Few stories are as compelling as that of an artist who has leaped over gates that have barred most others. Emblematic of the vision, talent, and resilience that it takes to turn dreams into reality, the success of GASHI has been as inspirational as it is captivating. Striving to channel his experiences into timeless music, the New York artist is in the latest stage of his journey as he has just released his newest single “Broken Sign,” which is available on all platforms now.
Venturing into the world of contemporary country, the New York visionary showcases his talent and soul as the lyrical and vocal efforts of “Broken Sign” evoke a truly powerful melancholic feeling, capable of resonating with any listener. Days before release, EARMILK was fortunate enough to speak with GASHI regarding his newest music in addition to a variety of other topics to give us a deeper insight into where he stands at this point in time. As the interview reached its end, it was evident to us that many of the most iconic moments of GASHI’s story are still yet to come.
I remember first hearing you 7 years ago when “Disrespectful” had just been released. I instantly looked deeper into your story, and I found out that you were doing music for about another 7 years beforehand! Now that you’re well-over a decade deep into your career, what does it mean to you to be a truly seasoned and established force in modern music?
Fourteen years in the music industry has been a journey through highs and lows. I’ve experienced moments of luck and success, but it was the tough times that truly shaped me. I’ve been signed to LAVA records then got dropped, and signed again, ultimately working with Roc Nation under Jay-Z’s management, and RCA, where I earned millions. Yet, despite the success, I felt like a killer whale trapped in SeaWorld—too big for the confines of the industry’s pool. I grew weary of taking direction from those who hadn’t tasted true success in the music business, often A&Rs who once dreamed of being artists but gave up.
That’s when I decided to take control of my own destiny and founded ORCA Sound Records. The name, ORCA, represents not just the animal but also my independence—Off RCA. Building this company from the ground up has been incredibly rewarding, knowing that I’m creating something my family can rely on for generations, and that I now own my masters. Also I signed a new kid named AlexSucks – that was fun.
This feels like the perfect time for an artist like me, who has invested so much over the years, to finally enjoy the fruits of the tree I planted so long ago.
You have previously referred to yourself as a “departure artist,” which you have essentially said is someone who departs from old ideas to explore new ones. The contemporary-country direction of your upcoming album “Brooklyn Cowboy“ is a shining example of this. Can you walk us through the process of how you were able to transition into this very new and different sound of yours?
I always had a tendency to move on from albums quickly, constantly driven by the urge to explore what’s next. The Brooklyn Cowboy project, which began in 2020, has been a four-year journey. During that time, I had been fighting for my freedom from my label, and now, that freedom is finally here.
When I created Stairs, I noticed that sound was quickly picked up by many artists—no names mentioned, respectfully. Then came the GASHI album, and once again, that sound was widely emulated. After that, I released 1984, an album with an ‘80s vibe, and soon, everyone was making ‘80s albums. Now, it just so happens that everyone’s exploring country music. We shall wait and see what comes next.
I’m excited to release this album and look forward to the journey ahead, eager to see where the next chapter takes me.
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Speaking of “Brooklyn Cowboy,” you are releasing a song off of it called “Broken Signs” this Friday. What was it about this track that inspired you to make it one of the lead singles for the album?
“Broken Sign” is a song I performed at my sold-out show in LA, and when a video of it leaked online, the response was overwhelming. Seeing how much it resonated with people, I decided it should be released as a single.
The song was inspired by someone I was dating during the pandemic. I would drive to see her, and every time, I’d pass a broken stop sign on the way to her place. That sign became a symbol of our connection, and though we’re no longer together, I still love and miss her.
Your projects often tend to address very intimate and personal themes, and we have heard a lot of that in the singles which you have recently dropped. What can listeners expect to learn that is new about you with the upcoming music?
I want people to learn more about me. Many know that I was born in Africa, was a refugee, and traveled through many countries before arriving in America, where I worked as a garbage man before landing my record deal. But there’s so much more to my story that I hope people will uncover—especially the journey after I made it.
There are personal secrets and experiences that I keep close, things the world doesn’t know. I often drop clues, but there’s a lot I hold inside, which I express through my music. One day, people may discover these hidden parts of me, or maybe they won’t. But for now, they remain within the art I create.
My life has been filled with so many experiences and perspectives. The person I am in LA isn’t the person I am in NYC, and I love the freedom of being bi-coastal. My journey has been interesting, to say the least, and there’s so much I’ve seen that shapes who I am.
You’ve been outspoken about your love for Johnny Cash for a while now, even having covered his rendition of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails. How has he influenced not just your music, but also who you are as a person?
Yes, I remember covering the song “Hurt” in 2019, and when his family shared it on his Instagram page, it felt deeply meaningful. Later, I heard his song playing at a show, and it struck me—this connection we had through music.
I’ve even had a psychic tell me that I was his brother in a past life, which was both eerie and oddly comforting. It’s a feeling that lingers, a connection that feels almost fated.
You have always been a very fashionable individual whose taste has evolved and even set trends over time. The “Brooklyn Cowboy” era of GASHI sees you embracing a Western influence, but still maintaining a flare that is uniquely yours. How have you gone about curating this distinct and identifiable style?
Well, I’ve always considered myself a fashion guy—perhaps even more passionate about clothes than music at times. There are moments when I’ll wake up in the middle of the night, thinking about a cool shirt or sweater I misplaced, and I’ll go rummaging through my closet to find it. But this western-style GASHI, I believe, is by far the best-styled version of myself that the world has seen.
For the first time, I’m not relying on a stylist. I’ve taken the reins because, being a bigger guy, stylists often struggled to get my sizes right. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands, and the response has been overwhelming. This is the first time you’re seeing a New York artist embrace western style with a NYC twist—think flare pants with Timberlands. And now, it seems like my idea is catching on again, which makes me smile.
No one had ever seen a cowboy hat with a Yankee logo before, so it feels like I’m doing something fresh that people are really loving. I genuinely feel that I’m on the cusp of making a significant impact in the fashion world, and that day is almost here.
Throughout your career you have embraced a diverse set of genres, you have started your own record label, you have developed a cult-following, and you have been Grammy-nominated. At this point in time, what’s next for you to accomplish?
Starting my own label has been a deeply fulfilling journey. My goal is to release 10 to 15 more albums, but beyond that, I’m excited about the potential to sign new artists and change lives. After bringing AlexSucks on board, I’m confident that I can continue discovering and nurturing talent. I believe my ear for talent is sharp—I’ve never missed.
One of my biggest regrets recently is reaching out to Chappell Roan a couple of years ago. I wanted to sign her after hearing “Naked in Manhattan,” but I didn’t have the funds at the time. While that opportunity slipped away, I’m determined to find the next rising star. I feel that my Quincy Jones moments are still ahead, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
