Gnarly celebrates having confidence in your creativity
"I hope that having my platform both online and in real life situations, whether that’s in the studio or at shows, helps to make it easier for others like me to feel like it’s a space they can be in too."
In celebration of Women's History Month, we spoke with Gnarly, a finger-drummer and multi-instrumentalist whose unique blend of influences create a sound unlike any other.
Taking inspiration from genres such as hip hop, funk, soul and UK bass music, and always infusing her own Sri Lankan heritage, Gnarly's music, performance, and creativity are a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of artists. Read on to find out more about her current creative tools and how she hopes that her presence inspires other to take up instruments and create without fear.
Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a little about your journey in music?
I’m Gnarly, a music producer, finger drummer, and creator from London.
I started playing piano when I was 6 and picked up a few other instruments along the way at school and beyond. (including guitar, bass, and more recently drum kit and hand pan)
I’m most known for my finger drumming beat videos, performing beats live using sample one shot chops on a variety of pad controllers.
I’ve been producing music for nearly 20 years, starting at school and going on to study Sound Arts and Design at university.
What inspired you to pursue a musical career, and how has your artistic style evolved?
I’ve always wanted to do music since I can remember. When I started learning how to make beats it was because I used to rap and write songs and wanted to create my own instrumentals. I quickly became more interested in producing and learning about music tech. I’ve always been a bit of a multi-genre producer drawing inspiration from my extremely eclectic taste in music. I’d get bored too easily if I stayed in one lane so I like switching it up and making whatever I’m in the mood to make. Finger drumming has been a real game changer for me in this sense, being able to translate what I’m feeling musically at the touch of a pad and being able to perform my ideas live.
The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Accelerate Action” — What does that mean to you, and how does this take shape in your own work?
I would interpret Accelerating Action as taking your ideas and making them happen. Like many artists in the early stages of their music career, I struggled to decide on goals, direction, getting started and finishing projects. It’s something that took years for me to work on and develop personally and professionally. My ethos is don’t be afraid to succeed. Don’t aim for perfection just start, make something and try to improve on your ideas in the next project.
What is your usual production setup like, and what are your favorite or essential pieces of gear needed for live performances or in the studio?
My essential equipment in my studio is a laptop, a Tascam model 12 mixer/audio interface (it lets me plug in lots of synths, instruments, and mics when I need to), and any pad controller, although my favorite for workflow is probably Maschine MK3. I have Focal CSM50 monitors, but I tend to favor using headphones when I’m working on stuff - the AIAIAI TMA2 Wireless+ are absolute game changers and a must for any studio. Being able to have wireless headphones that are latency-free! I do love my Seaboard 2 and Kontrol S88 for keys, but lately, I’ve been favoring the Akai MPK mini plus as it’s small and really easy to set up. I love my OP-1 Field and EP–133 K.O. II for making beats when I’m traveling, and the Maschine+ for live shows, great workflow for finger drumming— that’s all I need to take with me.
Your music blends various genres, including future beats and UK bass music. How do you approach genre fusion in your work?
Be confident in your taste and decisions, my first point of reference is does it sound good? If ‘yes’, then great. If not, then change something. Analytically listen to what you’re creating and find sounds, chords, beats that work well together. Also I try to not be afraid of scrapping an idea I don’t think is working and start again even if I’ve spent a few hours on it already.
You have participated in collaborations with spoken word artist Nikita Gill combining modern music technology with mythological stories from South Asian women’s perspective. You have also performed at festivals like DialledIn which celebrate the music of the South Asian diaspora.
These spaces are essential in giving presence to voices and narratives of different cultural backgrounds in the music industry. What was your experience working on these projects and how you hope to see them develop in the future?
I love the show that Nikita and I created together, we are working on a full recording of the original 45 minute show to release as an album, while also working on a new exciting project together. It was always difficult to find spaces I belonged in growing up as a South Asian woman in music and I still often find I might be the only one from my background in a lot of professional situations. I hope that having my platform both online and in real life situations whether that’s in the studio or at shows helps to make it easier for others like me to feel like it’s a space they can be in too.
Your educational background includes a BA (Hons) in Sound Arts and Design. How has formal education influenced your career, and what actions can academic institutions take to support and accelerate women's advancement in music technology fields?
Personally I don’t think it’s that important to have a formal education in music unless you want to learn super technical stuff like engineering. I think my education helped me to learn structure, planning and how to meet deadlines but most of the learning and creative growth as an artist came from myself and my efforts in learning, practice and experience gained outside of the academic environment.
Reflecting on your journey, what personal actions have been most effective in changing the landscape of music and performance for yourself, and what advice would you give women making their way in music?
Practice, practice, and more practice. There are no shortcuts! You just have to put in the time and the effort. Do it with intention, because you want to and because you love it. If you do it for yourself then it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. I think it’s that mindset that takes the pressure off creating for me and putting my work out there.
What’s next for you? Are there any projects you’re currently working on that we can look forward to later this year or soon?
There should be some new music releases on the horizon this year!
Follow Gnarly on Instagram for the latest news and updates on her new releases, and learn more about her work on her official website.
