Meet Gazal: Pop’s Coolest Chaos Kid
Unbothered by genre and gloriously difficult to pin down, the Sydney-born artist, singer, producer, and designer builds her world from instinct and intuition. Her debut EP Gods Into Frauds is a genre-scrambling, ego-dismantling statement piece that throws idol worship under the bus and rewires self-worth from the ground up. Think Lebanese heat, DIY edge, and art-school chaos, all cooked in a pressure pot of emotional clarity.
Fresh off major playlist love and 14 million+ views on TikTok, Gazal still creates like nobody’s watching—equal parts pop star and provocateur. In this conversation, she talks childlike wonder, redefining success, slinky spirit animals, and why being “cool” is officially out. Let’s just say: if M.I.A. had a little sister raised on So Fresh CDs and journaling at 3am, her name would be Gazal.
Outside of your art form, where do you draw inspiration from?
People! I like people watching. It’s like watching animals in the wild. More recently, kids, they are so interesting. I like going back to that child-like nature, I think it's really inspiring. You start looking at everything as if it’s the first time you are seeing it, it gives you a fresh perspective and adds so much more curiosity to life, which leads to so much more inspiration.
Where do you think your personal power comes from?
I think my personal power definitely comes from creating. When I create new things, even if they are bad, I always feel really proud of myself. It makes me feel powerful when you make something from nothing.
What’s your favourite “third space”?
A bus or a train. I like that idle time because you're still moving, whilst simultaneously doing nothing. It’s great for people watching. However, I fear I am that annoying person that talks to people on the bus. If I'm sitting next to you I will most likely yap, unless your headphones are in of course.
Is there something you learned or believed early in your career that you’ve since outgrown or disproved?
My idea of ‘cool’ has changed so much over the years. I’ve outgrown and disproved my old definition. Back then, ‘cool’ just meant being adored by everyone else. Now, it’s completely different. To me, the coolest people are the ones who are wildly passionate about something and unapologetically themselves. There’s nothing more inspiring than watching someone be totally absorbed in what they love, no matter how random or niche it is. It’s so cool.
What’s something you return to again and again — a book, a place, a habit, a memory?
I return to the night. It sounds so ominous, but I really do just love nighttime. I always try to get my sleep schedule back on track and continuously fail. I return to 3am and relish in it, nothing quite compares. It’s so nice to not be cemented in reality and just be with my thoughts and have creative freedom. It’s literally so fun.I’m slowly starting to accept that I will never be a clean girl that wakes up at sunrise and gets everything done before 10am.
When do you feel most yourself?
When I am journaling or writing. It’s definitely the most honest version of me. OR when I am excited about something, that’s also the best version of me.
What’s the best advice you’ve ignored?
My gut instincts. Learning how to trust them is hard ,but getting in tune with yourself and learning how to let go of something that doesn’t feel right is the best. If I had listened in the past, it probably would have protected me from wasting time with losers
How has your understanding of success changed over time?
In this industry, if you think of success as an ‘ultimate’ or a tangible thing like an ‘award’ or a ‘number one’ I feel like you will always be let down. I used to be a very competitive swimmer and the reason why I quit was because there was only one ultimate goal which was a number one at the Olympics and once you get there - what next? You just want another one? So I really have reframed it to be the journey. As long as I am able to create and make new things, I consider myself successful.
In this industry, if you see success as something ultimate, like an award, a chart position, a number one, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. I learned that the hard way as a competitive swimmer. There was only ever one finish line: first place. But once you get there — then what? You just chase the next one? That mindset burned me out. Now, I’ve reframed success completely. For me it's the process. As long as I’m creating and making new things, I feel successful.
What’s a recent moment that surprised you?
That I didn’t cry on my birthday this year!
How much of a role do other artists play in inspiring your work?
Oh a lot. I learn new things from other artists all the time. Day to day I work with emerging artists all the time. Specifically the kids I work with are so inspiring because their vision is not clouded by anything. They just walk in the studio, write about how they feel and walk out. It is so cool to be around artists that are not trying to be anything but themselves. Kids do it best.
How instrumental is collaboration for you?
If I am emo, I have to cook at home first solo with my piano. Otherwise I love collaboration, it is so important to me. I always think more brains are better than one. Also collaboration with people who aren't in music is really fun because it’s all about creativity and everyone is capable of that.
Is there a specific vibe, genre or instrument that moves you?
A WINDY SYNTH OR BRASS INSTRUMENTS. It just feels so full but hollow at the same time??? That’s what I love.
What is the one thing you hope people take away from your music?
For this EP in particular, I hope it's empowerment and trusting your instincts. I think following that and being bold and brash, especially for women, is something we need to do more.
What is your favourite song to cover? (or sing at karaoke?)
Life on mars Bowie, but the Aurora version
What is your most prized possession?
I am a hoarder, everything is my prized possession. If I had to choose one, it would probably be my sister and I’s old gymnastics leotards. We were so little and they leotards are so cute and sparkly and we just loved them sick and thought we were the coolest.
What is the first album you bought yourself?
Probably a So Fresh CD
First memory of live music?
Rihanna. The first stadium show I went to when I was 9. My friend got me tickets for my birthday. Died and went to heaven.
Go to: comfort movie / TV show?
Meet The Robinsons
Who is on your dream collaboration list?
Bon Iver, Arca, Little Simz
What are you holding whilst posing for an oil painting?
A slinky
What is your spirit animal?
Elephant
Funeral song(s)?
Rihanna - American Oxygen (I haven’t thought about this).
What do you own that you should throw out, but can’t?
Literally everything. Really ugly shoes specifically.
People are coming over to dinner, what are you serving?
I’m serving face and personality <3 I will be hiring a chef.
If you could time travel, who are you visiting?
Bowie
You have a free plane ticket, where are you going?
Tanzania
Who are you taking on a date, and where are you going? (time travel is allowed)
I’d have to take my boyfriend with me and I’d take him to The Chelsea in New York in the 60’s or 70’s.
Why do you think we are here on planet earth at this time?
For laughing
What's the weirdest dream you've ever had?
WELL. The way I dream is very unnatural, it’s commonly peppered with horrific nightmares. One specifically was a big palace that had a glass dome at the top and zombies started climbing the roof and dropping inside.
If you were an ice cream flavour, what would it be?
Ice cream is my favourite food. Salted caramel
Have you ever experienced true love?
YES, yes yes. So much love.
If you could learn one new skill instantly, what would it be?
DANCING but proper dancing. Ballet type.
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