SAME SHIT! [REVIEW]
Championing authenticity and honesty in her sophomore release Same Shit!, Western Sydney artist Gemma Navarrete (@gemmasjams) returns to the airwaves with a bildungsroman bop. Despite sounding worlds away from her previous release, Navarrete dives deeper into her examination of maturity with the same vigor as Older.
The single sees Navarrete address a (metaphorical?) suitor, who misses his opportunity with the elusive chanteuse. Sick of pleasing others, the artist decides to instead focus on herself and her own goals. Same Shit! is as empowering for Navarrete as it is conclusive, as she realizes that her efforts aren’t being reciprocated. The Spanish diss towards said hombre in the track’s outro completes Navarrete’s resolve with a wink of humor (Latinas always get the last word).
Same Shit! cover art (image credit: Dylan Pecotich, graphic design + hair and makeup by Sarah Gibbon, image provided by artist)
Production comes courtesy of Chelsea Warner (@chelseawarnermusic), who blends gospel, trap and reggaeton influences together to provide a sonic background as diverse as the leading lady herself. Navarrete’s lyrics continue her penchant for exploring themes of growth and maturity established in her debut single just over a year ago. Same Shit! takes an upbeat approach to this end, with rich harmonies and lush instrumentation to underpin Navarrete’s newfound fearlessness.
Perhaps the most salient aspect of Navarrete’s aesthetic is her culture, with Italian and Chilean references found throughout her track and its presentation. Aiming to uplift and inspire those from similar backgrounds, the artist has found a way to tastefully appropriate cues from her heritage without detracting from the music itself. A little bird told me the music video would feature similar influences, but we will have to wait and see.
‘No me digas nada mas’ (image credit: provided by artist)
Navarrete is set to perform at the launch party for Same Shit! this coming Saturday night at opn.studio. You can get tickets here and help Navarrete support her community by eating empanadas and gnocchi while you mosh to her performance (it’s a win-win, really). With help from local artists and businesses, the night is sure to be spectacular.
