturday morning rage! So stoked beyond words for all the coverage and support from these platforms.
What can fans expect from GIMMY in the near future, in terms of new music or upcoming performances?
We have our debut album out 1 June!!! We are soe excited to let this baby fly. Followed by a national tour around the country!
Thanks for having GIMMY onboard for some great Q’s!