A Quick Chat with gemma ylana

Congrats on the release of ‘Stub(born)! Can you tell us a bit about the song?

Thank you so much! I’m so excited to finally have this song out in the world - I've been holding it close to my heart for a long time. This track is a reflection of myself, and how I always stay true to what I believe in. 

Tell us about the decision to change your artist name from Gemma Navarrete.

When I first started writing and releasing music, I wasn’t too keen on a stage name, but also found that using my name wouldn't work long term. Recently, I've wondered if there is a way I can create a name that still reflects me - and I started brainstorming.

Alana is my middle name, but I didn’t like Gemma Alana. Then I tried Gemma Ylana, and loved the way it sounded. I sat on it for a few months, I would draw it, say it, type it out and eventually I became really set on it!

I ended with gemma ylana - i like the way it looks all lowercase. This name still reflects me, but isn’t as hard to spell as Navarrete (i hope.)

What Western Sydney artists should we have on our playlist?

ooOOooo great question! I love Vv Pete, Ashli, Wytchings & Pa777ence

You teamed up with Chelsea Warner for this one. How was that process?

So nice! Chelsea and I met back at uni and have been making music together since then! She’s such a dedicated and thoughtful producer and always knows how to make an artist feel really special. It’s such a gift of hers. She’s known about this song for years, so it felt so full circle making it with her. 

What was the first gig you ever went to?

I think it was Beyonce when I was 11 or 12…and I'd just gotten over having Chicken Pox so I looked CRAZY in photos with my face full of dots and poorly applied foundation.

Dream collab?

Doja Cat!

What’s in store for the rest of 2024?

Another single… then an EP!