Gabi Sklar spent some time answering our questions about her music and how she makes it. Let’s see what she has to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
My stage name is just my real name! I couldn’t think of anything cool that still felt like me. I’m always open to suggestions though!
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I describe my relationship with music as mutual. Something you choose it and at some points in your journey, it chooses you. The part that’s strictly up to the artist is what you choose to do with the art and your narrative.
How would you describe your sound?
Nostalgic yet fresh.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
I’m still trying to solidify a sound that is unique to Gabi Sklar, but some artists that I gravitate to sonically are Lana Del Rey, Nancy Sinatra, and Arctic Monkeys.
What’s the last song you listened to?
One of my own songs! I just got a mix back for what could possibly be my next single…
What’s your source for hearing new music?
I love to ask people to share their playlists with me. I’ll even ask restaurants and coffee shops to shops, there’s no shame! Also, if you go to your local record store and ask for some artist recommendations based on music you already love, it’s a guarantee they’ll recommend some amazing people you’ve never even heard of!
Who is your dream producer?
I’d love to work with Mark Ronson and Labrinth. I’d also love to learn how to produce so that I can be even more involved in the creative process. I find myself trying to explain sounds I want, which can be extremely relative. It’s like saying you like blue when there’s millions of different shades of blue. It would be so much more efficient to not have to rely on anyone but yourself to have your vision be executed exactly as you hear it in your mind.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I’d love to work with Labrinth, Lana Del Rey, or Dolly Parton!
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
I loved coming home from school and writing songs on the piano and in my little songbook. The passion I had as a kid is the same passion I have now as a 23-year-old. If you don’t have the passion and drive, what’s the point?
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
I always keep a long list of titles and ideas. I’m not exaggerating when I say I have thousands of voice notes and scribbles of lyrics lying around. They’d be nonsense to anyone else, but to me they’re all potential threads in my storyline. My process is always different but my best stuff stems from a concept or idea I have which I then bring to my co-writers who help to make it the best it can be. I’m really grateful to the people I get to work with. I love to collaborate and I feel like I learn in every room I’m in.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
I’m always writing back and forth with my audience on socials — Instagram, TikTok, YouTube. The best way is probably Instagram, though. I try to read and reply to every comment!
What’s next for you?
This is just the beginning! I have so much new music on the way, and hopefully I’ll be coming to a city near you soon!
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
I’m so grateful for all the love and support on all the new music. I can’t wait for you to see and hear what’s next!
Bio: Capturing the hearts of millions with her powerful vocals and dynamic songwriting, 23-year-old Gabi Sklar has quickly emerged as one of pop’s most exciting new acts. With only a handful of singles released so far, the New York-based singer and songwriter already has a committed fanbase – 3.5M TikTok followers & 1.1M Instagram followers – who are eager to hear more. Her new single, “Thank God,” will be out on all streaming platforms on August 24th, 2023.
