Gabrielle Findley is an upcoming R&B singer from Northern New Jersey. She hails from the local community ranks that gave us talented artists such as SZA, Rotimi, Lauryn Hill, and others. A few of her songs & projects were previously featured on TerryMcFly.com in the past. Right on the heels of releasing a new EP, we finally had the opportunity to sit down for an exclusive one on one interview. We discussed the artistry of her music and what fuels her creativity outside of music. Findley describes herself as family oriented and simplistic with a strong passion for writing.
What are your hobbies?
Other than making music, recording, & writing… my hobbies would be watching movies and TV shows. It’s interesting because it all ties into music anyway. I watch a lot of movies and get inspiration from them to write songs. I love watching indie movies. I’m not sure if you can count eating as a hobby but I’m a foodie. I’m a Vegan. Trying and finding new things that are plant based is fun.
If you could be in a movie, what type of movie would you be in?
A dramatic, deep, drown in your emotions type of film. Something like the show Euphoria. I feel like I could play a great crazy person.
The Music
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as very emotional. Very as we say, “In your bag.” You could be feeling sorry for yourself at the moment or very happy and hype. My music is always coming from a very deep place. Take Sugar for example, it is a very happy song but the song originated from me being upset. I was forced to write a song that says I’m good and I don’t need you. That “I’m good” came with a cause and then the effect.
How long have you been singing?
I’ve been singing ever since I was a child. I remember singing every cartoon theme song. I believe I started singing at about 5 years old and started taking it seriously when I was a teen.
What is your latest project?
Sugar is my latest EP and there is also a song on the EP titled Sugar.
What was the inspiration behind the Sugar EP?
Sugar is a compilation of different songs that originated from a bunch of different situations. Sugar is not about one person, it’s about a few people. Every time I went through something I would start writing. Rather I was crying, happy, or feeling prideful… whatever it was. Anytime I had a situation, I would start writing and it was over a year period. And then over a 6-month period I was picking and choosing what I wanted the vibe to be when I started thinking of it all as a project. I knew at some point I was going to make another project other than Tactics. For these EP songs, they were not initially in my plans. Sugar is literally a compilation of random songs that ended up fitting together. These were also my most personal songs. There were a lot of songs that didn’t make the cut. Even though they were awesome songs, they didn’t have the depth and personal vibe. I really wanted this project to be less commercial and more personal.
What is your favorite song on Sugar?
My favorite song on the EP would probably have to be Dust or Sugar, it’s hard for me to pick between the two. I’m going to say Sugar even though I love Dust and that’s my baby. I say Sugar because that’s the type of mood that you always want to be in. If you could pick a mood to be in… Dust is great, it’s about vulnerability and a person opening you up to new things. It’s a high feeling, that’s awesome but Sugar is one of those moods where you will always persevere no matter what you’ve been through or feeling. Sugar will always wake you up like “I forgot who the hell I am!”
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Drake, Champagne Papi! It would be Drake because he is one of the deepest writers. When I listen to Drake, his writing is so personal and so well-articulated. He’s able to paint a picture for you and really make you understand his feelings without making it complicated or super artsy.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, what would be your dream venue?
The Toyota Center in Texas. I know that sounds random but that was actually where I saw my first concert. It was Drake during the Scorpion Tour. There were so many people there and I’ve never been in a stadium that big. I was hyped and I remember thinking “Yo, I would love to be on this stage someday.” If we’re talking events, it would be the MTV Music Awards.
Any advice for aspiring singers out there like Gabrielle Findley?
Keep going and don’t lose your hope because there are so many people that walk away from the door when it was just about to open for them. You never know when it’s going to open. Keep pushing no matter what. Have tunnel vision! Always take your craft seriously, don’t put out anything if you’re not confident about it.
For more on Gabrielle Findley, be sure to follow @Gabsweay on social media and her Youtube channel.
Gabrielle Findley’s Sugar EP is available now on all streaming platforms. Make sure you let us know about your favorite tracks in the comments section.