Student Spotlights: Gina Wimmer & Geovanni Araujo (GEONI) -

Here at pointblank, we pride ourselves on the success of our students. We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to success stories and that’s why we love to highlight our student’s accomplishments. For this installment, we are shining a spotlight on the pointblank LA students, Geovanni Araujo (GEONI) and Gina Wimmer who just released their new single “Everyone Hates Goodbyes”.

The Mexico-born and Los Angeles-based musician, producer, and songwriter specializes in psychedelic EDM. Starting to produce at 15 years old, he also plays piano and bass. He is also a huge fan of poetry which he finds often influences his music and after a few years of producing, he really found his sound. Using granular synths, downtempo, dance, and electronica sounds in his music, he is working on perfecting his craft. He also finds artists such as Odesza, San Holo, Flume, and Alison Wonderland influencing his music.

Geo finished studying Industrial Engineering and his parents, sister, and girlfriend encouraged him to follow his dreams and he had the big opportunity to study at pointblank. On the first day of the term, he started to learn Ableton, and now after 9 months, he knows how to produce, mix and master on Ableton thanks to pointblank and the great instructors. He says that PBLA and each one of the people here have been life-changing and influential in his career. After releasing his first song in 2018, GEONI has continued to release singles under different labels in Mexico and Europe.

1. Hey Geo, for those who aren’t familiar with you, could you give us an intro?

So the Mexico born Geoni is the Alias of a electronic musician, Dj and Producer inspired by atmospheric dance music and melodic base I build a world of my own design as it author and creator.

2. You recently released your song Everyone Hates Goodbyes (GEONI Remix). What kind of process went into making this remix?

I heard this amazing song from Gina and before I even knew what style of remix I was going to do, I sent her a message on instagram saying: Hey I’m Geo I study at PBLA, I loved your song and I would like to do a remix of it, I asked her for the stems and I started to play with granular synths vst, some drums with my Maschine Mk. I wanted to change the vibe of the song and mix it with my vibes so I made the drop and then I build the song up

3. How did what you’ve learned at pointblank help you when creating this remix?

When doing a remix, you must be able to make a version that is very different from the original and adds variety and studying at PB helped me to have and know how to use all the tools to achieve it.

4. What is your favorite song that you’ve put out and why?

Definitely Free The Life, I didn’t expect this song to lift me up so much and help me as it has, I hope it is also helping all the people who are listening to it.

5. You and Gina both studied at pointblank together. How did you both end up collaborating on this song?

I thought we met in PB but I was wrong hahaha anyway, thanks to the fact that my friends shared her song on Instagram I was able to listen to it and I saw her profile, I saw that she studied at PBLA so I wanted to send her a message telling her that I also study at PB. By mentioning that I study here I think it was a form of connection that gave her more security. Thanks to the friends I made here and what I learned was how I managed to do the remix.

6. From your experience studying here, what’s something you’d tell someone just about to embark on their diploma at pointblank?

Making a decision will not always be easy and even less if it is to study, big changes are scary but if you take this step hand in hand with PB all fears will go away because you will have many tools, teachers and friends to help you achieve your goal now you just have to trust your talent.

7. Are there any things that really stand out from studying at pointblank?

All the artists, professionals and all of the people who are at PB… If you have a problem, if you need help or just want feedback for your song, they are always there, the atmosphere is magical, art is breathed and it is a creative atmosphere in every corner.

8. Which artists inspire you and your sound the most?

I think a big inspo for the sound design and the drops is FLUME for sure but for the drums and adding soul to the song is Odesza.

9. What’s in the pipeline? Are there any other interesting projects (personal or professional) you’re working on that you can tell us about?

Yes!! On March 27th I release my 2nd single of my upcoming album and this one is with another big talent of PBLA. This song called MDMA is a love song with the amazing voice of Lyse! and with some cool retro vibes and of course GEONI vibes. The countdown to my album starts now…

Socials: Spotify / Instagram / SoundCloud

Gina Wimmer is an an alt-pop/indie-pop singer, songwriter and music producer based in Los Angeles and Munich. She’s been singing and dancing since she was 6 years old, and learned the basics of music theory through piano lessons and her time in a choir. In her teen years, she taught herself how to play guitar and took voice lessons, which helps her to create her melodies and lyrics. She has currently completed multiple certificates in Music Production, Songwriting, Vocal Musicianship, Composition, Advanced Singing and Mixing with pointblank in Los Angeles. Music is in everything she sees, does or feels and has always been her supportive companion during joyful moments as well as in difficult times. She wants to give people the feeling that they are not alone and she wants to create songs people can relate to.

1. Hey Gina, for those who aren’t familiar with you, could you give us an intro?

I am an alt-pop / indie-pop singer, songwriter and music producer based in Los Angeles and Munich. I’ve been singing and dancing since I was 6 years old, and learned the basics of music theory through piano lessons and my time in a choir. In my teen years, I taught myself how to play guitar and took voice lessons, which helps me to create my melodies and lyrics. Music is in everything I see, do or feel and has always been my supportive companion during joyful moments as well as in difficult times.

2. You recently released your song Everyone Hates Goodbyes (GEONI Remix) with fellow pointblank student Geovanni. Can you explain the writing process that went into creating this song?

I always write letters to reflect experiences in my life. I’m adding different perspectives over time and create a melody that puts the lyrics into the structure of a song. Over time I produce different instruments that are leaned on to the main idea and record the vocals.

3. What inspired this song?

I wrote about my first break up of a very long relationship and I’ve added reflections and feelings over time.

4. You are from Germany and came to study at pointblank. Would you say any of your culture inspires the music you create?

My music is more driven by feelings and experiences but I am always inspired by different cultures and artists. I want to give people the feeling that they are not alone and I want to create songs people can relate to.

5. How did you end up collaborating with Ge0 (GEONI) on this song?

Geo heard my first single and asked me to do a remix. He is an amazing artist and producer so I was very honored and happy to collaborate with him.

6. How did you discover pointblank?

I always wanted to live in Los Angeles for some time and learn more about music. Due to the fact that I wanted to create and produce my own songs I’ve searched for music schools that combine all the classes that help you with being an independent artist and ended up at pointblank LA.

7. From your experience studying here, what’s something you’d tell someone just about to embark on their diploma at pointblank?

It’s such a good environment to learn about music and to meet like-minded people. It was the best choice for me to learn more about production, singing, songwriting, theory, composition and mixing.

8. Are there any things that really stand out from studying at pointblank?

pointblank really cares about the students and you can learn so much in a short period of time. The teachers motivate you to work on your own music and help you to develop your projects within the class. I had the best time, great teachers and met so many talented people that became friends.

9. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced creating music and songwriting?

It’s very challenging to put one idea into a whole song but it’s an amazing journey to learn all about the different aspects for creating music and producing a song. It’s a lifelong journey for sure and you can always become better – I’m just starting.

10. What’s in the pipeline? Are there any other interesting projects (personal or professional) you’re working on that you can tell us about?

Yes I’m releasing my second single called You were right end of March. I’ve recorded the vocals for this song at pointblank and I’ve got a lot of feedback from all instructors regarding the vocals, production and mixing. It shows what I’ve learned over the years and I’m really excited to share it. I wrote it three years ago and it’s about loss and love.

Socials: Spotify / Instagram

Listen to their new release “Everyone Hates Goodbyes (GEONI Remix)” here:

Successes such as these are common among our students and alumni. We can teach you how to DJ or produce music like the best of them at any of our schools. If you’d like to learn how to produce, then we can build your skills from the ground up with our range of courses. For more information, you can contact us here.

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