Game time! Guinsoo is a name that resonates with fans of Dota and League of Legends—a nod to the creator whose work laid the foundation for both games. Much like the evolution of these competitive battle arenas, the EP Guinsoo by NAIIM and Polun is a testament to growth, collaboration, and the unpredictable nature of creativity. Born from months of experimentation rather than a singular moment of inspiration, Guinsoo is less about defining a genre and more about exploring sound, instinct, and storytelling.

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The Art of Creating Without Boundaries

If there’s one consistent theme throughout the making of Guinsoo, it’s the commitment to organic creation. “Polun would paint a world through his production,” NAIIM explains, “then Andrew Briol and I would get in the booth and mumble melodies instinctually.” The songwriting process was not dictated by rigid structures or predefined narratives but was instead guided by spontaneous melodies that naturally revealed the emotional core of each track. Tabula rasa, a blank slate, was their starting point for every song, allowing each composition to take shape without the constraints of expectation.

This experimental approach extended to their influences—or rather, the lack of direct ones. “We tried to craft a world of our own with this project,” NAIIM shares, emphasizing that while their musical tastes inevitably shaped the sound, Guinsoo was not designed as an homage to any specific genre or artist. It is, instead, a fusion of everything they have absorbed over the years, blended into something uniquely theirs.

A Collaboration-Driven Project

The heart of Guinsoo lies in collaboration.

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“This EP is a joint project and direct reflection of both of our creative inputs and efforts,” NAIIM says of working with Polun.

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Their synergy was amplified by the contributions of other creatives, including songwriter Andrew Briol and producers like KyleYouMadeThat. Music, after all, is rarely a solitary endeavor—ex nihilo nihil fit (nothing comes from nothing). The diversity of perspectives brought into the process ensured that Guinsoo remained dynamic and ever-evolving, each collaborator adding new layers to its sonic landscape.

A Name Rooted in Shared Passion

The EP’s title is a subtle tribute to a shared interest that might surprise some fans: MOBA games. “Polun and I always argued about which game is better,” NAIIM admits, referencing Dota and League of Legends. Naming the project Guinsoo—after the developer who influenced both games—was a playful acknowledgment of their common ground outside of music. It’s an unexpected yet fitting metaphor for their artistic journey: two individuals with different approaches, coming together to create something impactful.

The Journey, Not the Destination

Performing Guinsoo live at the Moroccan Lounge in LA confirmed what NAIIM and Polun had suspected—people connected with their music in ways they hadn’t predicted. And that’s precisely the point. “I don’t try to impose how I feel whilst creating songs on the listeners,” NAIIM shares.

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“I hope the songs mean something different for everyone.”

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‍Guinsoo is an open-ended experience, a project that invites interpretation rather than dictating meaning.

As for what comes next, the future of Guinsoo remains uncertain. “Maybe in the future, polun and I will continue the Guinsoo arc with a part two, but for now we’re both really happy with the way it turned out.” Like the gaming worlds that inspired it, Guinsoo is an ongoing evolution—one that may yet see new expansions.

And much like in Dota or League of Legends, sometimes the most exciting part isn’t the victory—it’s the game itself.