During the tumultuous year of 2020, three housemates in Toronto found themselves on the verge of madness. In an effort to preserve their sanity, they embarked on a journey of self-discovery and taught themselves the art of music production. Little did they know that this DIY project would soon transform into a full-blown musical act known as GENTLE. Blending elements of post-punk, dream pop, and shoegaze, GENTLE creates music that serves as a lens into internet culture, middle-class life, and the intricacies of mental health. GENTLE’s rise to prominence was propelled by the success of their hit single “Sincere Apologies,” which has garnered over 1.2 million streams on Spotify. This achievement paved the way for their debut tour, which started to kick off on April 29. The trio’s latest single, “Rodeo Lifestyle,” has also caught the attention of music enthusiasts, earning them a coveted spot on Spotify’s “Hometaping” playlist. For fans of artists such as Alex G, Chastity, Japanese Breakfast, Girl in Red, Have A Nice Life, Mannequin Pussy, Soccer Mommy, and Cryogeyser, GENTLE’s music strikes a familiar chord. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, the band weaves together captivating melodies and introspective lyrics to create a unique sonic experience. With the release of their newest single, “Introvert Anthem,” which was released on June 2, 2022, GENTLE once again captivates listeners with their bittersweet and expansive sound. The track, written, performed, and produced by GENTLE members Oliver O’Brien and Matt Fasullo, delves into the realm of self-awareness and anxiety. O’Brien shares his intentions behind the song, stating, “If you’ve ever seen that meme where the guy is at a party, standing in the corner watching others dance and having fun while he laments ‘They don’t know about ___,’ this song is about that guy.” “Introvert Anthem” encapsulates the struggles of social anxiety, painting a vivid picture of a protagonist stuck in his own thoughts, observing the world around him with both longing and judgment. O’Brien further explains, “I often have trouble in social situations and end up cowering in the corner, but then I catch myself thinking condescending thoughts as a self-defense mechanism, and it’s a rabbit hole I hate going down.” The lyrics cleverly reference the iconic scene from the movie “Taxi Driver,” where Robert De Niro’s character sees himself as a mysterious lone wolf while others view him as a punchline. O’Brien encapsulates this dynamic with the line, “oh my god he’s just like me, secretly a comedy,” capturing the internal conflict faced by introverts in social settings. “Introvert Anthem” follows in the footsteps of GENTLE’s previous successes, including the 2022 single “Softcore” and the viral TikTok sensation “Sincere Apologies.” With each release, GENTLE continues to carve a niche for themselves in the music industry, captivating audiences with their raw vulnerability and relatable storytelling. As GENTLE’s music resonates with an ever-growing fan base, it is clear that their exploration of internet culture, middle-class life, and mental health strikes a chord in the hearts of listeners worldwide. With their debut tour on the horizon and an unwavering commitment to their craft, GENTLE is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, one heartfelt melody at a time.
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentle.band/
Bandcamp: https://gentlegentle.bandcamp.com/