With a strong understanding of the inner workings of the culture of the music scene in Europe and a passionate student of the music itself, it was only a matter of time before GIGEE was ready to present her artistry to the world. This time is now.
A gap year in Paris at the start of the decade was the defining moment that truly kick-started GIGEE’s musical path. Exploring the vibrant underground culture of the French capital opened her ears (and mind) to the magic within the music. She has already left a mark on the dance world with key appearances alongside Metronomy, Andy Butler of Hercules and Love Affair as well as 99Souls and Rebekah. She has performed in cities as diverse as Paris, Jakarta & Warsaw and her understanding of the different cultures within each city resonates clearly with the musical selections she pursued.
Her long list of successful projects beyond the clubs she has performed in only further confirms her dedication to the music culture. From being a finalist in the ‘Red Bull-And-Battle’ to being awarded ‘Best Bassline’ for her production efforts with Indaba Music, GIGEE certainly understands music production. She also runs a creative agency ‘In The Sound We Trust,’ and served in developing the music scenography for ‘The Voice of Poland’.
With a brand-new debut EP Reborn Pulse released in October on Berlin’s favourite Katermukke, featuring GIGEE’s tried and tested darker Techno and Progressive aesthetic, and many collaborations in the works with talented musicians globally, GIGEE is moving quickly in the production realm. We got the chance to talk to GIGEE ahead of her the Reborn Pulse release.
WWD: Hi Paulina, Thanks for taking the time to sit with us! Where in the world are you and what are you up to at the current moment?
Hey, thank you for having me! Well, it’s a quite interesting moment in my life, I feel like I’ve just finished the old process, saying goodbye to my past and hello to the new, like a fresh start for everything that surrounds me. At this particular moment, however, I’m in my hometown in Warsaw, preparing to fly-out ahead of my upcoming Asia Tour.
WWD: What inspired you in your production? What have you learnt along this new path to what is now GIGEE, as distinct from everything you have done before?
It certainly depends on my mood but I always kind of knew how I wanted my music to be delivered and I always had so many ideas running through my head and I still have these. I didn’t want to limit myself or put myself in a box but sometimes you need to decide what is your real calling within you, and mine is techno.
WWD: Tell us a bit about your creative process in general; how does a day in the studio go for GIGEE, and do you have a methodology around producing and DJing?
Most of the time it comes spontaneously, one day I feel like I have to record something that is looping in my head, another day I feel empty, and unable to develop anything special or maybe nothing that I want to share with the world. So it’s something that couldn’t have been really planned in my case. On the other hand, I spend hours of digging into new music, browsing for new tracks for my upcoming shows etc. but it also can be challenging to find new, good tracks every single week.
WWD: Who are some other stalwarts you hope to work with some time, and why?
Ha! The list is endless. There is something in so many DJ’s and producers that I admire but If I had to pick someone – I have always dreamt of playing alongside Solomun or Carl Cox and I could only imagine what it would be like to produce a track with Paul Kalkbrenner as I’m a major fan of his productions.
WWD: You have mentioned having an inner passion for techno and the artists you would love to play alongside but what about now, how would you describe your music and it’s sound?
To be honest, It all begins with certain loop replaying in my head to start, and then I’m just adding more and more elements to it. Progression and horns are kinda my guilty pleasures.
I wish I could tell you some magic tips but I guess most of the production processes develop like this.
WWD: What would be your dream label to work with in the future?
Maybe my own hahaha (laughing)…
WWD: You have had a pretty interesting path in your career so far, how has this been reflected in your musical taste and it’s development?
Thank you, It’s been a very intense year so far — things have just gained more and more momentum consistently!
But I’ve learned a lot about myself and I could see how my tracks are changing and growing alongside my own development. I’ve been travelling a lot, felt genuinely interested in many cultures so I’m picking what inspires me the most and that becomes manifested in my music. In many ways, I see music as a universal bridge of communication with the world.
WWD: If you were not doing music, what career or passion would you be pursuing?
I have asked myself this question a few times over the years… When I was a child I was very much into sport, I was massively into playing tennis and football. I was taking football seriously especially but suddenly I experienced quite a nasty injury so that obviously never went ahead and now you probably wouldn’t ever guess I had anything in common with the sport before! So I guess I’m in the exactly right place and I definitely don’t regret the path I’ve chosen…
WWD: You like to make and play music pretty organically and hands-on, it seems. What’s your current studio setup like, at the moment? Gear you can’t live without while producing? New items you’re excited about?
Well I like to begin with sound designing and every track has a special meaning for me, so I try a lot of new stuff and features to find the sound I want. I like exploring new tools. Aside from this, the absolute basic for me is – my midi keyboard, DAW and mic, with which I could record anything and loop it or cut it the way I like.
And headphones…of course.
WWD: What’s coming up for GIGEE down the road?
Apart from the Reborn Pulse EP which I am currently releasing with Katermukke Records and I am incredibly excited to see how it goes, there will be other releases in the near future. Alongside this, I will be announcing a touring schedule, where I could inspire myself to develop new creative concepts and move forward with existing projects.
I’m also moving to Paris at the end of the year so that’s what’s on my mind a lot these days. I’m way beyond excited to see what the future holds!
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