From Seoul, With Love.
INTERVIEW BY VISUAL TALES
August 2023
Talent: GEMINI 제미나이
Photographer: Henry Lou
Grooming: Mina An
Styling: John Tan for Visual Tales
Looks are from Amiri Spring/Summer 2023 Collection @mikeamiri
Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2023| Custom MichaelJaekoon Kim
Custom look by Michael Jaejoon Kim
GEMINI 제미나이: Touring and performing on stage was so much fun. It was my first tour, and I felt many aspects could have been better. If I go on the next tour, I believe I'll be able to present an even better performance as a gift to my fans. Honestly, I didn't have much opportunity to perform in Seoul. I had more chances to perform outside of Korea, so I'm planning to have a concert in Seoul.
VT: How did your love of music and performing come to be? Is becoming a successful recording artist in Korea differ from achieving success in the US?
G: I've loved music ever since I was young. I always watched MTV at home, listened to new music, and enjoyed singing. I think that's how I naturally became immersed in music. Naturally, that may be why I've dreamed of becoming an artist ever since and finally achieved it. The trigger point that made me fall in love with performing was during my US tour. As I interacted with many fans, I felt excitement and joy. And when my concerns while preparing for the stage turned into cheers and applause, it felt like a rewarding sensation, which fueled even more passion in me. There's nothing much different being an artist in Korea or the US. Music is a universal language, and everybody can listen to music in many other places.
VT: Touring: I am sure there are hysteria and unusual tales of being on the road. Can you share with us some memorable moments?
G: It went by so quickly that the only thing I remember is that all the shows were special and memorable. Meeting my fans in person is always grateful.
VT: We are so pleased to be able to feature you in Amiri and we took note that you have a special relationship with the brand. You attended as a VIP guest at their recent SS2024 show in Paris. What do you love most about wearing Amiri?
G: The brand Amiri caught my attention when the brand's clothing styles started to change. I've always thought that my outfit must suit the music, and I feel like Amiri goes well with my music. That's why I try to wear Amiri when I perform on stage.
G: The music I'm releasing in August, and the following are Afrobeat songs. It's a genre I've liked for a long time, so I always wanted to try it. It will be a fun project with a bit of remix and a bunch of new songs too, so stay tuned for the summer.
VT: What do you enjoy most about being a recording artist? Are there aspects of the industry you wish it could change?
G: Making a living out of something I love is the happiest thing. I love how I can express my thoughts and feelings through different kinds of music, depending on my mood.
VT: How do you envision your future as a performer/recording artist?
G: I’ve made so much music that I didn’t get to release yet, so I can’t wait to bring these into the world and share it with everyone. And with this music, I’m going to go on a tour and show an everlasting memorable performance to my fans.
VT: If you could perform with any other artist as a possible collaboration, who would you choose and why?
G: Keshi. Listening to his music makes me calm, and I feel like we have so much in common. I already made a song that I want to work on together.
VT: For the fans, what would you like them to get out of listening to your music/videos?
G: I hope we can connect emotionally through music. After all, I didn't make all this music to listen to alone. It's about sharing and connecting with others.
VT: Who are some artists you personally like to listen to and get inspiration from? Which song you would love to have said, I wish I wrote this?
G: Dominic Fike is one of my most listened-to artists. I get a lot of inspiration from his music and visuals. I don’t have a specific song I wish I had written, and I’m proud of what I wrote. I will keep working on some new stuff and hope somebody can look up to me and get influenced too.
VT: Best advice someone else has given you and you would like to pass it on.
Custom look by Michael Jaejoon Kim
Special thanks to:
Angela Mach at Platform PR, GEMINI, Henry Lou for their creative collaboration, Mike Amiri and the LA team at Amiri, Mo Njie, Harrison Kallner, Laura Gittoes and John Wong at PR Consulting; Anthony Demetrius and Devan Wallace at Louis Vuitton for their generous support.
From Seoul, With Love.