We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gisela Lindhorst. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gisela below.
Alright, Gisela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I’m genuinely happy these days as both an artist and a creative professional. Over the past four years, I’ve dedicated myself to honing my craft in music production, studying music business in LA, and creating my debut album. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, but it also presented the challenge of needing a steady income to support my art. I realized that putting financial pressure on my artistic work was burning out my creativity because it became more about survival than passion. To address this, I integrated my diverse skillset into a dual role where I can be a “Multidisciplinary Musician” and an Event Specialist as a Service Manager.
My career as a service manager has allowed me to immerse myself in events, nightlife, and hospitality, giving me valuable insights into the music industry and entertainment. I’ve built a great network, meeting everyone from collaborators to professionals. This experience has not only enhanced my business acumen but also enriched my artistic endeavors. Now, with a steady income from my day job, which aligns with my passion for music and events, I can dedicate resources to my art without the overwhelming pressure of sustaining my life. This balance has been the best decision for me, allowing me to keep improving on both fronts—artistically and professionally.
So, while I sometimes ponder what it would be like to have a more traditional job, which I imagine would be a boring corporate role, I’ve found that blending my creative and professional skills has led to a more rewarding and sustainable path. My day job is in the realm I love, so my work is an investment in long-term know-how that is absolutely applicable to my artistic path. This interdisciplinary approach has been key to my happiness and success. Sometimes, it’s not about not having a day job; it’s more about owning your talents and using them in your favor, in both artistic and professional paths.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Absolutely! I’m Gisela, a vibrant multidisciplinary musician from Chile, known as “OHMYGi,” wearing many hats as a music producer, singer/songwriter, and DJ. My artistic journey has taken me to thrilling heights, including performances at iconic festivals like Creamfields and supporting top artists such as Tiesto. I’m also honored to represent global brands like Converse as a Creative Artist in their All Star Community, where I was the face of their Spring/Summer Campaign in 2023. Beyond the music scene, I’m a seasoned Service Manager with expertise in Event Management, Client Relationships, and Design Thinking, blending my artistic vision with professional acumen to craft unforgettable experiences.
My journey in the Music, Entertainment, and Hospitality industries spans over a decade, during which I’ve evolved into an “Event Specialist & Multidisciplinary Musician,” supported by my O-1B Visa, which recognizes my extraordinary abilities in the arts. I’m particularly excited about my upcoming debut album, Danger in Pink, sponsored by Converse Global, set to be released around the end of the year. The show will be a hybrid experience, featuring both DJ sets and live singing of my songs. This project marks a significant milestone in my career. Additionally, I’m currently releasing my electronic EP Golden Trust, featuring house, progressive, and tech house music, which reflects my versatility and passion for different electronic genres.
What sets me apart is my interdisciplinary approach, combining artistic talents with professional expertise. Bilingual in English and Spanish, I bring dynamic leadership and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of my work. Whether through my music, event management, or client interactions, I strive to create meaningful and memorable experiences. I’m proud of how I’ve integrated my passions for music and events, providing innovative and impactful experiences. For potential clients, followers, and fans, my work is driven by a deep love for the arts and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey!
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Navigating the process of obtaining an O-1B artist visa was one of the most challenging experiences in my career. The journey involved extensive work to create a compelling case, significant financial investment, and a great deal of uncertainty. It was a period of intense effort, and the complexity of the process often left me feeling isolated. During this time, I even wrote a song called “I Believe It” to support and motivate myself through the challenges.
Looking back, I wish I had access to more comprehensive support, online resources, and guidance beyond the legal advice provided by attorneys. Recognizing this gap, I made a promise to myself: if I successfully obtained the visa, I would create a resource to help other creatives and artists facing similar hurdles. I’m excited to share that my manual, titled “ALIENS OF EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY IN THE ARTS: Navigating the O-1B Journey to Your Dream Artist Visa,” is in its final stages of preparation. This guide aims to provide valuable insights and practical advice to assist others in their visa application process. I hope it will serve as a helpful tool for those striving to achieve their dreams. For anyone seeking further support or coaching, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My current focus is on releasing my debut album, Danger in Pink. As an independent artist, I’m fully committed to managing every detail of the release—from the campaign and release parties to press and promotion. I take immense pride in the songs I’ve created, the journey they represent, and the message they convey. This project is the culmination of four years of hard work and passion, and I’m thrilled to present it through a hybrid set that combines DJing and live singing.
Looking ahead, my next goal is to expand my artistic horizons by forming a band to perform the side B of my album, which delves into pop, funk, and R&B genres. This move marks a significant departure from my comfort zone, as I’ve been primarily focused on DJing since I was 19. Embracing live performances with a band is a major step in my growth as an artist, and I’m eager to share the details of this new show proposal as it unfolds. It’s an exhilarating time for me, and I’m excited to bring this new vision to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ohmygi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohmygimusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisela-lindhorst/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeZmPBl3AHn6Q6rexrulvmA
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ohmygimusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tJZaojA5Cc6IpNxhcdeut?si=6U9CEskTTmiwL6bRihszIQ
Image Credits
Antonia Villaseca