Romance nowadays navigates a zigzag path where people get together and fall apart via the screen tap. In the case of London-based musician G-Sinnz, born Gareth Sinnerine, music has become a powerful tool to examine the intricacies of 21st century relationship.
His latest single “Como Estas” featuring the Colombian artist Hey Haad is about the anxious first getting-to-know-you period that’s often marked with mental uncertainties. On a riddim with the intermingling of Caribbean rhythms and contemporary tunes, the song portrays the vulnerability and the hard decisions that come with modern day dating.
“It’s about expressing your emotions and questioning whether this individual is sincere,” says G-Sinnz. “Today, people come up with so many different games when it comes to getting to know a new person. ‘Como Estas’ refers to being able to be yourself.”
To the Trinidad-born and UK based musician and executive producer of Caricom Music the process of fusion of different cultures is vital. Tapping into the broad palette ranging from his classically refined background, through reggaeton influences and the soca sounds of his heritage, he creates a unique blend that is distinctly modern.
“This is a song I want everyone to let go to,” he says with a laugh. And I also want this song to speak to the very real emotions about openness with someone new on both levels of excitement and apprehension: on pondering whether to spend more or just protect your heart.
Listen to Como Estas below
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What is your stage name?
G-Sinnz
Is there a story behind your stage name?
My stage name, G-Sinnz, is a direct nod to my real name, Gareth Sinnerine. “G” stands for Gareth, keeping a connection to my authentic self. “Sinnz” is a playful twist on my last name, Sinnerine, blending it with a modern flair. Essentially, G-Sinnz represents my journey as an artist, rooted in my identity yet embracing creativity and individuality in every beat.
Where do you find inspiration?
My music is deeply rooted in my life experiences and cultural background, drawing inspiration from memories of my upbringing and significant holidays. Influenced by artists like Sech, Arcangel, Machel Montano, and Dalex, I’m inspired by their distinctive styles and lyrical depth. Their music resonates with me on a personal level, informing my creative process and shaping my artistic vision.
I strive to weave together elements of my cultural heritage with contemporary sounds, crafting music that is both authentic and relatable. Through storytelling and emotive expression, I aim to connect with audiences on a profound level, sharing glimpses of my journey and inviting listeners to join me on a musical exploration of life’s moments.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Reflecting on my early years, music played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Learning the piano at age seven introduced me to classical music, providing a structured foundation for my musical journey. However, beyond formal lessons, music was a constant presence in our home, filled with the lively beats of Calypso and dancehall.
These genres infused my childhood with energy and culture, instilling in me a deep love for music. As I grew older, I explored a wider range of genres like Reggaeton, Salsa, and Afrobeats, expanding my musical horizons. Overall, music in my early years wasn’t just about learning; it was a journey of discovery and passion that continues to inspire me today.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
While none of my family members are professional musicians, our roots in Trinidad and Tobago have deeply influenced our connection to music and the arts. Our family’s involvement in our annual Carnival celebrations, whether through management roles in masquerade bands like Tribe or actively participating as masqueraders on the vibrant streets, showcases our deep engagement with artistic traditions.
These experiences have instilled in me a profound appreciation for music and creativity, shaping my own artistic journey and fuelling my passion for cultural expression.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
It’s ultimately my love for creating music that ignited my passion and drive. Establishing my record label in August 2020 was a pivotal moment, driven by a desire to support and collaborate with emerging musicians, particularly in the Soca genre.
However, as our journey progressed, the scope of our work expanded to encompass a diverse range of genres, including Dancehall, Reggaeton, Soca, and Zouk. Along the way, it’s been the dedication and talent of both new and experienced artists that have continued to inspire and motivate me. Their creativity, resilience, and commitment to their craft fuel my own aspirations within the music industry, driving me to cultivate a platform where artists can thrive and their music can reach wider audiences.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
Starting at the age of seven, I began playing the piano, immersing myself in classical music and developing a strong foundation in musical theory. This early training provided me with a deep understanding of how different instruments complement each other in arrangements, enriching my musical knowledge.
Throughout my high school years, I delved into music production using digital audio workstations like Emagic Logic, honing my skills in crafting and producing music. Continuing into my University years, I further refined my production techniques, leveraging my familiarity with Logic. Additionally, through my record label, established in 2020, I collaborated with songwriters, learning the art of writing music firsthand.
