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Gnash’s music revolves around the universe of feelings- lots and lots of them and it most probably includes his cats Hazy and Maisy and vintage t-shirts.  

His music evokes a light, jovial air of honesty but also carries the deep, grounded and raw emotions from the artist. And to describe it perfectly, it’s happysad. You get the best of both worlds and the Gnash melds them both together into his songs, allowing them to evolve as you listen to it.

Singer-songwriter Garrett Charles Nash a.k.a. GNASH started Dj’ing when he was 13 years old. Since then, he added singer, songwriter, rapper and producer credits under his belt.  

In this exclusive interview, the artist shares to us the story behind his new album “we,” his songwriting process, his love for his cats, his vintage t-shirt collections, and more.

What’s your story? Who is Gnash?

Hi, I’m Garrett & I’m from LA. I go to parties & hang out with my friends on the weekend.

Just kidding, I don’t really have a lot of friends. That’s why I like going on tour so much. I bring a few friends with me & see people who I know get me.

How and when did music start for you? Have you always been musically inclined?

I started DJ’ing when I was younger & then that transitioned to producing/recording for friends. As I was finishing college I decided to start recording my own voice & that’s when the Gnash Project was born.

How would you describe your style?

I make music to help people feel better. I call it :): pronounced happysad, but if I had to put it in a bucket I’d call it Alternative Pop. I don’t really like genre buckets. Regular buckets are great. I’m throwing no shade to normal buckets.

Most memorable performance?

They’re all great! Especially on this last tour. Every night was unique & special in it’s own way. It’s always nice to play at home in LA though :) My parents always try to come to the shows & there’s so much extra family love in the room.

Where do you get your inspirations?

I’m inspired by anybody who depends on me. So, mostly my cats, Hazy & Maisy.

Who are your music idols?

John Lennon, Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, The Postal Service,  J. Cole... the list goes on & on.

Can you walk us through your process as an artist? How do you usually come up with songs?

Usually my songs start with a feeling I can’t seem to get off my chest completely. Those feelings usually become a lyric or melody idea & then some chords are written & they just mesh. It’s a tricky thing to nail down.

If you could collaborate with any artist dead or alive who would it be and why?

Definitely Bob Marley or John Lennon. I’m not sure where it would go but I’d just like to talk with them for a while. Most of my sessions are just really good conversations that half the time turn into songs. It’s a lucky day when they do.

Expand on this quote in your IG Bio: “if we feel together, then we’ll feel better”

I like to think that if we’re all connecting with the same feelings at the same time, inevitably we’ll feel better because we feel less alone in having those feelings. That’s why albums & concerts are so important.

Tell us about your debut album “we.” What’s the story behind the whole album?

I’ll say the album is a journey through a relationship. The core idea is “if we feel together, then we’ll feel better.” There is a story that the album is based upon & I might share it one day, but for now I don’t want to mislead anybody & I want people to paint their own perceptions on the album. Once something is out, it doesn’t really belong to me anymore. This one belongs to me now.

What inspired you to create the tracks in it?

Feelings. Lots & lots of feelings. With a side of growing up.

Is there a specific track that’s closest to your heart?

I feel really connected with “be” because it’s such a nice song & honest story. I also really love “insane” because that song runs through my head many days a week. All of them are great, though. I’m really proud of it.

Top 3 songs in your playlist right now

Today they’re Buddy by Willie Nelson, Australia by Attic Abasement & Blue Skies by Noah & The Whale.

I’m always trying to listen something new.

Classic favorites are any album by any of the artists I listed above as my favorites!

Tell us something that people don’t usually know about you.

I collect vintage t-shirts. I have a collection going of somewhere between 300-500 & it’s growing every day unfortunately for my closet.

If you’re not creating music or performing, what usually keeps you busy?

Scrolling ebay, hanging out with my cats, & listening to things I’ve never heard before.

If you’re a book, what book would you be and why?

Holes by Louis Sachar. One of the only books I’ve ever finished. Working on Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, will keep u posted. I read a Murakami book recently & that was awesome.

Any advice you can give to any aspiring artists/musicians/singers/songwriters out there?

Just keep swimming. If you like what you make, then you’re probably on to something, but be honest with yourself. It’s okay to just make music for fun. I need to be reminded of that all the time.

Gnash’s new album “we” is now available on Apple Music: