In the vibrant Australian music scene, alt-pop artist GLVES (pronounced ‘gloves’) is carving out a unique space for herself, blending cinematic soundscapes with deeply personal narratives. Set to release her debut EP ‘Belonging’ on October 10th, and gearing up for a prominent showcase at BIGSOUND 2025, GLVES is reflecting on a childhood that shaped her into the artist she is today – one who learned profound lessons from feeling like an outsider. Her journey is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of music to foster connection and self-reclamation.
GLVES, who is of Kaurareg, Fijian, Tongan, Samoan, and Caucasian (English/Irish) heritage, was born in lutruwita (Tasmania) and is now based in Magandjin (Brisbane). Her upbringing was marked by a sense of otherness, not only due to her mixed-race identity in a predominantly white environment but also by being raised within a cult until the age of 13. This period was characterized by existential fear and a feeling of being a misfit, belonging to no single world. This profound sense of isolation, however, became a fertile ground for artistic expression.
The very name ‘GLVES’ carries the weight of her past. As a child, she suffered from severe eczema, often wearing gloves to cover the painful, inflamed skin on her hands. These gloves became a symbol of her coping mechanism – a way to navigate the world while hiding a truth she feared would invite pity, disgust, or scorn. She felt ‘othered’ in many ways, and the name GLVES encapsulates this period of hiding and the subsequent journey to reveal her authentic self. This personal symbolism is deeply woven into her artistic identity, transforming a source of shame into a powerful emblem of resilience.
GLVES channels these complex emotions into her signature sound, described as cinematic Blaktronica, characterized by ethereal vocal loops, electronic textures, and organic instrumentation. Her music is bold yet tender, a paradox that mirrors the human condition she explores. Influenced by artists who create immersive, emotive worlds like Aurora, Björk, and Little Dragon, GLVES utilizes her music as a tool for understanding and unpacking her story. Each track is crafted to be both personal and universally relatable, a commitment that reflects her desire for self-compassion and empowerment. Through her sound, she seeks to unearth untold stories close to her heart, transforming challenging experiences into resonant art.
The upcoming debut EP, ‘Belonging’, slated for release on October 10th, delves directly into themes of identity and self-reclamation, exploring the ‘third space’ where one can redefine themselves. The EP’s title itself speaks volumes about her journey from feeling like an outsider to finding a sense of place and acceptance. Her latest single, ‘Honesty’, released on August 8th, further exemplifies this, offering raw, from-the-heart storytelling with a dance-ready drum and bass twist, exploring the turmoil of being stuck in an unmoving relationship. Produced by ARIA-winning producer Rob Amoruso, known for his work with artists like Baker Boy, the EP promises a polished yet deeply emotive collection of songs.
GLVES’s artistic trajectory is already marked by an impressive performance history, having graced the stages of renowned festivals such as Dark Mofo, Splendour In The Grass, Ministry of Sound Classical, Yabun, and Blak Day Out 2025. Her upcoming performance at BIGSOUND 2025 is highly anticipated, positioning her as a significant emerging artist within the Australian music landscape and a trending name to watch. These festival appearances highlight her mastery of multi-sensory art and her ability to captivate diverse audiences, cementing her status in the current music releases cycle.
GLVES’s story is a powerful narrative of turning perceived weaknesses into strengths. By embracing the lessons learned from a childhood marked by isolation and difference, she has forged an artistic path that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. As ‘Belonging’ prepares for its release, GLVES invites listeners to connect with her journey of self-discovery, proving that even from the fringes, one can create a space of profound connection and belonging.