This collaborative process culminated in my first songwriting credit for “Baile Intimo,” my inaugural Reggaeton release in 2023. Overall, my journey in music has been a blend of formal education, practical experience, and creative collaboration, each contributing to my development as a versatile musician and songwriter.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
While I’ve been fortunate to attend many memorable concerts, one that stands out is Jay Z and Kanye West’s “Watch the Throne” concert in London in 2012. The energy and excitement of that night left a lasting impression on me. The music, combined with the captivating stage setup and visuals, created an unforgettable atmosphere.
Witnessing two iconic artists perform together, with Rihanna as a special guest, was an incredible experience, and it ignited my passion for live music. While I may not recall my very first concert, the “Watch the Throne” concert will always hold a special place in my memories for its uniqueness and the electrifying performance delivered by Jay Z and Kanye West.
How could you describe your music?
When describing my music, I would characterise it as “feel-good” music that resonates with the soul and essence of its respective genre. Each song is crafted with engaging lyrics rooted in true-to-life concepts, aiming to connect with listeners on a deeper level. One notable aspect of my music is its family-friendly nature, as I prioritise creating songs without the use of explicit language. Overall, my music strives to uplift, inspire, and evoke positive emotions, offering a refreshing and enjoyable listening experience for audiences of all ages
Describe your creative process.
It begins with the production of an instrumental that sets the tone and style for the song. Once the instrumental is crafted, I focus on writing the lyrics based on a relatable concept that aligns with the mood and vibe of the music. This ensures that listeners can connect with the song on a personal level. With the song’s structure and top line established, I move on to recording the vocals, capturing the essence and emotion of the lyrics.
During the mixing phase, we fine-tune the instrumental and vocals, making any necessary edits to enhance the overall sound. If needed, additional vocal layers are recorded to add depth and texture to the track. Finally, the song undergoes mastering, ensuring it’s polished and ready for distribution across various platforms. This meticulous process ensures that each song not only sounds great but also resonates with listeners on a meaningful level.
What is your main inspiration?
It ultimately boils down to creating music that resonates deeply with the end user—the listener. I find immense inspiration in crafting songs that convey meaningful messages and evoke emotions that connect with the audience.
Whether it’s through the lyrics, melodies, or overall sonic experience, my goal is to create music that brings joy, comfort, or inspiration to those who listen. Knowing that my music has the power to impact someone’s life in a positive way is what drives me to continue creating and sharing my art with the world.
What musician do you admire most and why?
Stevie Wonder immediately comes to mind. His versatility across an array of musical genres, including R&B, Hip hop, Christmas, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Soul, Funk, and more, is truly remarkable. Stevie Wonder’s ability to excel in such diverse styles showcases not only his immense talent but also his innovative spirit and boundless creativity.
His influence extends far beyond his own performances; as one of the best-selling music artists of our time, he has also contributed to the success of numerous iconic artists through his songwriting and production work.
What I admire most about Stevie Wonder is his unwavering dedication to his craft, his ability to touch hearts and minds through his music, and his commitment to using his platform to promote positive change in the world. He serves as a source of inspiration not only for his musical genius but also for his enduring legacy of artistry and advocacy.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
It’s clear that significant growth has occurred, largely thanks to the invaluable collaborations with talented musicians such as Kyle Phillips from Badjohn Republic, Ash Seegobin from Smash Productions, and Kasey Phillips from Precision Productions. Working alongside these individuals has provided me with invaluable insights into music production and the industry as a whole, allowing me to approach my craft from a fresh and nuanced perspective.
Their mentorship and guidance have empowered me to expand my creative horizons and refine my skills, ultimately contributing to the evolution of my artistic style. However, I recognise that there is always more to learn, and I am committed to continuous growth and development as an artist, embracing new challenges and opportunities that will further shape my musical journey.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I approach my career with a mindset focused on personal growth and artistic integrity rather than comparisons with others. I firmly believe that each artist’s journey is unique and should not be measured against someone else’s success or trajectory. Rather than viewing fellow musicians as competitors, I see them as collaborators, allies, and sources of inspiration.
By embracing this perspective, I can fully immerse myself in my own creative journey, unrestricted by external pressures or comparisons. My focus remains steadfast on honing my craft, pushing my boundaries, and sharing my unique voice with the world, independent of any notion of competition.
What are your interests outside of music?
