Artist Spotlight

Gxmini Exclusive interview with Honk Magazine

Gxmini is finding his way to stand out. With his old school inspired vibe mixed with a modern sound; you now have great beats, great lyrics and a great story. He first discovered a love for music from what his parents always played around the house.

Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Gxmini- Growing up I had faced a lot and had started seeing someone to help with my problems. Only then did this person give me a journal to start writing in, which slowly as I listened to more rap, hip hop and r&b in the household (played by my mom) that I started writing smaller poems and then it transitioned into wanting to make music as I found an ability to connect emotionally with the lyrics of those songs played.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

Gxmini- Most interesting thing that has happened to me would have to be doing my first interview followed by a live performance. It was something I’ve always wanted to do and got the opportunity a month ago. A production company by the name of FlegNewZic had reached out and I couldn’t say no. I have done performances before but nothing like this.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Gxmini- One of the funniest mistakes I’ve made on this journey so far would have to be during a performance. I was performing at a local event in my hometown which my mum and dad actually attended. This being my first performance they’ve seen I got nervous and messed up and had forgotten a couple of my lyrics

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

Gxmini- Right now I’m working on building my portfolio of music at which point I will be ready to bring the vision I have for a project to life. Looking to continue to release singles for the rest of 2021 and bring an EP project in 2022. This project was inspired by the same story of how I came to discover a connection to music.

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Gxmini- I have met quite a few artists here in Toronto, Canada. The most interesting person I have met I didn’t disclose I was an artist as well out of respect. This amazing artist was none other than Drake’s friend and RepsUp’s very own Preme, formerly known as PReign. We had met at the local Goodlife Fitness gym, in my neighbourhood where I was working. Wouldn’t say we became best friends but I think I did earn his respect by treating him as a normal human being. I hope we share a laugh about it someday.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Gxmini- I would recommend setting a side YOU time in a schedule. Currently I set a weekly schedule for my studio time and my personal life. It’s allowed me to maintain consistency and happiness, never burning out

You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

Gxmini- I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think like this still to this day. You will make mistakes and maybe even fail a couple times but the growth is absolutely worth it. Can’t remember who said it but it couldn’t be more true; “it’s about the journey, not the destination” focus on the little successes.

Can you share with our readers any self care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.

Gxmini- Typically after a day of work in my personal life I like to write my songs to rid any negativity. In order to get myself into the right mindset I go for a walk in this trail right beside where I live. I find it to be a good place to reset my energy and be near more oxygen to think more clearly.

Most recently thanks to a friend I started to get more into astrology and signs to better understand myself. It’s something that may not be for everyone.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

Gxmini- That it would take a lot of financial investing and how to do that. I had stopped making music 4-5 years ago after doing a mixtape project investing my hard earned money and not seeing results. So having someone tell me how to invest it properly would have been great.

Gxmini- It takes time and rushing as I did will only cause more mistakes. Countless times I had rushed getting into the studio or rushed to get a song done in a 2hr studio session. Going too fast only burnt me out and didn’t allow me to develop my artistry the way I am now.

Gxmini- Wish someone said every song won’t be great and humbled my ego. Maybe I wouldn’t have focused so much on myself and would have networked more by surrounding myself around people who were looking to grow also. I was very selfish, always thinking it was a competition. It’s the opposite of that! Music brings people together, don’t let it tear you and your people apart.

Gxmini- Could have used someone telling me I can’t do it alone, in the studio I always wanted it done my way and didn’t think people understood my process. It was only this year that when I started collaborating and not being selfish I saw growth as an artist and as a person. Can’t do it alone you will always need a support system and people to let you know when you’re out of line.

Gxmini- Last but not least I wish I had someone telling me I will always have things I wish I knew earlier. Everyday in this industry we learn something new. This year has been exceptional when it comes to growth and I know now there will be roadblocks, there will be haters and there will be self doubt. Just have to remain humble as possible.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Gxmini- It would have to be from this movie I watched called The Perfect Getaway the quote reads “Nothing exists until we get there” saying don’t get your hopes up for something that is not for certain. Keeping this in my mind I will never set myself up for disappointment after taking a break on my music due to doubt.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Gxmini- There are absolutely a few people such as my family and friends. One of my old coworkers had me freestyle one day which got me hyped about making music again. Then I met a good friend who I currently work with now as my Creative Director and he has helped me with staying consistent with my creativity. As he knows I tend to steer off course as most creatives tend to do. These two, my close friends and family are the reason I’m here today.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

Gxmini- I would focus on getting involved with helping people going through or have gone through domestic violence. Would provide more clinics for families who may need to escape and need a place to stay. We have them around now but we need more. Would provide outreach programs within schools for students to have a safe space to discuss things like that. It’s not only the adults who face this, a lot of teens do also.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

Gxmini- There is someone I’d like to sit down with and pick their brain, they are not American though. Would love to sit and chat it up with fellow Toronto native Tory Lanez. He’s been a huge inspiration behind my creativity as an artist behind the scenes and getting involved more like editing my own photos, my own blogs and music videos.

