For Korean rapper and producer Gemini, 2023 has been a breakout year. Earlier this spring, the singer headlined his first North American tour following the late 2022 release of his EP “Still Blue,” and in March, made the front row rounds at Paris Fashion Week for brands including Amiri, Acne, Zadig & Voltaire and Off-White. He’s already back with new music, releasing his eight-track EP “Love Sick” late last month. And there’s still more to come.
“I’m already working on my next album,” says Gemini post-release, adding that he’s eager to get back on tour. “I’m also going to continue my ‘Still Blue’ tour on other continents. This round will be special because my fans will be able to experience both ‘Still Blue’ and ‘Love Sick.’”
The musician launched his solo career under his stage name, Gemini, in 2020 with the hip-hop label At Area, founded by producer duo GroovyRoom. Since then, he’s released several EPs, starred in Calvin Klein’s 2022 fall APAC campaign, and continues to build up an international fanbase, releasing tracks in both Korean and English.
Below, Gemini discusses the inspiration behind his newest music, upcoming tour plans, and approach to fashion.
Blase, GEMINI, and Gyujeong Park at Off-White Fall 2023 Ready To Wear Runway Show on March 2, 2023 in Paris, France.
Swan Gallet for WWD
What was your intention behind “Love Sick”? Was there a particular theme, or mood, you were hoping to evoke for the listener?
Gemini: I wanted to release music that best suits summer. While traveling abroad, I visited many countries with hot weather. I started listening to songs that matched the weather, and that’s how I got into the Afrobeats. So I felt very natural when I wanted to release an Afrobeats album. I wanted to include remix versions of my fans’ favorites from my past releases too. One of my biggest inspirations was the artist Rema while working on this album.
When did you start working on the album?
Gemini: The process was very quick. I started with “Attention” and it probably took about two months to finish.
You have mentioned that you start with the beat of a song before writing lyrics. What sort of melodies did you find yourself drawn toward for this album?
Gemini: I was searching for something fresh and craving new creative ways to curate the album. My previous work had somewhat warmer melodies. I tried to capture more of a bright and refreshing atmosphere this time. I think that worked well with my sunny weather inspiration.
The album features several other artists. What do you look for in creative collaboration?
Gemini: I was first thinking about which Korean artists were doing Afrobeats. Then I remembered the track “BOLO (Feat. YDG),” which I still listen to, so I immediately reached out to Penomeco. Luckily, he was down to be on it, and I still remember the day I first got his verse. He gave me chills.
For “Attention,” I always wanted to make a track with our label, At Area artists. And when Dawn and Blasé joined, I wanted them to feature on one of my songs. Speaking of At Area, Kwaca is our label’s producer, and he produced my second EP, “Still Blue.” He is a producer, but we all know he has a great voice and can sing. Everyone agreed that having Kwaca on “Run It Back” would be fun, and he obviously killed it.
Kaash Paige for “Inside Out Remix” is a special one. “Inside Out” was the intro track of my first EP, and I’ve always opened my shows with this track. Kaash Paige and GroovyRoom’s Hwimin have known each other for some time now, so I sent the track to Kaash Paige through Hwimin, and she loved it. That’s how the track came out.
What are some highlights from your first North American tour “Still Blue”? What do you enjoy about touring?
Gemini: I was just happy to perform the album in front of my fans. When I perform at festivals, I can’t necessarily perform every track from the album because of time constraints, but it was fun to perform everything I wanted my fans to hear. The tour also inspired me to create more music that creates connection and synergy when I’m on stage and having fun with my fans.
How would you describe your personal style onstage and also offstage? What role does fashion play in your identity as a performer?
Gemini: I try to wear something that has the personality of any of the music that I’m trying to perform onstage. So I wear Amiri a lot. Amiri is my personal favorite and I can find a lot of outfits that fit my set list. Offstage, I like to wear comfortable items like hoodies and shorts. Being comfortable helps me focus solely on making music.
What are some of your goals as a musician and producer?
Gemini: Good music and being an amazing performer that no one would forget. It’s pretty simple but still the most important.
Gage Gomez, Gemini and Songe Park attend the Zadig & Voltaire Fall 2023 show.
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