Ginesse
Photo credit: Elizabeth Miranda
Los Angeles-based artist Ginesse has released her debut EP Somewhere To Die.
Produced by Matias Moras and co-written with Mia Minichiello, the EP explores subjects like nostalgia, undiagnosable emotions, repressed anger, and shame.
“LA can be a lonely place. The 'Somewhere To Die' EP is about the people who have stuck around though it all and helped changed my point of view of my life experiences. These people saved my life and made my music possible. For that, I am forever grateful. Truth is though, this is just one chapter of my life; this is the start and I can’t wait to see what happens."
Distinguished and unique, Somewhere To Die is a record you’d want to play on repeat.
Photo credit: Elizabeth Miranda
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Where do I even start! I was born in Michigan but moved around a ton as a kid. I was so shy that my teachers were always having to pressure me into making friends because all I wanted to do was sing or write short stories instead. I started acting as a kid because I became obsessed with performing in front of people. I didn’t have a ton of success at first, mostly because I was doing a lot of theater and I didn’t really feel like it fit me. Now, I work on a soap opera (The Young and The Restless), which I love, but I also still feel like such an outsider. I’ve ended up leaning into music because it’s the one place I can really be whoever I want to be.
How would you define Ginesse, the artist?
Ginesse is me and all my different personalities. With Ginesse, I can be whoever I want to be. I've been trying to get into the destruction of "self,” as a concept, and I think music has been my way to explore that.
You’ve just released your debut EP Somewhere To Die — how does it feel like to release it?
I’m incredibly nervous! I’ve been holding onto these songs for so long, so releasing ‘Somewhere To Die’ feels as if I'm shedding my armor. Anyone who listens to the EP now has a piece of me. I have a gigantic fear of being perceived, but I am excited for this journey to begin!
When did you start working on this project? Who helped you create it? Could you describe the songwriting/production process?
The EP was produced by Matias Moras and I co-wrote the songs with Mia Minichiello. We all started working together almost 6 years ago. We’ve written so many songs together over the years that I think Matias was ready to murder me if I didn’t start releasing something! We went through so many different vibes and sounds, but I think we’ve now found a groove that really fits together.
What are the main themes that this EP discusses?
Nostalgia, undiagnosable emotions, repressed anger, and shame. The EP journeys through different experiences I've had with lovers and friends that have plagued my mind. It's really a release, in more ways than one!
Any favorite memory from making the EP?
I think hearing the songs for the first time in my car driving home from the studio was always my favorite part. It helped me to imagine someone else listening to it for the first time.
What do you like the most about this EP?
I love how much time we took to make it sound right. Even though each song basically only took one day to write, we worked extensively on every song in order to create the best version. It was nice to work with people who care about the final product as much as I do.
What made you want to name your EP Somewhere To Die?
It was a gut instinct. We talked so much about life, that this EP felt like a resting place. It was an ego death for me as I opened the music up to the world.
What did you learn about yourself through the creation of Somewhere To Die?
I learned about how much anxiety I have around perception and creation. I'm an intense perfectionist and I had no idea! I'm usually such a mess that I had just assumed I was that way with art too.
What do you want to accomplish professionally and personally?
I would love to continue to learn more — everyday, all the time. I want to be open to new experiences and learn to let go.
What major life lesson have you learned this year?
That no matter what plans you have, the universe has a much different idea.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
For everyone to be aware of themselves in a kind and loving way. Empathy is amazing, but not everyone is capable because we are all so busy being incredibly critical of ourselves. How can you give love without truly experiencing it for yourself?
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
First, be kind. Second, fuck the rest.
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