Today I would like to introduce you to one and only Zoe Gabrielle – an American singer/songwriter currently based in Chicago. I was easily hooked on her sound and was thrilled that she agreed to share a little more about her story. Zoe started her career in 2021 and she already released 2 singles. One more single is coming later in the year and the EP will follow.
Sounds like an exciting time for Zoe. Without further ado. Let me introduce you to Zoe Gabrielle.
Congratulations on your latest release! Tell us about the journey until the moment ‘no service’ saw the light of day!
It was a collaborative process with Forest Del. I knew once I heard the beat to this song I wanted to record my next release to it so I kinda dropped everything I was doing and wrote to it. I liked the R&B flare it had to it as it was the direction I wanted to go with my music at the time. In the future I think I would like to go back to my across the room sound.
Do you remember the moment you got inspiration for the song? What was the first line that came to you?
The first line that came to me was the hook, specifically, “yeah maybe I just say shit, but let’s take a vacation” I was looking out the car window at a dirt road in Nebraska where I am originally from, it kept sticking with me and I built off of that line specifically.
Yeah maybe I just say shit, but let’s take a vacation
Zoe Gabrielle – No Service
You will always be remembered by the very first song that started your career. How did you know that ‘Across the Room’ is the one?
I wrote awful songs before I dared to release my very first one. Ironically, I stopped trying to spend so much time on lyrics and decided to just sit down and write impulsively. So, I wrote across the room in the process of a few days, mainly just sitting in my room but I remember finishing up the song while my ex-partner and I were sitting in the car haha.
I stopped trying to spend so much time on lyrics and decided to just sit down and write impulsively
ZOE GABRIELLE
What does ‘Across the Room’ mean to you?
It means a lot to me mainly because it is my very first song and it did do better than I thought it was going to do. I received a lot of support from family and friends from the small town that I am from and it was a relieving feeling to feel accepted. Just to sit down and fully write a song made me so proud of myself and allowed me to realize that I can do it/the fact I have the resources to.
What does it mean to you to be launching your music career in this challenging time?
I think it has been inspiring simply because the world is changing and there are now new virtual resources. For example, I’ve attended a lot of musician events online as well as open mics/performances.
Your career started in theatre. What were your highlights so far? Moving forward would you like to blend the two worlds or are you aiming to focus mainly on music?
Blending the two is an amazing art form. I’ve always wanted to be a singer but I didn’t know what that meant to me. I wanted to sing but I always told myself I could never actually write anything and have my own “act”. I refused and didn’t even try, that is why I liked musical theatre so much. I think I would like to stay focused on music mainly but also act in a separate category. I have always wanted to be involved in film/tv acting rather than theatre/Musical theatre.
I would like to stay focused on music mainly but also act in a separate category.
ZOE GABRIELLE
I have to admit that the two singles you released so far sound very different one from another. You definitely managed to create unique sound. What was the inspiration behind your sound?
My answer to this question changes all the time, I take inspiration from different things, and sometimes it’s not necessarily other musical artists but everyday things. Also, my inspirations for music sometimes don’t necessarily come from artists that make the same genre of music as I do. I like some artists for their lyrics, some for their style, and some for their production. Lyric wise, The 1975 is probably my biggest inspiration as well as Mac Miller and Kanye West. But sound/style-wise my inspirations include Rina Sawayama and Tame Impala.
I take inspiration from different things, and sometimes it’s not necessarily other musical artists but everyday things.
ZOE GABRIELLE
Do you remember the moment you decided that music is what you want to do?
I think I’ve known for a while but it didn’t click into my head until I started doing it and released my first song. The fact that I knew I could do it and go on stage as Zoe rather than a character (like I was used to doing because of my acting background) was something that made me feel empowered.
Do you have a song that when you hear, you’d be ‘Damn I wish I’d written that’.
Yes, A lot, sometimes I feel angry when I hear a good song because I get jealous that I didn’t think of it first! I am obsessed with Dijon right now so I’m gonna say Talk Down and The Dress by Dijon .
Who is your role model in the industry?
All the artists I have collaborated with I would say are some of the best people I’ve ever met. As well as all of the friends I have met through music as well.
Music to me is emotional fulfilment
ZOE GABRIELLE
How would you define success in the music industry?
Success is very personal and I don’t think anybody can define it for another person. If someone truly believes what they are doing is beautiful, so will their audience.
What is one advise you could give to your younger self when it comes to music business?
I’m honestly not sure because I never thought I would have the courage to do it. But, probably to stop waiting for perfection and just take action.
What have you got planned for 2022?
I have a new single coming out in February and I am releasing my debut E.P. in April!
Make sure to connect with Zoe Gabrielle
on Instagram » Facebook » Twitter
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