We were lucky to catch up with Hunter Gromala recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hunter, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
Unfortunately, part of being an artist is putting yourself out there and opening yourself (and your art) up to criticism, hate, negativity, ignorance, etc. If you put your passions or art out into the world-It’s going to be there. But that’s just it. You did it. You did the hardest part of being vulnerable and scared and putting yourself out there which half of the “haters” or nay-sayers can’t or wouldn’t do themselves.
It can definitely be overwhelming or feel like something so personal to you is under attack when you get hateful comments, a heckler, an ignorant message etc. as an artist. Recently I was put under a lot of ignorance, bigotry, and discrimination because along with being a musician I happen to be non-binary and apart of the LGBTQ community, and it was hard. It was hard being judged and having assumptions made about me by people that didn’t know me, my art, or anything. All they did was see my pronouns and identity (which wasn’t advertised/marketed for the show in question but they went out of their way to find out), and decide I wasn’t fit for their small town or event. In the end though, I came up winning, truly. Their few hateful comments brought the most loving, encouraging, amazing community and support team forward who went above and beyond. I now have tons of new fans and friends and a huge community behind me that I didn’t know existed. Their hate brought me my audience and my fans who support me not only because of my talent, but also because of my identity (not in spite of). Not to mention- their ignorance and comments boosted the event, got my band and I on multiple news stations, free press, etc. (And we still put on a great show)
In the end, you can take their hate however you want to. You can see it as a personal attack, use it as a reason to give up, believe them, etc; or you can see it as a win because that means you’re putting your art out there. You’re succeeding, and that’s why they’re noticing you, hating on you, etc. You’re reminding them that they could be living authentically, pursuing their passions, living their dreams, and loving themselves, but they’re too scared, aren’t talented enough (or believe that), not working for it, insecure, etc etc. Whatever the reason is, if they aren’t paying your bills, someone you seek out as a mentor/for advice, or a person you love- their comments are there to add to the plot, boost your engagement, and to have a good giggle at.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
When you think of the word “artist” and how many things that could mean, it almost seems too vague of an answer for the question, “What are you?/What do you do?”. But to be honest, it’s true. I’m an artist in the broadest meaning of the term, and I’m okay if I don’t fit in a neat box.
As someone who started their singing career in churches, has painted murals for local businesses, been a Princess Performer, went to cosmetology school, draws/designs clothing, created whole sets for photoshoots and videos, etc. . . I think artist or creator fits me best. I’ve done so many types of projects, styles, jobs, genres, in my life that it’s hard to narrow myself down into an easy, quick answer.
Currently though, I am pursuing my passion as a musician and singer/songwriter who performs pop, rnb, and rock covers from my favorite artists- while probably wearing something pink. My band, The Disorders, and I play locally currently and are in plans of going on the road in the next few months. When it comes to being a musician/singer though, it doesn’t just stop there. As an independent artist, you’re kindof in charge of everything and all the jobs at once. Besides creating the set lists and singing, I also draw and design the merch, create the flyers/show announcements, do my own makeup and wig styling for performances, create or source the performance costumes, schedule rehearsals, create visuals, and more. That’s where my “artist” background or title comes in. With being an artist of all different definitions, I’m able to use so many of my skills and talents I’ve acquired from the jobs, projects, and classes of the past and use them in my musician career today. I realized that having so many different meanings under the term “artist” wasn’t a hindrance that I needed to niche down after all but actually a super power or a tool box of skills to help me on my independent music journey,
Who is Hunter Gromala? A non-binary musician and artist from Wichita, Kansas who sings covers of powerful and fun songs by their favorite artists as they currently put together original songs and an album of their own. You can find some of their music on all streaming platforms now, and in August, their band (The Disorders) and them will be doing a local response tour called “Existing isn’t Controversial” at local LGBTQ venues/bars. This tour is in response to the recent controversy surrounding the announcement of their recent performance in late June, and to the current negativity, ignorance, and bigotry being directed towards the trans and LGBTQ community- by lawmakers and community members. You can find information about the locations of this tour along with other shows on their social media pages.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think the best things when it comes to growth or growing is 1. Trust your intuition 2. Remember that you’re human and going to make mistakes and 3. Being able to recognize you’re always learning (or should be) and you don’t know everything.
I say that but I definitely feel like I’m still growing and have a lot of growing to do. But I’ve really noticed these specific things helping me or showing up in this last year, and even though I can’t say I am perfect at remembering them or playing the part, they still ring true in the end. I’ve been in a ton of situations or met many a people where I initially was uneasy about, but ignored to find out later my intuition was right. The amount of “lessons” I could’ve saved myself from if I had listened and trusted my gut in the beginning is larger than I would like to admit. You may not always know why and someone may try to convince you otherwise, but your intuition is stronger than you think. Dont forget that tool you have.
As a perfectionist and overthinker, knowing mistakes are inevitable when being an artist makes me cringe. I hate the idea of messing up, having a bad song/show, or doing something the wrong way. But I’ve noticed that most of the musicians and artists I follow- are human too?? Shocker!! But really in the sense of I’ve been a fan of theirs since the beginning and watched them mess up and grow, so why wouldn’t someone want to do the same for me?
And oof. That last one. I know grown people who can’t even do this one. Admit they don’t know everything and continue educating themselves and learning? Listening to others who might know more than them?? Never. I’ll admit, my ego has definitely taken over a time or two when I should’ve listened or even taken a personal hit when someone was just trying to help or mentor. Being in any field but especially the music/art industry, there’s going to be tons of different ways to do things, styles, cultures, genres, tips, tricks, etc, and there’s no way you know everything. So be open to learning because even if you don’t see it’s relevance now, it can later.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Biggest area of growth in the last 12 months? That’s a hard one because a year ago seems eons away now with all that has happened.
I think my biggest growth (and what I’m currently working on as well) is being confident and proud in the fact that I belong here. Imposter syndrome seems to be apart of the “artist” or “pursuing your dreams” package, and it’s a tough one. No matter where I was with current accomplishments, schedule, money in the bank, etc, it felt like I was a fraud. I didn’t belong there because I was surrounded by people who knew more, had been doing it longer, could play more instruments, had more “success”, etc. I still struggle with this way of thinking and insecurities in this area, but I’m getting better at giving myself permission to take up space.
Yeah there are people more accomplished, skilled, talented, successful, and experienced than me in the room…but I’m still in that room. We’re at the same gig. I’m in the same room as them, and they were once in the same room as their idols and questioning their own validity. Instead of taking all of that as a reason as to why I don’t belong, I’ll take it as a win for getting in the room and an opportunity that I’m able to learn and be surrounded by such cool artists. It may seem cringey, but it works and it’s true.
I guess what I’m saying is that I’ve learned that your biggest threat stopping you is you telling yourself “no” before someone else gets a chance to. So take up space, stand on that stage, and do your best. Create your art. And show people you. Everything else will come along eventually.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/huntergromala
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/Huntergromala
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HunterMarieGromala
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC3MjpnKLGV20Ym3c-9B8kZw
Image Credits
Jennie Marie Photo Cole Campbell R Dodson Photography
