Interview with Garrett Paknis

By
Anders — Editorial Lead
Anders is the creative force and technical architect behind Divine Magazine’s editorial identity. Blending Scandinavian minimalism with a sharp instinct for digital storytelling, he shapes the...

Alluring, captivating and sensual. These are just a few words that describe NYC born, London-based queer performance artist Garrett Paknis

Who inspired you to make music?
Well, I started writing stories as a kid and also played violin, so I think it found me!  Though I did let go of it in my teenage years, for sports and partying, and what brought me back was sorting through my emotional health and healing from a lot of crap.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business? 

It’s great that you can reach audiences all over the world, but it also can make you feel like you can’t take a break, or need to be messaging people back at all times, which can be draining.  It’s obviously about finding a balance, and for the most part, the internet is a beautiful thing.

Have you got a ritual of sorts when writing and thinking about your music?  ‘

It’s funny, but my daily yoga practice and my overall clean living are what keeps me creative and productive.  Although I will say, that some of my best songs happen when I’m just really going through a severe low or working through anxiety or sadness.

How would you describe your music?

Funky, fresh, emotional and sexy.

What’s next for you? 

A couple of really cool collaborations – one with a powerhouse diva vocalist, and one with a talented rapper.

What are your top two favorite songs of all time? Why those songs?

Oh my… I go through phases, but I would have to say “Rock N Roll Suicide” by David Bowie, and “Leather and Lace” by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley.  They were both songs that shaped my life, and even though I’m not listening to them every day, they impacted me the deepest and I can still feel that energy when listening now. I think I’m gonna go and turn them on now!

GarrettPaknis

What was the last series you watched on TV?

I don’t watch TV, but I do watch two shows online once a year they premiere… and I just finished watching one of them – the new season of ‘Selling Sunset’ on Netflix. 🤣

What do you think the greatest invention has been?

Technology in general – modern cars, the internet, computers, smartphones…

Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions? 

I have a ton of crystals!  And I collect books.  A tradition I have is that I can’t go to bed without praying.

If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?

Have the sacrifices been worth it?  Are you happy?

If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?

Rainbow Sherbert. Or something spicy. 🙂

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Anders is the creative force and technical architect behind Divine Magazine’s editorial identity. Blending Scandinavian minimalism with a sharp instinct for digital storytelling, he shapes the magazine’s voice, visual rhythm, and structural clarity. His work moves between worlds — part editor, part engineer — ensuring every article is not only beautifully crafted but technically flawless beneath the surface. From SEO frameworks to asset design, from WordPress architecture to the magazine’s cinematic featured imagery, Anders builds the systems that let stories breathe. He curates Divine’s tone with intention: clean lines, honest language, and a commitment to elevating everyday subjects into something quietly extraordinary. Whether refining editorial workflows or sculpting the magazine’s long‑term creative direction, Anders brings a steady hand and an eye for detail — the kind that turns a publication into a signature.
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