We caught up with the brilliant and insightful GULES a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, GULES thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Every time I was asked as a child, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I would enthusiastically respond, “A rock star!” I don’t remember a time where I wasn’t tapping rhythms on my mom’s furniture or running around singing impromptu songs about my cats (at home and in public!) Music wasn’t just something I did in my free time, I couldn’t escape it. Growing up, I was involved in every school band, summer band camp, friends bands and anything remotely musical that was around. It wasn’t until high school, when I started writing, playing and studying music with the intention of becoming a professional. All of my friends were looking into collages and careers and honestly, music was my best subject. I struggled with all of the other subjects. Pushing all skepticism about “making it” as a professional in the music industry, I put all my eggs in one basket. I auditioned and went to college for a degree in Studio Composition. I always had a mindset of, I’m going to be a musician.

GULES, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is GULES (pronounced jewels.) I’m a queer indie-jazz artist that strives to push the indie genre into a contemporary revolution. I’d describe my sound as a nostalgic combination of a sad indie romance with the comfort of a warm jazz record. Maybe somewhere between Phoebe Bridgers and Chet Baker. I’ve been writing and producing music since I was 14. I never really stopped. I tried to be involved in all things music around me and expose myself to other musicians making cool art. I took whatever opportunity came to me and worked extra hard hustling to find and create opportunities for myself. Music has lead me to some amazing opportunities and places. I’ve played in renowned venues/clubs and won awards that connected me with amazingly talented people and happenings in the industry. Now, I’m a full-time producer at a recording studio in New York City and create and perform my own music.
I’ve recently collaborated on a music video with a very talented director and friend, Astrid Dong. I wanted to create a video that captured the essence of destruction, stress and sabotage. I pitched the idea of having the video set in a quirky, 1950’s classic American home that gives you the comfortability of being at grandmas house but soon turns into a surreal mind swirl of objects shattering, smoke floating and WEIRDNESS. Astrid took my idea and ran with it. We created a video that is quirky and creepy all at the same time and for that and many other reasons, I am very proud of it. :)

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Be a part of it! Get involved! Art is everywhere in all of our lives. No matter how removed you are from the art community, art has some level of impact on your day-to-day activities. Art is on your commute to work on the build boards along the highway, its the script the host of the podcast you’re listening to is reading and its even the notification alerts on your phone. All of those things are created by artists, in a world where art programs in schools are the first to get de-funded and people are persuaded to choose a career thats “more stable.” Because of this, artists have to be resilient and extremely dedicated. Things like going to local shows, taking local art classes and as silly as it sounds, following local art on social media, really help artists excel in their craft. We consume art all throughout our days. Why make it harder for artists to create?

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Definitely seeing the impact my art can make on someone. Nothing is more satisfying than someone coming up to you after a show and voicing how your art inspired them. My art is an expression of my feelings and emotions so when I find that my feelings have resonated and related with another person, I am overjoyed. It’s a form of bonding. My expression has turned into someone else’s release and comfort. It means the world to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gulesmusic.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gulesmusic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GULESmusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/gulesmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ8ARqKwKw1UhEXqb1K3thg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gulesmusic

Image Credits
Victoria Holt Astrid Dong