Singer, songwriter, producer, and fire-starter Mychael Gabriel has recently given some insights to his recently released album Genesis, as well as some of the very sought out answers to some personal questions. Have a look at the interesting information below:
How would you describe your music? What are your musical influences?
My sound is a cross-genre amalgamation of a lot of things. A little Minneapolis Sound meets rock’n’ roll, meets alt-pop, meets 31 flavors of Baskin-Robbins. Musical inspirations are vast—everyone from Prince, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind, and Fire to Elton John, Joe Satriani, BB King, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Nicks, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Funkadelic, Bootsy… The list goes on, and on.
How long did it take to complete Genesis?
This album is a love letter that stems from years of songwriting. Over half are new songs, the remaining songs, I’ve been holding onto for years. After deciding on a concept for the album, I began seriously working on completing the project at the beginning of this year.
Which song is your personal favorite? Any fond memory from that time of recording?
That’s like trying to choose your favorite kid… but if I had to make mention of a song close to my heart, it would be “When It Comes 2 U.” It was one of those accidental songs that takes you on a journey of self discovery. I remember recording the guitar solo for that song and listening back… without sounding too much like a narcissist—It gave me chills. I knew right then it was a keeper.
How did you come up with the “Let There Be Light’ music video’s theme?
It was important that the visual match the polysemantic symbolism of song in an interesting way. The song is about self-empowerment. From an allegorical sense, we are bringing light into the darkness with the power of music. The color RED represents life and the balloons are symbolic of the celebration and transience of life. The red shoes are an homage to Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz—where the magical slippers represent the power within.
Among all the instruments seen in the video, which one did you learn to play first? And which one last? Which one is your favorite and why?
Guitar is my first instrument, first love in a sense, and favorite to play. I started playing around age six. Bass and drums are a blur. There were always instruments in my home growing up as a child. Probably drums then bass.
Aside from music, what are your other hobbies? What would you become if you were not a musician?
I love learning new things. I enjoy film. Studying film, the philosophy of film making, editing, coloring, all of it. Probably something in film.
What’s the worst thing about being a musician? What bothers you the most?
Being a touring musician? Traveling. We always joke that “traveling” itself is the real “work.” Performing on stage is the fun.
So what follows Genesis? What are long term plans for your musical endeavours?
Like I mentioned before, there is so much more music to uncover as a result of years and years of songwriting. There are plans to release a deluxe version of Genesis with additional material, extended versions, and remixes. However, Genesis is only the beginning, the “origin” story—There is so much more to uncover, and I am excited for the journey ahead.
Any plans to collaborate with other artists for your own project in the future? Any plans of tours?
I love collaborating and am open to it where it fits the project. There are some ideas in the works, but you’ll have to stay tuned to see what’s in store on that front. Touring this new music is on the horizon for 2023 for sure.
Would you say a few words about your fans and followers?
Only that I’m filled with gratitude for the journey that IS music that we have embarked on together. None of this is possible without you! Cheers to you all and the experiences we will meet ahead.
As a writer, producer, arranger, engineer, mixer, musician, Mychael Gabriel has worked and collaborated with iconic talents Sheila E., Stevie Wonder, Ringo Starr, Hans Zimmer, Usher, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Beck, Common, Gary Clark Jr., St. Vincent, Miguel, H.E.R., Earth Wind and Fire, Gloria Estefan, the Escovedo Family, George Duke, George Clinton, Freddie Stone (of Sly and the Family Stone), just to name a few. His work has been featured on MasterClass, DreamWorks Animation, ABC Network, 2007 and 2012 Latin Grammy Awards, 2016 BET Awards, Super Bowl XXVI, 2020 Grammy Awards, 2020 Grammy Salute to Prince. Mychael has proved time and again his merit on some of the world’s biggest stages and alongside music legends.
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Photo courtesy of Mychael Gabriel
