We caught up with our friend and emerging artist Gaby Paul and asked her to give us an update on her new music and life post pandemic. Here what she told us
What Have you been up to since we last spoke?
“I’ve been doing a lot of writing and recording. I’m experimenting with my softer, more vulnerable side when it comes to my songwriting. I’ve also been filming some projects for my new music releases. There’s also a lot of music videos in the process.
This new track I’m releasing today called “Untruly’ is honestly my favorite I’ve written so far. I’ve always wanted to write songs that explored the melancholy parts of my past but translated in a soft and velvety delivery. All while still staying true to my dark melodies, sonically.
Tell us about it
“Untruly” is all about one person. I don’t think he knows it’s about him. I don’t think he has a clue. If he knew it was about him, he’s the kind of person who would read the lyrics over and over while wondering what memory it is that I’m talking about. I wrote this song about our time together. He was never truly mine and I was never truly his. The inure and incandescence in our connection was prevalent. I wasn’t his type, but it didn’t matter.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
I like to listen to different genres of music and explore various forms of art. Finding inspiration can also include reading old books, magazines, meeting new people, watching movies, astral projection, praying, meditation, psychedelics, drawing and painting. I think keeping your heart and mind open, spiritually. Channeling your energy all the while finding your power through your own personal metanoia.
Who are you binge listening to these days?
I’ve been listening to mainly female singers lately. Summer Walker, LoLo Zouaï, Lana Del Rey and Sabrina Claudio have been on repeat.
All time favorite movie or TV show?
Favorite movies: “American Beauty”, “Black Swan”, “Nocturnal Animals”, “No Country For Old Men”, “Black Snake Moan”, “The Place Beyond The Pines”, “The Love Witch”.
What do you do to chill before a show?
I never get nervous in the weeks or days before a show or video interview but in the hours leading up to it, I’m dying. I sip warm throat coat tea, maybe some liquor with honey for my voice and to relax me. I actually have a song coming out on July 2nd with Hip Hop producer Jeremy Ford called ‘Settle Down Happily’ that focuses on music being a nerve soother.
Any fun projects coming up?
I’m going to incorporate a lot more videos and live performances upon my release(s) of music projects. I’m only just getting started to tell my story.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
My style is inspired by my late grandmother. Her and I were a lot alike in terms of creativity and aesthetics. My early childhood with my grandparents really influenced me and their Southwestern style rubbed off on me. I’m heavily influenced by the past. I’m obsessed with jazz standards, the roaring 1920’s, Motown and the 1960’s Woodstock era. Nostalgia is something I try to keep alive in my art.
What’s something you are very proud of in your career so far?
I’d say being on the radio. It was such a surreal and electric moment listening to my song ‘Sonora’ on multiple radio stations. I was in my car with my best friends. We rolled the windows down and lit a blunt. I was in a eudaemonia state and never wanted the night to end. I felt euphoric all week.
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
Social media, self promotion and just really putting yourself out there online. The music industry is constantly evolving and it’s not how it used to be with relying on discovery solely through live shows alone. Networking is essential and with all the other talented people you’ll meet, it’ll be worth it.
As an independent artist, what are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry?
I would like it to be easier for artists to get paid for the work they do. The world needs creative minds. When people arrive back home from their 9-5 jobs, they consume art. Whether that be watching tv, a movie, reading a book and/or listening to music. Art is something that is needed and more people need to start treating artists like they are important. Touring is usually a musician’s main source of income but I’d like to see more payment in the work artists produce in general. This past year took away live shows due to the pandemic, which left a lot of hungry artists. I’d like to see us artists live more comfortably and be treated with much more respect for what we do because we deserve it.
