Review Fix chats with NBC’s Songland competitor Ollie Gabriel, who discusses his new EP, “Something New.â€
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
Ollie Gabriel: I’ve been in love with music since I was 7 years old, I’ve always known I wanted to move people with song, and I started singing in public at 7 years old.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Gabriel: My creative process is very simple, I believe that songs write themselves if you get your mind out the way. Sometimes i’ll start off with a concept in my mind, and I’ll just sit at a piano, or with a guitar and tell the story. Other times I may have a track or groove, that inspires the writing. There’s no right or wrong way in my mind, you just gotta let the spirit move you.
Review Fix: How was “Something New†written?
Gabriel: Something new was written in about 20 minutes. With this record, I went in with the intention of writing something classic sounding. I wanted to recreate a timeless love song, because I had been listening to alot of Barry White at the time, who is one of my musical idols. The way those love songs make you feel is just indescribable. When we came across the chord progression, and I started to think about how “disillusioned” so many people are with love, the story formed and the lyrics and melody just poured out.
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Gabriel: I’m inspired by the human story. I’m inspired by people who overcome in the face of adversity. I’m inspired by people who choose to love, even when their hatred. I’m inspired by human potential and by LIFE in general. I keep my eyes and ears open constantly because inspiration is everywhere.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Gabriel: I would describe my sound as a modern blend of soul, pop, and funk that has a timeless, nostaligic feel.
Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?
Gabriel: Performing live is such a different experience than the studio because for me being on stage is more spiritual. You have the energy of the people to feed off, and the instruments behind you. In the studio, there is a lot of thinking involved, it’s methodical. On stage, I try to let go of myself, I’m almost outside of my body..I’m aware of everything, but i’m also in tune with the energy that’s on stage. It’s where you can really feel the energy of what you’ve created in the studio.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2019?
Gabriel: 2019 is all about rising to the next level, in the US especially. I’ve been behind the scenes for a long time as a writer and producer, so now i’m excited to really let people know what Ollie Gabriel is about, not just the music but also the man. So far this year has been phenomenal and now that i’ll be at radio with the Something New single, we are expecting to end on a super high note!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Gabriel: You can expect more music that feels fresh and familiar at the same time from me. Working on an EP right now, that I’m excited to share with the world. I also have some collaborations coming out with an international group PNAU, that i’m super excited about.
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