Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

GEM – Hurts To Exist (2025)

GEM’s debut single ‘Hurt To Exist’ is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of inner turmoil and emotional conflict.

From the opening moments, the song grabs you with its aggressive yet cathartic energy, taking listeners on a journey through self-doubt and resilience. GEM’s ability to channel these deeply personal struggles into her music is what makes the track so powerful; it’s raw, intense, and entirely unfiltered.

The beauty of GEM’s approach lies in her refusal to adhere to any one genre. Drawing from an array of musical influences, from heavy metal to techno, she creates a sound that’s as unpredictable as the emotions she expresses. One moment the track is heavy with distorted guitars, and the next, it’s almost ethereal, making each shift feel jarring in the best possible way. This genre-blending adds a layer of complexity that mirrors the very nature of the internal battles GEM is confronting.

The lyrical content of ‘Hurt To Exist’ is undeniably personal. GEM’s words reflect a turbulent relationship with herself, wrestling with cycles of self-deprecation and impulsivity. Yet, the song never feels like an exercise in wallowing. Instead, it feels like a call to arms, urging listeners to find strength in their struggles. It’s a song about transformation, turning pain into power, doubt into self-empowerment.

GEM’s imagery takes on a life of its own, particularly with the choice of the ocean as a central motif. The ocean is a fitting symbol for the track’s themes – both unpredictable and infinite, capable of carrying destruction and rebirth. The vibrant, bold visuals that accompany the song complement this sense of duality, showcasing the beauty that can emerge from darkness.

In a music scene that often favours formulaic approaches, GEM’s debut single is a breath of fresh air. It’s bold, unfiltered, and unapologetically raw. ‘Hurt To Exist’ is a powerful introduction to an artist who is clearly unafraid to challenge herself and her listeners. With her debut single, GEM proves that she’s not just an artist to watch – she’s one to listen to.


Find out more about GEM on her Instagram and Spotify.

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