A London-based R&B singer-songwriter who has been championed by BBC London, Wonderland, Gigwise, Earmilk and more, Gaby K recently shared her new single 'What Have I Done'.
A stunning single that artfully combines elements of R&B, soul and pop to create a distinctively emotive sound, 'What Have I Done' has become an instantly hit, and to help celebrate the single, Gaby K was kind enough to answer a few of our questions about the single, what inspires her, and what's still to come.
Wonderful to speak with you! Let's dive right in. Can you tell us about your new single?
"I wrote it when I was going through extremely sad and lost time in life and just angry at myself. I was falling in love with someone who I knew at that point I had no future with and continued to have this relationship with this person anyway. The track is basically me scolding myself and telling myself off because I knew the ending of this before it even started."
"I want listeners to take away that no matter who you are and where you are in life, you make mistakes and you will always learn from them. Sometimes we can’t help getting caught up in the moment even when we know we shouldn't. We put ourselves through pain at the end for some temporary happiness and yes it's our own fault but just own it and move on. This song is scolding myself and saying look what you've done, you knew this was going to happen but you did it anyway and we all do, that’s just life."
How did you first start making music? Where did it all begin?
"I started writing songs when I was quite young, around maybe 13/14 but I didn’t do much with them. It wasn’t until the age of 16 i actually started to put music together with my songs and then only after university when i actually met and spoke to producers to bring these songs to life. I always had a love for music but I at first never knew where to start. I think it took me a while to find my feet and then slowly you start to navigate yourself."
How would you describe your sound?
"I would say it was like a raw, soulful and emotive sound."
Do you have any set influences that help define your music?
"I feel throughout the years I have had a mix of influences.Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin from day dot have been massive musical inspirations to me, I have always liked their music, voice and lyrics, such talent. In recent years, I have absolutely loved listening to Jessie Reyez as I feel her songs have such a range which really resonates with me due to my songs covering different genres and trying to find my sound. Also Amber Mark, I love her sound, she’s very talented and does a lot of the production herself which is very inspiring."
Now that the single is out, what’s next for you as an artist?
"I am actually finishing an EP that this single is a part of which I am very excited about. It really is a narration of my life in the past year and I feel it would resonate to so many people. I really want to focus on pushing this EP and performing my new music around the UK in this coming year."
What is your songwriting process? How does it all come together?
"When I'm songwriting either I know that day I'm going to sit down and write or sometimes it just kinda comes to me whilst I’m on a walk. Most of the time i know what i am writing about, everything i have written is something I have experienced myself or through the people around me."
What’s the most important thing for you when you’re writing a song
"Honestly, a cup of coffee. I feel like a coffee helps me with anything, especially songwriting, this is probably completely psychological but it works for me either way!"
What advice would you give to band’s who are looking to make it?
"I would say to just believe in yourself, sometimes you just gotta go with what you think and not take anyone else’s advice, especially when there's multiple opinions. Also just be consistent with everything you do, consistency is key as they say!"
What has been your best moment as a musician so far?
"I think the best moment so far was supporting Olivia Dean in Birmingham and connecting with so many of her fans. The crowd was absolutely amazing and the way they just became a part of the music when they were singing along. It was an incredible feeling and experience."
Gaby’s empowering, spontaneous songs are raw and moving. The sheer emotional and organic nature of her songs have garnered her some impressive BBC Introducing support across Birmingham and London, as well as a coveted main support slot on Olivia Dean’s 2021 EP tour and Pip Millett’s 2022 UK Tour.
Her musical repertoire promotes self-love and female empowerment, and she delivers these messages in a glistening pop-infused R&B package that guarantees to impress. New music is on the horizon for this promising artist as she continues to grow throughout 2023, with plans to take her musical life even further.
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