I prioritise spending quality time with my family and friends, cherishing moments of connection and shared experiences. Additionally, I maintain a commitment to my personal well-being by regularly attending the gym, where I find fulfilment in staying active and healthy. I also have a passion for travel, as exploring new destinations allows me to broaden my horizons, experience diverse cultures, and create lasting memories.
Furthermore, I dedicate some of my time to engaging in charity projects, particularly those focused on building or renovating living spaces for disabled children. These endeavours allow me to contribute positively to my community while fostering a sense of fulfilment and purpose outside of my musical pursuits
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t pursuing a music career, I would likely be working as a graphic designer. During my time at university, I found immense enjoyment in this field as part of my course. Designing allowed me to exercise my creativity and visual expression, much like composing music does. I appreciate the opportunity to blend artistry with functionality, creating designs that communicate messages effectively. While music has become my primary focus, graphic design remains a secret passion of mine, and I could see myself thriving in this field if I had chosen a different path.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered in my music journey, particularly as an independent music label, is the difficulty of building a platform of listeners and promoting artists whose names may not yet be widely recognised. In a crowded and competitive industry, breaking through the noise and gaining visibility can be a significant hurdle.
It requires strategic marketing efforts, creative promotion tactics, and relentless perseverance to establish a presence and attract an audience. Additionally, navigating the ever-changing landscape of music distribution and promotion platforms adds another layer of complexity. Despite these challenges, I remain dedicated to finding innovative solutions, building meaningful connections with listeners, and providing a platform for talented artists to showcase their work.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the music industry, it would be to challenge the bias towards major label artists in the selection process for Spotify editorial playlists. Currently, there’s a perception that only music distributed by major labels possesses the quality and appeal worthy of inclusion in these playlists.
However, this mindset overlooks the vast pool of talent and creativity present within independent labels. I believe that music should be judged on its merit and impact rather than its distribution channel. By fostering a more inclusive and equitable selection process, we can provide greater visibility and opportunities for independent artists to showcase their music to a broader audience.
This shift would not only empower independent labels but also enrich the diversity and vibrancy of the music industry as a whole.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
The title of this project, “Como Estas” was chosen deliberately to encapsulate the essence of a common situation where emotions may be one-sided. “Como Estas” translates to “How are you?” in English, and while it’s a simple question often used to initiate conversations, within the context of this song, it embodies a deeper longing for connection.
The theme explores the dynamic where one person desires something more than friendship, while the other person may wish to maintain a platonic relationship. This title reflects the tension and vulnerability inherent in such situations, inviting listeners to resonate with the complexity of unrequited feelings and the delicate balance of emotions.
What are your plans for the coming months?
In the coming months, I have several exciting projects in the pipeline that I’m actively working on. Firstly, I’m dedicated to finalising and releasing two other projects that are currently in progress. While we don’t have confirmed release dates yet, I’m committed to ensuring that these projects meet the high standards I set for myself and my team.
Additionally, there’s an exciting possibility on the horizon—we’re in discussions about releasing a remix to “Como Estas” by the end of May 2024. This remix presents an opportunity to breathe new life into a this track and engage with our audience in a fresh and dynamic way.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans? Currently, we have some exciting artistic collaborations in the works, although I’m unable to confirm specific artists for projects that are still in negotiation. However, I can share details about a couple of confirmed collaborations that I’m particularly thrilled about. Firstly, we’re working on a vibrant Soca project that involves talented singer and songwriter Problem Child, along with Pahjo.
Their unique styles and energy promise to bring a fresh perspective to the genre, and I’m excited about the music we’ll create together. Additionally, we have an upcoming dancehall project in collaboration with Smash Productions and the talented artist Millichab. Their combined expertise and creativity are sure to result in a dynamic and memorable track that will resonate with audiences. These collaborations represent an opportunity to blend diverse talents and perspectives, resulting in music that transcends boundaries and captivates listeners.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude for accompanying me on this journey. Your support and feedback mean the world to me, and I’m truly grateful for each and every one of you. Your encouragement fuels my passion for creating music, and I am committed to continuing to deliver content that resonates with you.
Together, we’ve shared moments of joy, inspiration, and connection through music, and I look forward to embarking on even more memorable experiences together in the future. Thank you for believing in me, and I promise to keep striving to exceed your expectations and never to disappoint.
