Love. It's a powerful and complex emotion that has inspired countless songs, stories, and works of art. It's a universal experience that can bring both joy and pain, and navigating its depths is a journey of self-discovery and growth. Emerging R&B-pop singer-songwriter, Gaby K, takes listeners on this intimate journey with the release of her debut EP, 'Get To Love You'.
Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Amy Winehouse, Jessie Reyez, and Amber Mark, Gaby combines elements of R&B, soul, and pop to create a sound that is uniquely emotive and captivating. Her velvety-soft vocals, dripping with both vulnerability and strength, perfectly complement her heartfelt lyrics, transporting listeners into the depths of their own emotions.
It's clear that Gaby K's music is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, making her songs all the more relatable and authentic. 'Get To Love You' takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of love, exploring the pain of falling in and out of love while emphasizing the importance of self-love and personal growth. The title track, 'Get To Love You', is a poignant reflection of the healing process after losing someone, but also rediscovering oneself. It beautifully encapsulates the idea that the most important love is self-love – the foundation upon which all other love is built.
Delving further into the complexities of being alone, tracks like 'Call Me' and 'On My Own' highlight the power and joy that comes from embracing oneself and being enough. These songs serve as a gentle reminder that one doesn't have to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of others and that prioritising your own health and happiness is essential.
Gaby's music not only delves into introspection but also serves as an empowering anthem for those navigating the challenges of love and personal growth. As a strong advocate for women in music, she uses her platform to promote self-love and female empowerment, creating a space for listeners to feel seen, heard, and empowered.
In an exclusive interview, we had the privilege of sitting down with the talented Gaby K to delve into her influences, personal experiences, and the evolution of her musical career. From her eclectic musical inspirations to the transformative journey that led her to where she is today, Gaby K shared her unique perspective on the world of music and the deep emotions woven into her artistry.
Hi Gaby! We're thrilled to talk to you about your latest EP, "GET TO LOVE YOU." Can you share with us the inspiration behind the title of the EP and what message you hope to convey through these tracks?
So I chose the title of the EP after the main track ‘Get To Love You’ as I thought it fit perfectly with the narration of it. The song ‘Get To Love You’ to me is the heart and soul of the EP and my favourite of all the songs. This whole EP is a narration of my life in the last 2 years, falling in love with someone, losing myself a little, falling out of love and then finding self-love. I wanted to show the importance of self-love and how it's just a bonus to fall in love with someone else.
Your music often delves into personal experiences and emotions. How did your own journey and reflections inspire the creation of the songs?
My own journey pretty much inspired every detail of each song. This whole EP is like my own journal, my reflections, my thoughts and feelings. I really wanted to be as open and honest as possible, so that people who have been through the same experiences can relate. It might not be every song but I feel out of the 6 there’s definitely at least one that everyone can relate to.
How do you feel your musical style and approach have developed in comparison to your previous work?
My music has evolved a lot, I feel my songwriting has changed a lot throughout the years. I am learning a lot about myself, my sound and my style and what works for me. I think that this all just comes from experience and over time without even realising my music has slowly evolved. Recently I have been leaning more into the R&B side of the music which I love and grew up on and want to delve a little more into.
Are there any specific musical influences or artists that inspired the sound and production of the tracks? How did these influences shape the overall feel of the EP?
I think there are many influences that inspired the sound. I wanted to take influence from other strong, powerful female artists who empower other women; Amber Mark, Jessie Reyes, Olivia Dean, so many artists now who are so inspiring and just that feeling of self love and female empowerment that they portray in their music and image.
Songwriting can be a deeply personal process. Can you tell us about your songwriting journey for this EP? How do you approach writing lyrics and crafting melodies that resonate with your fans?
I feel my songwriting is very much like writing a journal, all my thoughts and feelings and then basically creating a melody to go with it. As much as i would like to say i just choose a day where i sit and write, sometimes it's just a time I have a strong energy where i need to get my feels out and it just kinda happens from there.
While all the songs on the EP are incredible, do you have any personal favorites or standout tracks? What makes them special to you?
Get To Love You is definitely my favourite and closest to my heart. It is technically a song I wrote to myself, it's the track that helped heal my heart and make me realise I am good enough, I am happy alone and get to love myself. It is a song I know would resonate to so many people, and help others find peace in that as well.
We're excited to get to know you a little better beyond your music. Let's dive into some fun questions... Do you have a favourite memory from your musical journey so far?
I think my favourite overall memory was supporting Olivia Dean in Birmingham on her UK album tour and the crowd were just amazing. I felt such a connection with them and everyone in that room sang my songs, to the point where I stopped singing just to listen to them. It was an incredible experience.
Imagine your dream concert lineup. Which three artists, dead or alive, would you want to share the stage with?
Amy Winehouse, Janelle Monae and Aretha Franklin
We all have guilty pleasure songs that we can't resist. What's a song that might be considered a guilty pleasure for you, but you secretly love?
Guilty Pleasure song, I think it's gotta be Fergalicious by Fergie. Absolute banger!
Photographer: Amy Lauffer Neff
HMUA / Creative Direction: Patrick Willis Jr
