DISCOVER: Gabi Sklar and her new single 'Liberteens'

You may not be familiar with Gabi Sklar just yet, but she’s destined to be the brightest new popstar on the block. At just 17-years-old, the songstress is wise beyond her years, but maintains a slick youthful sass in her music.

Gabi’s musical journey began at the age of eight, when she began playing the grand piano by ear. After learning a few notes and chords, she began writing lyrics too, and the rest, as they say, is history. Determined to express her emotions through music, Gabi also hopes to create relatable music which will impact on others.

Her debut single, the sensational ‘LA Changes You’, gave us a first glimpse into what we could expect from the bright talent. Delivering a mature ballad with soul at just 15, it was clear to see that Gabi had something truly special about her. Since then, she has been honing her craft and growing as an artist.

Over the past six months, she has been busy recording more new material, working with multi-platinum producers such as Ryan Marrone, Frequency, xSDTRK , Jonas Jeberg, Matt Squire, Tofer Brown and Andrew Hollander. Additionally, she has been training with vocal coach, Don Lawrence (Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson) and performance coach, KJ Rose (Diddy), and recently performed a 10-day music tour in China.

Today, Gabi released her new single, ‘Liberteens’, a mid-tempo offering which reflects on her youth in an honest and mature manner. Whilst, for Gabi, the track relates to her current experiences, the feeling of letting go and being reckless is something anyone of any age can relate to.

Ain’t nothin sweeter than being sixteen 
Smoking pot, Liberteens, letting go of routine
Ain’t nothin sweeter than being sixteen 
Take a shot, cause a scene, cause you’re feelin like a queen
Sixteen, sweet sixteen

The song has been teamed up with an incredible Marie Antoinette inspired music video which is due for release soon. Having had a sneaky peek of it, we promise you that you’re in for a real treat!

We recently had the opportunity to ask Gabi some questions about ‘Liberteens’, her musical inspirations, staying grounded and much more. Here’s what she had to say!

We’re loving your new single ‘Liberteens’! Can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?

The inspiration for the song comes from every experience I’ve had in high school — the parties, the friends, the boys. The song talks about what it’s like to be sixteen but beyond that, it’s meant for people to think back to their teenage years. Whether you are sixteen, thirty, fifty, etc., it’s meant to reflect on times of reckless adolescence.

The music video is also incredible. It looks like it was a lot of fun to film, can you tell us about the concept behind it?

When you look up the word ‘libertine’ it’s all about rebelling and free spirits. The director, Lanz Pierce and I discussed how this idea transcends all generations. Looking at Marie Antoinette, she was a libertine of her own time so we tried incorporating that concept.

You’ve been involved in music from a young age. What is your earliest musical memory?

I was five years old, at recess, my friends and I would play American Idol. I would take a gatorade bottle and pretend it was a microphone.

As a singer-songwriter, what’s your favourite lyric that you’ve penned so far?

“Standing on a red R8, then she says that she’s Audi”
I remember writing it and everyone in the room was like “ok, so you’re a rapper now.”

You cite Gavin DeGraw and ZZ Ward as some of your musical inspirations. What is it about those artists which inspires you?

I love that when you take away the production, both artists are amazing acoustic. Even their songs stripped down are just as good as the mastered versions. They are also amazing performers and I think that having great music and being able to perform it is what makes a great artist.

You’ve already had the opportunity to work with some incredible producers. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given from any of them?

A lot of the time, the best moments in my music have come from mistakes in the recording booth. The most valuable sessions I’ve had with producers have been with the ones who tell me to not be so afraid to mess up and try something I normally wouldn’t. The studio is the one place where I can go out of my comfort zone, see what works, see what doesn’t; there’s no holding back.

Considering your young age, how do you cope with the pressures of the music industry and ensure that you stay grounded?

I just remember that I’m like any other kid my age. I’m just involved in a scene that some people aren’t and I write music; that’s the only thing that sets me apart from others. When it comes to pressure, I just remember that this is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid and in the end, the pressure is worth the success.

What does the rest of 2017 have in store for you and what would you like to achieve in 2018?

I have a lot in store for the rest of the year, but can’t give too much away yet! In 2018, I will be releasing a lot more music. Maybe a few new singles, maybe an EP.

Make sure you keep up to date with Gabi Sklar on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her official website.

‘Liberteens’ is available now.

Let us know your thoughts on Gabi Sklar and ‘Liberteens’ on Twitter @CelebMix

PHOTO CREDIT: SOUL STUDIO 7

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