gnash

There is something rare and captivating about an artist who can produce music that not only contains catchy beats and heartfelt lyrics but can also make listeners feel incredibly understood and less alone in the world. gnash broke the Billboard charts in 2016 with his song "i hate u, i love u", recorded with artist Olivia O'Brien. Since that release, gnash felt there was still work to be done with his growth as an artist; new music that he not only needed to write, but we, as a people, needed to hear. His latest album we was released in January of this year with a mission statement of “if we feel together, then we’ll feel better."

Although recorded in Los Angeles, arguably one of the most competitive music hot spots in America, we wasn't created with the underlying motivation of fame.

gnash has never had a goal of making a number one hit, but rather creating music that helps him find a better sense of self while simultaneously helping those who listen. This dislike of competitiveness in the music industry caused him to lean towards collaborating with friends. After coming to Nashville he found a new writing experience, one that lacked creating music with the sole purpose of making a hit and instead with the pure intent of creating beautiful art. "I'd say the core difference is not a negative thing...there is just a difference in energy when someone walks into the room." He goes on to say, "That's why I liked having this balance of Nashville and LA because at the end of the day, of course, I want my music to be successful because that is how the most people will hear it. So I could write beautiful music here in Nashville, then go back to LA and get it checked by the more commercial vibe of things, then come back here, and so on."

His collaborations with other artists such as Olivia O'Brien and MAXX have come together extremely organically based off of friendships, and they want to give each other respect as not only artists but as people. Even as gnash grows in his solo career, his humbleness and gratitude towards the talented producers and artists he has worked with shines clearly in the way he talks about them and the performance of those songs on stage. Those songs such as “Lights Down Low” and “i hate u i love u” have paved an avenue for gnash, filled with honesty and vulnerability. "I am so thankful for MAXX for helping me in a time where I needed time to create and get my head straight," he said.

Even with a few headlining tours under his belt, gnash says that this tour almost feels like his first one ever. Since his 2016 release of the EP us, gnash states that Garrett has grown as a person more than ever and that his transformation has ricocheted directly into his music as gnash. Although he has loved his past songs, the songs on his newest release are pieces that he is incredibly proud of because of the directness and authenticity he has poured into them. With songs like “pajamas” where he sings about wanting to stay in your PJ’s all day because the world can sometimes be too much, or “ dear insecurity” which reflects on breaking down the walls in your life that have previously held you back, his main goal was to be honest with his fans about what he has gone through. To put it simply, “Garrett grew up over the last few years. I bought a house, I am proud of the person I am now, I am seeing a therapist and am heading towards brighter and happier days. And I think that transformation really shows on this album."

This album and tour had one main goal; leave those who hear his music live or listen through their headphones at home in their pajamas feel better than they did before they heard it. As a strong advocate for mental health awareness, gnash feels like if he didn't talk about what he is going through and the struggles he has faced, he would be lying to his fans. "It's just a part of life, we are so obsessed with these little devices that we keep in our pockets and we constantly have other people's opinions in our faces... so my way of dealing with this is going on tour and asking people to be present with me, asking people to meditate. Because I really think it helps". By telling others what is going on in his head, whether online or on stage, gnash allows his concerts to be a pocket of peace in an otherwise hectic world. At the end of the day, gnash is "incredibly thankful for people taking the time to be with me and spend time with me".

gnash is currently on tour for his newest album we, and loving every second of it. Be sure to check out his incredibly honest and addicting creation of music.

Photos + Story by Ali Miller