Gabriela Eva – London based singer-songwriter. My latest singles ‘HEY!’ & ‘HEY! (alternative mix)’ both OUT NOW on Riverfish Music on all online platforms
Interview conducted on December 11, 2019
By Dan Locke
British singer and songwriter Gabriela Eva grew up, in the historic market town of Colchester in Essex, raised on the sounds of Alanis Morissette, Nina Simone, and Portishead. Inspired by strong female singers and her mother to freely express herself creatively, Gabriela Eva felt empowered to teach herself to play guitar and explore her own music. This can be heard through her borderless songwriting, a hybrid mix of pop, alternative soul, nu-jazz, and funk…as it rings through her current singles HEY!
What was your up bring like?
Deep question, it was open with creativity, kinda bumpy thought the years. but when we get older, we find our paths.
How did your mother inspire you?
She was a solo Mumma warrior, she’s singing to me, we draw and paint & write poems and music together.
How many instruments do you play?
Flute, drums, didgeridoo, bass guitar vocals
Your main instrument is the guitar. How did you start playing it? How did you get it and do you still have it?
Yes, I still have my 1st acoustic guitar. my dad gave me an old chord book from the 60s, I learned a few chords and wrote my 1st song that night.
Over the years your Facebook page went from Gabriela Eva Music to Gabriela Eva Sounds to now Gabriela Eva. Are you going to keep this name or are you doing the Prince thing?
Nope
You were originally from Colchester in Essex and now you live in Hackney, East London. What is different in the two locations?
dude, I’ve moved 10 times in London and now moving back to Colchester on Sunday. So ill hopefully be back in London next year.
Since you are now living in Hackney, I am going to ask you about a few musicians who are from Hackney. I would like you to say something about each if you can.
Derek Bailey- Avant-garde guitarist – experimental vibes
Buster Bloodvessel- Frontman of Bad Manners – ‘Lip up fatty’ old school, classic.
Phil Collen- guitarist with Def Leppard – Back in black was one of the 1st heavy tracks I learned as a kid. I started out in metal guitar
Alfred Hitchcock – Classic
Labyrinth – what a voice
Leona Lewis – she’s the x-factor voice
Nicko McBrain- drummer for Iron Maiden – sick
Sid Vicious – the legend of punk
Helen Shapiro- singer from Clapton Park Girls School. She did the song “You Don’t Know” more classic.
Do remember your first gig? Can you tell me about it? And was it at Leyton Technical on Dec. 21, 2014?
Haha no, I had my 1st performance gig in school i sang the Blur – Song 2 with a school band – was fun. I’ve been performance forever.
Why did you decide to direct your music video “HEY”?
I’ve fallen in love with movie-making a new passion of mine. I didn’t have a team then so I was doing everything on my own.
Tell me about your latest release?
Hey! I’ve enjoyed hearing and seeing people feedback, I love the track and love performing it. that’s what it’s all about.
You worked for Alibi Records as a singer and writing top liners. How one meet deadlines with music?
I find top lines pretty easy to bust out so I think I finished it in 2-3 days.
How was it to perform internationally?
I didn’t really think of it like that at the time, but when I travel to South America I would offer to play music for a bed to sleep and for food. I would also teach hula hoop lessons on the beach.
Shanghai was pure craziness, partied a lot and played at some cool jazz bars like the ‘Cotton Club’
Is there any difference from a tour in England and Internationally?
the whole atmosphere is different
How was the food?
lush, love Asian food is my fav. But honestly eating is one of my fav parts of the day.
How do you stay healthy on tour?
I haven’t toured long enough to answer that question.
I see you have been a part of the Sofar series. Any plans to do the Sofar in Chicago shortly?
That would be lovely, I’m currently writing from Rafe’s place in London. wanna invoice me over to Chicago?
How good of a Hula hoop dancer are you? How does one become a Hula Hoop dancer?
I was pretty good, the best performance was in Belgium performing with ‘Devilment’ Infront of 5 thousand people I was buzzing. If your vibe it and connect it’s easy, you gotta have good rhythm & patience
How long have you been modeling for? And what type of modeling do you enjoy the most?
I’ve been modeling for over 10 years, most projects I organize style and design. My favorite type of modeling is just having a great team to work with who don’t see limits and aim for the sky! People who make ideas come to life.
What is your vocal range and what song showing your vocal range the most?
A new song I haven’t released yet…. my range pretty high not too low haha.
What is the name of your sister band?
She’s currently in a new band and they’re deciding on a name.
The first and last concert you went to see?
My mum took me to see Robbie Williams and top loader (her friend gave us backstage tickets), we got to hang out backstage and the buzz was awesome.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
A few albums under my belt and touring =)
Anything in closing you like to say?
Those who push us away move us on to a greater place ❤️
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