GIMI about normalizing the queer narrative through music
“I write songs from a queer narrative. I want to tell stories to create awareness on LGBTQ+ issues, but also normalize the queer experience by writing songs about everyday stuff like love, coming of age and heartbreak,”
Queer artist and producer, GIMI is Kosovo-born but raised in Denmark and currently calls the United Kingdom home. Preferring to go by his stage name, GIMI has recognized his identity from a young age.
“I’ve been aware of my identity since the age of 5. Not knowing exactly what it was, but knowing it was different,” he said. “The older I got the clearer it got. It was tough – especially around the age of 13-16, where I was trying to come to terms with my sexuality.”
Until he came out in his late teens, first to friends and then later to family, he felt the burden of hiding in the closet.
“Keeping the secret in for so many years was very hard mentally, but once I started to accept myself and come out to the people around me,” said GIMI. “It felt like a huge weight had come off my shoulder.”
His identity helps him to connect with people like him, which is something he enjoys but also allows him to be completely open in his music and not have to hide.
“Being able to connect to queers around the world mean so much to me. Being able to write and tell stories that people can relate to means everything to me,” added GIMI. “It means I can express myself and be authentic.”
More than just connecting, he aims to take his music beyond a connection and give LGBTQ+ folks the ability to simply be in the world.
“I write songs from a queer narrative. I want to tell stories to create awareness on LGBTQ+ issues, but also normalize the queer experience by writing songs about everyday stuff like love, coming of age and heartbreak,” said GIMI.
The producer, influenced by ANOHNI, Lorde, Lana Del Rey and early 00’s MTV hopes to work with SOPHIE one day. As a queer individual, he holds himself and the people he works with to a high standard.
“I always aim to work with people who get my vision and who understand my narrative – and my band is no exception,” said GIMI.