With a voice as raw as her lyrics and a sound that defies genre, emerging artist GEM is making waves with her debut single Hurt To Exist. More than just an introduction to her artistry, the track is an emotional gut punch—an unfiltered exploration of inner turmoil, resilience, and the messy beauty of growth. Raised on a rich tapestry of music, from Massive Attack to Iron Maiden, GEM channels a genre-blending energy that is as fearless as it is honest.
In this exclusive interview with Urbanista Magazine, GEM opens up about the deeply personal experiences that shaped Hurt To Exist, the cathartic process behind her songwriting, and the journey she’s embarking on with her forthcoming EP, Overthinker. From her early memories sailing along the Turkish coast to confronting the harsh realities of the music industry, GEM speaks with vulnerability, clarity, and purpose. Get ready to dive into the mind of an artist who isn’t just making music—she’s building a movement rooted in truth, experimentation, and emotional liberation.
GEM, ‘Hurt To Exist’ is your debut single. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and what motivated you to release it first?
I wasn’t really inspired to write Hurts To Exist. It was more so a need to express my pain and my struggles without constraint. The experiences were there, the feelings and turmoil I speak about are part of me and my daily life, so it was a matter of finding a way to get my point across without confusing people, which proved to be harder than you’d think! The reason for releasing it first was simply because it was the start of the journey I’m describing throughout “Overthinker”. I will say, the second track was the most challenging for me, so stay tuned!
Your sound blends various genres, from rock to electronic. How would you describe your music, and what influences have shaped your style?
Before I give any specific names that influenced my current style, I need to give credit to my dad, as I’ve done many times before. Had I not been exposed to such a wide variety of amazing music, I might have never even heard of some of the artists that inspired me to create without limitations or hang-ups about how my work “should” sound. I vividly remember listening to Massive Attack with him, wondering how in the world they created a sound so unique and mesmerising. Dire Straits, Peter Gabriel, Frank Zappa, Eminem (who I think I mention every single time I get a chance!), Kanye West, Missy Elliott, Tech N9ne, Iron Maiden, Gorillaz, Muse, Quincy Jones, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Etta James are a few names that inspired my style. I should mention, this list could go on forever since I actively seek out new sonic elements, styles and artists daily.
In ‘Hurts To Exist’, you tackle themes of self-doubt and inner conflict. What role does music play in helping you process these emotions?
Music is the main way, sometimes even the only way I can express myself without getting stuck in my head. As freely and fearlessly I make music, I’m just as hypercritical and controlling towards myself day-to-day. I avoid expressing or allowing myself to even process certain emotions in my daily life, especially anger. Music takes away the guilt and hesitation that cripples me otherwise. I also find myself relieved when I finish writing a song because it’s often a cathartic and eye-opening process for me.
Growing up in a household where music transcended labels, how did that impact your own approach to songwriting and creating music?
As mentioned before, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today if it weren’t for the exposure. To be more specific, it made me endlessly curious and willing to experiment in order to find the sound/style/lyrical themes that align with my vision. I learned to listen attentively, looking for the slightest details that make a song stand out, which pushes me to dig deeper and execute my idea with clear intention. It could be as specific as a vocal technique, or I could discover a new artist that inspires me and explore their style, identifying common elements that they use to express themselves.
The track has such a raw emotional core. What was it like for you to put such personal struggles into a song, and how do you deal with vulnerability in your music?
It was nerve-wrecking initially, because I was told all the stereotypical (and completely untrue) “requirements” that artists are told to accommodate. As a newcomer and a female artist, I was told that I had to be sexy (which almost always means I should show more skin, look more feminine, make happy songs about love and partying etc.), I had to make “pop music”, dark songs were a big no-no, you know, the usual. That was part of the reason why I made it a point to be as vulnerable and honest as possible. One of my goals (and in my opinion, one of my responsibilities) as an artist is to share my struggles, to start a real conversation about creativity and mental health in this industry. So I had to set the example not only in my work, but by surrounding myself with people who didn’t want to dictate me, but wanted to support and guide me to execute my project in the best way possible. A large portion of artists create because it’s our outlet, our therapy, at times it could even be our lifeline. My hope is that each of us can create freely without letting ourselves get caught up about “what sells”.
You’ve spoken about your upcoming EP ‘Overthinker’. What can listeners expect from this project, and how does ‘Hurt To Exist’ fit into that broader narrative?
Hurts To Exist is the beginning of the story, and it sets up the whole journey with a climactic ending, which is why it’s abrupt and intentionally set up to leave listeners wanting more. The rest of Overthinker will be a sonic expression of how I experience different emotions and lyrical themes. I’ll continue addressing rage, self-destruction, insecurity, resilience, control, self-doubt etc. and will get darker before we see some light at the end of the tunnel. Later on in the story, some more positive aspects will come into play. Some themes will be acceptance, self-compassion, healing, finding confidence in your imperfections, self-awareness, responsibility and emotional maturity.
The ocean is a recurring theme in the visuals for ‘Hurt To Exist’. Why is the ocean so significant to you, and how does it tie into the song’s message?
We go to the south of Turkey, travelling from bay to bay with a very small sailing boat that my father still has to this day, ever since I was 3 months old. I grew up with the fondest memories on that boat and in those waters. When I started coming out of the period I’m describing in Hurts To Exist, I found that freediving and filming what I see was extremely therapeutic. Even though the constant battle with the need to take a breath can be frustrating, I learned to focus on my surroundings, respect my physical limitations and calm myself instead of turning it into yet another battle within. I came to enjoy the solitude and even the challenge of being in such a different environment full of life. Every encounter with a marine animal taught me respect, whether they were dangerous, interactive, elusive or strikingly beautiful. Perhaps what I just described is how I think it reflects Hurts To Exist. The ocean, especially the dark depths of the ocean, is where life originated, and even though there is a very limited food supply and no light, it’s also one of the most biodiverse environments in nature. Just like my journey started in Hurts to Exist. The ocean (or seas) can be intimidating and dangerous, it’s damaged yet beautiful, peaceful and resilient. That’s how I would describe coming out of my rock bottom.
Your music has a real cathartic energy. How do you hope listeners will connect with ‘Hurt To Exist’, and what kind of emotions or reactions are you hoping to evoke?
Obviously I hope they want to hear more! I didn’t approach this song with any expectations, however, I did want people to pick up on the contrast between the song and the visuals, and I hoped it would be thought-provoking.
You’ve hinted at pushing boundaries with your upcoming work. Are there any specific risks you’re excited to take with your future music?
I think the biggest risk is over, which was taking on the financial and mental weight of creating, strategizing and promoting my music which as a newcomer artist from Turkey is much more difficult than people might think. The biggest creative risk is also blending different styles and elements that can even be contrasting without it being confusing or unpleasant for listeners. A risk that I have no problem taking!
Looking ahead, what’s next for you as an artist? Are there any collaborations or live performances we should be keeping an eye out for?
Yes and no. There is one project that I am very excited to be a part of, which will be in Turkish and musically very innovative. I unfortunately can’t say more, but I do believe it will hopefully be released this year. I have a few other collaborations still in talks for this year, but I am mainly going to be focused on “Overthinker” until the whole EP is out. I was immensely lucky that somehow how actress and producer Carla Seneca heard Hurts To Exist, and contacted me about using it in their latest production. So now, by some miracle, my debut single will also be in a motion picture by Overlook Entertainment, in the movie “D.O.E.” directed by Sam Medina. Special thanks to both of them for their support! I haven’t planned any live shows, and I probably won’t actively plan anything until the entire EP is out, but I am always open to it.
