In all fairness we’ve all forgotten our driver’s licence at some point…

In a time where local artists have as many side projects as they have fingers on their hands, it can become just a bit hard for the fruits of their labour not to get lost in the sauce that is the Aussie music scene. Wollongong/Sydney duo, Gelato, appear to be an antidote to this, however, their works immediately garnering fanfare from both the South Coast and Sydney alike.

Made up of vocalist Sayah and producer Jam Baldwin, the pair have a world of experience and accolades between them, with Sayah having toured the nation with the likes of Cosmo’s Midnight, Set Mo and more while racking up performances at Australia’s biggest festivals. Jam has amassed a career-long resume in his own right, cementing himself as a key member of Wollongong hip hop and R&B collective, Boomchild, while becoming the go-to producer for local artists like Anieszka, Maina Doe and Yawdoesitall just to name a few. They’re a dynamite pairing who bring out the best in each other, a sentiment that shines through on their debut single, ‘Giving It Up’.

A wavy summer groove that draws influence from the pair’s respective dance and R&B palettes, the track is a hybrid gem suited for both slow dancing in a hazy club and being blasted at sunset at your favourite summer festival. Sayah’s vocals add an extra smokiness to the record that’s noticeable from the jump, incorporating elements of jazz and neo-soul throughout various phrases and vocal inflections, most notably on the hook “Cause I like the way it feels“. Jam’s production offers the perfect counterpart to such utterances, with future bass-inspired synths engaging in a call and response with Sayah as the up-tempo groove almost becomes a duet at one point.

It’s a thrilling first offering from the two rising stars, and we don’t doubt there’s plenty more on the way. To celebrate the debut, we caught up with Gelato (or rather, watched them catch up, but sadly no ice cream was involved) to get all the ins and outs on the new project. Check it below.

Sayah To James

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Mmmmmargot robbie.

What was the first record you ever owned?

If were talking physical record it’d be Lonerism by Tame Impa.a, an absolute classic. I kinda look like him as well which helps.

If you weren’t in music, what would you do?

Hmm I don’t often think about it so not too sure, but it’d be along the lines of marine biologist, because I love diving.

Cats or dogs?

Cats, I grew up a cat person and man they’re just easier animals to take care of.

How do you keep your hair so lush?

Wouldn’t you like to know ;) (totally not just basic care).

Who would be your dream collab?

RAYE because wow she really can sing on anything and make it pop so hard.

What part of the driver’s test are you most likely to fail?

Lana I feel like you should be asking yourself this question but okay fine. I guess the having my licence on me before I take off part. I dunno if that’s marked in the test but I feel like you should fail if you don’t have it.

James to Sayah

What is the greatest moment you’ve had on stage?

My mind instantly goes to the funniest moment (sorry) – it was at a show in Brisbane, and someone in the crowd was holding up a pineapple. It was the funniest most random thing I’ve ever seen, and we were all so distracted by it. It ended up on stage with us by the end of the show. Partying with a pineapple – who woulda thought?

What food is your guilty pleasure?

Dude I love food so much I don’t even know where to begin with this question. I guess I’m a sucker for anything sweet. I try to eat healthy whole foods most of the time, but as soon as I see ice-cream, chocolate, cake, pancakes, lollies.. forget it. Maybe that’s why I love our band name so much?

Have you had to deal with burnout and how did you deal with it?

So. Many. Times. I used to work myself to the point where I’d be out for weeks with exhaustion and would always result in a relapse of anxiety and depression. I’ve learnt to make changes to my lifestyle and now I prioritise my mental health before anything. For me that means training 4-5 times a week, eating well, sleeping enough. If I feel myself starting to dip, I’ll literally schedule in a rest day or two and just chill alone or with people who make me laugh. Prevention is key!

What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self?

LOVE YOURSELF LADY!! Stop doubting yourself, you’re amazing. Go get em.

If you had to choose three artists for your dream festival lineup, who would they be?

Amy Winehouse, Raye and GELATO (Duh).

What do you like to write about most?

Omg James you know the answer. Look, I really don’t like it, but unfortunately my love life is hilariously insane and so it naturally comes out in writing sessions.