Glume FAULT Magazine Covershoot and Interview

Photography: Joseph Cultice @ LoveArtistsAgency

Photography Assistant: Shilo Rayne

Stylist: Lauren Lusardi

Makeup: Brynna 

Hair: Lux

Words: Jacquex Frankel

Transport yourself to a mesmerizing world of music and fashion, essence of Glüme, the multi-talented artist who’s taking the industry by storm. With an ethereal and dreamy style that’s infused with vibrant visuals and retro fashion, Glüme is a rising star in the world of new wave and synth-pop music. But her talent doesn’t stop there; she’s also a skilled multi-instrumentalist who weaves together a unique sound that’s all her own. In this interview, Glüme shares her inspiration, personal style, and the old Hollywood glamor that’s fueling an era of romanticism in her art. 

Jacquex: What drew you to the genres of new wave and synth-pop?
Glüme: Electronic sound synthesizer is the only way I know how to make something as grandiose as the old Hollywood MGM orchestras without making it always be old fashioned. It’s a way to make new music while still having that magical transcendent sound. 

Jacquex: Your music is often very nostalgic and has an 80s retro influence vibe. What draws you to that era? 
Glüme: Thank you! Modern music today is very clean and sterile. I like electronic music best, it was the beginning era for those sounds. The analog feeling has a similar organic sparkle that an orchestra does. It has life in it.

Jacquex: Aside from singing, you play: piano, drums, a little base, theremin, autoharp, along with other instruments… What is the advantage?
Glüme: I like it because I don’t have to wait for anyone to make a song. I can make all of my demos at home on a shity voice memo and bring them wherever. 

Jacquex: Is there a discipline you practice as an artist? 
Glüme: Staying open and being open whenever/wherever inspiration strikes! As opposed to being forced to sit and write a brilliant song at 2PM. It is good practice to write but most of the things I’m proud of came to me at absurd times, like when washing dishes at a grocery store. I have chronic illnesses and when doing music full time a difference was noticed in me being healthier. My body was working with me better, that purpose and drive lets me know to keep it together. It’s the other way around: music picked me, being an artist keeps me disciplined. 

Jacquex: Tell us how “What Is a Feeling” came to be…
Glüme: In the thick of it, from my newly diagnosed heart disease, a doctor mentioned that my feelings were affecting how my heart was functioning. Dysautonomia was really fucking with my heart. A release of adrenaline can be dramatic for my heart muscles by the nerve system. And as a young person who feels all then I was told to turn down my feelings. I had to rewire my emotions to gain control, that practice allowed me to explore philosophical methods in understanding this thing that affects me. The song was my process through understanding: how I can get out of feeling, and can I not be part of it, I was terrified by feelings. I’ve been much better from the medications but if I cry then I notice the effects.

Jacquex: Your music videos often feature bold, colorful visuals and retro fashion. How important is visual art to you as an artist, and how do you go about creating the aesthetics for your videos? 
Glüme: I’m sitting in front of a giant stack of books on cinema: MGM, Goddard, American Grotesque… which helped inspire every A24 film. Growing up I was only allowed to watch old Hollywood movies, they were quite grand, like the Busby Berkeley sheer budget behind making sets is wild. When I make a song, during the process I think of the video… determining how to portrait it.The song always starts visually.

Jacquex: What’s your favorite color?
Glüme: As a hue the color red, I have a lot of pink but it is nice to look at. From day to day I wear black or white. I read something about an actress who only wore neutral colors to not distract from her face…

Jacquex: You’re known for your unique sense of style and signature hairstyle. How does fashion and personal style play a role in your music and creative process?
Glüme: A signature look allows for one to be identified, and for people to emulate you. Branding is important, developing a persona is essential to making a connection. 

Jacquex: Tap Dance!
Glüme: I did it for 17 years! I’m always trying to sneak tap dancing into everything. I love Gene Kelly, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire… I love a good tap number. It made playing drums easier, I now have a metronome in my head. 

Jacquex: Your music has been described as “ethereal” and “dreamy.” How do you cultivate that atmosphere in your music, and what do you hope listeners take away from your songs?
Glüme: I do a lot of writing in cemeteries. They are cheerful and an escape from the real world, I do not like to be in a regular space… We all have our intention candles and manifestations which we can get lost by knowing too much of what we want. I hope people feel excited and free, if they experience a breakup to know that things are unexpected. That there is excitement in the unknown, don’t forget that life comes to us. Not knowing the future should give you a little high, good art should make you feel the unexpected because you are free. 

Jacquex: How has your life changed since your music has started to gain a wider audience, and how do you handle the pressures and expectations of being a rising star in the music industry?
Glüme: Making art your whole life is a business, some people may not understand what you do but we all have our own processes. When doing child acting, one had to be there present smiling and ready to go. That has been my first instinct but learning to balance. Having a good work ethic is important.

Jacquex: What’s something you want to do/make but haven’t yet? 
Glüme: Working on a couple of films right now… I have a production firm: Femina Films, maybe doing horror films. Beau Is Afraid inspired me. You can expect introspection and discomfort. In my experience growing up, one had to be a triple threat. But that’s how Hollywood started, I like to do all things. 

Jacquex: Do you trust your instincts or rational mind? 
Glüme: Instincts are there for a reason, if you feel really strong about something in your gut then stay with it. 

Jacquex: What is your FAULT? 
Glüme: Trying to make everyone happy!