The opportunity to thank him and to learn even more from him would be fascinating and a memory of a lifetime.

14 How can our readers follow you online?

Gxmini- You can find me on Instagram at @OnlyGxm and on all major music platforms by searching Gxmini

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Artist Spotlight

CircleKSK ignites an anime-metal collision on “UnBreakable Turn” ft. Anya J

On their exhilarating high-octane track “UnBreakable Turn,” CircleKSK and guest vocalist Anya J aim to combine the technical prowess of Nordic metal with the urgent melodies and dramatic flair of an anime opening sequence. Creating a cinematic and adrenaline-fueled tune with a melodic edge, CircleKSK has risen to prominence as an innovative act.

The deliberate fusion contributes to the single’s captivating nature. J-Pop and anime-song sensibilities contribute emotional hooks and sweeping, catchy lines; precision, dense riffs, and a sense of weight are brought by Nordic metal. Echoing the song’s vivid melodic contours, Anya J’s heroic and personal vocals and demeanor heighten the dramatic impact of the performance. The structure is based on the standard narrative progression: lively, evocative parts leading the way to more somber ones that ground the emotion.

The production relies on contrast so that lighter parts sparkle and heavier parts thud with satisfying force. As if CircleKSK were creating music for the eyes as well as the ears, this piece could serve as the score for a dramatic scene or the music for a violent montage. Not everything is surface-level, though; the emotional core remains. Anthemic and deeply personal, “UnBreakable Turn” combines the vigor of youth with the gravity of experience.

An assuredly inventive single that fearlessly asserts new territory, “UnBreakable Turn” by CircleKSK is sure to please fans of big, dramatic music that isn’t hesitant to mix sweetness and steel, as well as those who enjoy cross-cultural mashups. The single, which has been lauded by curators and tastemakers worldwide, is a strong statement about artists who fearlessly combine cultural genres, showing that passionate J-Pop melodies and intense Scandinavian metal can coexist in one unforgettable track.

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Artist Spotlight

Garth Adam keeps the flame of Journeysong burning with the new single “Three Fires”

Garth Adam‘s latest single, “Three Fires,” evokes a warm dialogue in a subdued studio that is intimate, contemplative, and subtly victorious. Adam candidly discusses the exhilaration of uncovering self-assurance in both himself and his songwriting, and this revelation serves as the driving force of the track. At its essence, “Three Fires” is a straightforward commemoration: the delight in transforming a modest idea into something extraordinary through patience.

Adam’s vocal style resides comfortably within a folk-influenced pop genre, which he characterizes as a blend of Neil Finn and The Lumineers, interspersed with elements reminiscent of Coldplay and James Blunt. The reference point is beneficial yet not confining; “Three Fires” represents Adam’s unique creation, an accessible, melodic composition that prioritizes artistry over novelty. The single, recorded in joyful sessions in Perth with long-time collaborator and producer Melvin Tree, exudes the warmth of musicians collaborating in a circle, with the vintage Studer analog desk imparting an analog glow to the final recording. Melvin, Dave Kelly, and a select group of skilled music students contribute backing vocals that enhance the track with harmony and impart a subtly communal, authentic quality.

The lyrics of the song emphasize Adam’s preferred motifs: travel, journeys, and the subtle transformations that occur during the voyage. However, it is not overly forceful; the songwriting is elegant, transitioning from observation to insight with effortless fluidity. Adam’s delivery conveys satisfaction; he is a songwriter who has witnessed minor concepts evolve into completed songs and has learned to trust that process.

“Three Fires” serves as a testament to the notion that skill and perseverance can transform a mere spark into something luminous. For aficionados of melodic songwriting with an analog essence, Garth Adam’s latest work is a comforting, exquisitely crafted ember to accompany one on their journey. It is a song that encourages repeated, soothing auditory experiences.