GEM
Meet Derbyshire-born UK Open Mic performer GEM:
Hi GEM, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:
Do you play solo only, or also in a group?
Solo
How old are you?
27
Where were you born?
Derbyshire
Where did you grow up?
Doncaster
How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)
I grew up in Doncaster, and while the town itself didn’t directly shape my sound, it gave me the grounding and resilience that carried into my music. I first discovered my love for writing through poetry in primary school English classes at the age of nine, which naturally evolved into song-writing. By twelve I was exploring melodies on the keyboard, and at eighteen I picked up the guitar, adding new layers to my creative expression. Uploading my first video at sixteen was a turning point — it wasn’t about chasing success, but about enjoying the process and sharing something authentic. Each stage of my journey, from poetry to instruments to performance, has built the foundation of the artist I am today.
Where are you based now, and why?
Doncaster
What got you into making music in the first place?
I uploaded my first video when I was just 16, and I basically just kept doing it because I enjoyed it! But what really got me into making music in the first place was my English classes when I was 9 in primary school, because that’s when I developed a fascination with poetry and began my song-writing journey. As I grew older, I wanted to explore music more deeply, so at 12 I started playing the keyboard, which gave me a foundation in melody and harmony and helped me bring my lyrics to life. Later, at 18, I picked up the guitar, adding another dimension to my sound and giving me the freedom to experiment with different styles and arrangements. Each step — from poetry to song-writing, from keyboard to guitar — built on the last, shaping the way I create and perform today, and reminding me that my love for music has always been about curiosity, growth, and the joy of expression.
What instrument/s do you play?
Singing
Piano
Piano
Guitar
Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?
Some of my musical influences include :
– Taylor Swift
– Shawn Mendes
– keith Anderson
– Luke Combs
– Ellie King
– Tyler Posey
– Citizen Soldier
Do you write your own songs?
Yes
How many years have you been writing songs for?
What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?
When I write songs, I usually begin with words, since my love for poetry has always been at the heart of my creativity. I’ll often jot down lines or ideas that capture a feeling, and then shape them into lyrics. From there, I experiment with chords on the keyboard, which I started playing at twelve, to find melodies that fit the mood. Sometimes I switch to guitar, which I picked up at eighteen, to give the song a different texture or energy. Other times, I’ll hum or record little fragments and build around them later. My process isn’t rigid — it’s about letting inspiration guide me, whether it starts with a lyric, a melody, or a rhythm, and then layering everything together until it feels complete.
How long have you been playing open mic nights?
0
Why did you get into playing them in the first place?
0
If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?
Yes
What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?
One of the biggest challenges I face in moving my music career forward is finding the right opportunities to share my work with a wider audience. While I love writing and performing, balancing music with everyday commitments can make it difficult to dedicate the time and resources needed to grow. Financial limitations, such as affording studio time or promotion, also play a role, and sometimes it feels like breaking into the industry requires connections that aren’t easy to build. Despite these obstacles, I stay motivated by focusing on the joy of creating and by steadily developing my skills, knowing that each step brings me closer to where I want to be.
What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?
One truth about me that people often find surprising is how much my love for music actually began with poetry rather than instruments. Most assume I picked up a guitar or keyboard first, but in reality it was my fascination with writing poems in primary school English classes at the age of nine that sparked my song-writing journey. From there, I gradually added music into the mix — learning keyboard at twelve, uploading my first video at sixteen, and later teaching myself guitar at eighteen. Because of that, my songs are always rooted in words and storytelling, with the music layered around them, which isn’t the path most people expect when they hear about my journey.
What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?
I’m hoping to begin producing my second album.
Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJF2jzmaQ-o5uJEaIqmdcqg
Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?
@chloegeeson
Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJF2jzmaQ-o5uJEaIqmdcqg
What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?
www.instagram.com/chloegeeson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.instagram.com/chloegeeson/
www.tiktok.com/@chloegeeson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.tiktok.com/@chloegeeson
www.youtube.com/channel/UCJF2jzmaQ-o5uJEaIqmdcqg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.youtube.com/channel/UCJF2jzmaQ-o5uJEaIqmdcqg
soundcloud.com/chloegeesonofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soundcloud.com/chloegeesonofficial
We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?
No thanks!