Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Victor Gems
Victor Gems is an independent musician, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist creating music in English that blends alternative rock, classic rock, and soul elements. His sound is shaped by a lifelong passion for music and rhythm, especially drums, which he began exploring in childhood. Victor performs all parts of his music himself — from vocals and instrumentation to mixing — building a sound that reflects both his influences and personal perspective. Among his musical inspirations are Nirvana, Kasabian, Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl, Phil Collins, DMX, and Led Zeppelin. To date, he has released two singles: One More Way (September 2024) and No Doubt (April 2025). His upcoming track, Inspire Me, will be released on August 1, 2025, and is currently available for pre-save. Victor draws inspiration from different cultures and places, staying open to the world and its diversity without tying himself to one place. His songwriting often touches on personal experiences, expressed through symbolic lyrics and delivered with an energetic, forward-driving feel. “Do what you love” is not just his motto — it’s the engine behind every note he plays.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I don’t remember the very first one, but one of the strongest memories is when my parents were at work and my older brother blasted Nirvana through the stereo. The whole house was shaking. I was completely blown away. That’s when I felt what real music can do.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My dad used to play drums in a band back in his youth, and later my older brother started playing drums in a metal band. One day he brought home a drum kit, hit the first few beats, and that was it — I was hooked. From that moment I knew I didn’t want to walk past that instrument. I wanted to become a drummer.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I used to play drums in several bands, but they all eventually fell apart because we didn’t share the same vision. At some point, I realized I could keep going on my own. I learned everything I needed — how to arrange, mix, write lyrics, sing, play guitar, and record instruments. My girlfriend supported me a lot back then. She gave me my first headphones and studio monitors, and that’s how it all started. Since then, I’ve been writing songs and releasing singles as a solo artist.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d say it’s something between ethnic soul and rock. Honestly that’s a tricky one. I’m a music lover and I think that shows in my music. Somewhere it’s alternative rock bordering on hard rock like in the latest track Give Me Your Money, somewhere there are jazz inserts like the piano in Inspire Me, somewhere there are soul vocals like in One More Way, and in some unreleased tracks you can even hear ethnic drums or bluesy guitars. So it’s a mix — soulful, rock-driven, with little surprises.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
If just one – Understanding the process of mixing.
But also, getting over my own barriers — especially the vocal ones. I used to get frustrated trying to make everything perfect, but learning to let go of perfectionism helped me speed up the creative process. I stopped redoing songs endlessly and started moving forward faster.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Since I love to travel, I keep my setup small. A laptop, an audio interface, a microphone, two guitars, and headphones — that’s my core gear. I usually mix in Reaper.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Junip. Their sound and atmosphere really resonate with me.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Every song of mine reflects something I’ve lived through. When something happens — whether it’s losing a friend or getting scammed — I turn it into music. I try to look at everything as inspiration. If something makes me angry or sad, I transform it into a creative impulse. My brother introduced me to rock and metal when I was a kid, and later I got into old-school rap too. All that became part of who I am and how I write music.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I want my music to give people faith in themselves. I want those who doubt to stop doubting, and those who hold grudges to let go. I want them to feel inspired to find their own path, do what they love, and of course, move their knees to the rhythm.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That you have to work like a horse if you want to achieve something. Making music isn’t just about writing songs — you also have to promote yourself, create content, and stay visible. It’s not easy for me. I try, but I don’t really enjoy filming myself or staring at a phone all the time. Still, that’s part of the modern reality. On the creative side, music constantly teaches me to grow, learn, and see the world in color. It’s taught me to look at life as a beautiful film, and that’s probably the greatest lesson of all.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Probably Wembley, Slane Castle or Madison Square Garden. My legs would be shaking, but it would be worth it.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’ve already performed with all my favorite artists in my dreams — Kasabian, Foo Fighters, Chris Cornell, you name it. Hahah
But if I could choose one for real, it would be Michael Jackson. His sense of melody, groove, and energy was just unbeatable. Everything about him was pure magic.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ALqmy7Vc4zKm1BDHShsFV?si=Yz-VMFzlQVuQ41cbrd1Ohw
https://music.apple.com/kg/artist/victor-gems/1622418279
https://instagram.com/vic_gems
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdvEGcuwP3mL2SBs9QZANhg
https://www.facebook.com/vicgems
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’d love to get an offer to record an album in the U.S. with a major label. My dream is to make a comfortable living from music — enough to travel, create freely and perform around the world. That would be the perfect balance.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I just want them to know the real me. I want to open up a part of my inner world to those who share a similar spirit and worldview. My message is simple — no matter how hard it gets, keep going, believe in what matters to you, and never give up. I hope people who listen to my music can feel that and connect with it.
