gemma ylana

gemma ylana (formerly Gemma Navarrete) is an emerging Chilean/Italian Australian artist hailing from Western Sydney. She succeeds Ghanaian Australian musician FRIDAY* as the final Generations Fellow for 2025. Here we follow ylana’s musical journey through the six months of her creative fellowship – from filming her video ‘mirror’ to bringing her concept EP The Horrors Of to life.

With the funding from the fellowship, I’m undertaking my most ambitious project yet – a concept EP titled The Horrors Of (opens in new tab). The EP is an exploration of self, delving deeper into the horrors of certain emotions: jealousy, insecurity, holding onto a lingering grudge.

In early June, I go on a writing trip to Melbourne and within a week have created the three singles for my EP! I’ve heard from fellow creatives that making music outside your usual comfort zone is a good idea, and I wholeheartedly agree after this trip.

I’ve been plotting and scheming unique visual concepts to accompany the EP and to bring the songs to life with a visual storyline. Everything is in the planning stage – visuals, music, styling, concepts – and I’m excited to put it all into motion very soon. Eeeeek!

Up first is the cover shoot, then filming the first video. I’m inspired and grateful to have the opportunity to bring The Horrors Of world to life!

Later this month I’ll move into the studio of the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre (opens in new tab). I plan to use my time to hone my vocal production skills, work on creating new music to follow this EP, and I’m so excited to have a space that’s my own for the first time.

Working with my mentor Vyvienne Abla is so helpful, especially while planning through the details of my new release. We also spend time chatting about my upcoming projects, goals, ideas and things I need help with – like checking a contract, preparing a media release and doing budgets.

What a busy and fun month!

The most notable thing I do is film the first music video as part of my trilogy series for the upcoming EP. The video for ‘mirror’ (opens in new tab) is directed by creative duo Studio Antics (opens in new tab). It takes influences from one of my favourite horror movies Halloween, but in our gemma ylana universe the villain wears a mask of my face. Eeeek!

This is the first music video I’ve ever filmed that feels fully professional, and I want to honour this by ensuring I do my very best. I feel so lucky to work with such a talented experienced team, and I’m so glad I can finally bring it all to life with creatives who see the vision.

Despite this, I’m feeling a bit nervous about releasing music again. It’s daunting and hard to do by myself. But I feel confident about the vision and the work that has gone into this. A part of my anxiety is tied to the fact that I’ll be releasing a new sound. I hope my past listeners like it. I think it will pay off.

October is filled with very productive sessions, meetings and lots of plotting and planning. On the 31st, the first single off The Horrors Of will be released.

As an independent artist, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stretched thin – I’m always eager to jump into the creative side of things but can get overwhelmed with admin. My mentor Vyv has helped me develop strategies and plans to put me at ease for this release.

‘mirror’ premieres on Triple J’s weekly pop show Prism (opens in new tab) ahead of its release.

At MusicNSW’s Brew Up gig (opens in new tab), I perform ‘mirror’ for the first time. It went really well! I also have my first fitting for a costume I’m creating for the next video.

Vyv has been helping me manage my social media presence too. Having someone there to guide me through the process and consider creating a variety of posts and content towards the release date and thereafter is especially helpful, as it’s something I usually don’t give enough attention to.

‘mirror’ is a special song to me, and along with the video, I’m very proud of the way we’ve told this story.

I wrapped up my fellowship with a final visit to Powerhouse Castle Hill and the collection - it was so cool! It’s amazing to see how objects from different times and places are kept and maintained for future generations. I loved seeing this carved wood Mephistophelian figure of 'Mrs Devil', made in Italy sometime between 1875-1890 and kept in a St Kilda mansion called Charmwood. I have Italian heritage and love all things spooky, it was thrilling to see an object that represents these sides of me.

gemma ylana (formerly Gemma Navarrete) is a Chilean/Italian artist hailing from Western Sydney. Drawing inspiration from artists like PinkPantheress, Ariana Grande and Kali Uchis, gemma fuses the sounds of RnB, pop and reggaeton with an introspective, honest lyricism that reflects the ebbs and flows of young adulthood.

Presented by Sound NSW, Powerhouse and Blacktown Arts, the Generations – Western Sydney Music Fellowship is an annual program that provides space for emerging artists to develop their practice with mentoring, a dedicated studio space, funding and access to the Powerhouse Collection (opens in new tab) over a six-month period.