Star Power Vol.46

from the editor

HELLO THERE, READER!

In this Star Power issue, we got to chat with singer Gabi Sklar who recently released a new single, “Thank God ” Sklar talked to NYOTA about writing poetry in the past, utilizing social media, and her advice for aspiring singers

I hope you enjoy reading the issue and that it inspires you to go after your dreams

EDITOR

YOURS TRULY, Carol Wright

IN CHIEF @ CAROL WRIGHT

Get to Know Gabi

I went to school for music.

I was an athlete for 12 years.

I’m a dog mom.

I love vinyl records. I’m even shorter than you think.

gabi's Playlist

Lana Del Rey // Born to Die

Arctic Monkeys // Piledriver Waltz

Nirvana // Come as You Are

Nancy Sinatra // These Boots Are Made For Walkin

Duffy // Mercy

Mother Mother // Burning Pile

The White Stripes // Seven Nation Army

The Turtles // Happy Together

Bernadette Carroll // Laughing on the Outside

(Crying on the Inside)

Keane // Somewhere Only We Know

Gabi Sklar

Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Lindsey Ruth

Gabi Sklar was a shy kid growing up, so it might surprise some that she is a pop singer on the rise with a fresh and captivating sound. Sklar talked to NYOTA about her newest single, “Thank God,” working with producer Tommy Brown, and experimenting with her music.

Growing up were you the kid that put on talent shows or performances for friends and family?

I think I’d describe myself as just sort of in the background. I loved writing and singing, but it was more of a quiet (yet ironically loud) passion. My sister was the one who performed for everyone and put on talent shows. I tended to just admire from afar being like, “oh, that’s really cool!” I was quite shy until I grew into myself.

Did you ever write poetry or short stories before transitioning to songwriting?

I’ve always loved writing poetry. I used to make little DIY books of songs and poetry. I would just write down words I thought sounded pretty together I don’t think I even knew the meaning behind what I was writing. I remember when I was 10 I came up with the lyric, “you’re my silver lining in my lost state of mind,” and just thought it was poetic.

Who are some musicians that inspire you?

I love Lana Del Ray, Dolly Parton, Nancy Sinatra, Arctic Monkeys, Nirvana… the list really goes on and on.

Has social media been a useful tool for you to connect to listeners?

Absolutely! I try to read every single comment and respond to the best of my ability. It’s so crazy to think people have been on there with me since the very beginning. It’s been a cool way of documenting my journey too I’m so excited to play more live shows so I can meet the faces behind the screens!

Tell our readers about your song “Thank God.” What story are you telling through the song?

I guess the story of “Thank God” is really up to how the listener interprets the song I’ve had a few people see storylines in the song that had never even crossed my mind, but that’s the beauty of art! For me, “Thank God” is about the relief I felt after the end of a toxic relationship and beginning to heal my relationship with myself.

Did you experiment with how you wanted the song to sound? It’s different from your past songs like “Good Kisser” and “Monster Truck.”

When I was writing all those singles, it was very much for me a time of experimenting and having fun in the creation process. I actually never thought “Thank God” would be released, but I posted a snippet of the single online and people seemed to really love it and relate to it.

How has it been collaborating with producer Tommy Brown? Have you learned a lot through working with him?

Working with Tommy Brown and his team of writers and producers has been incredible. They’re all really good people who make me feel really supported and they’re just as talented as they are kind. It’s a beautiful environment to make music in. Tommy has been really helpful in those introductions and the songs that are paving my new sound.

Are your songs often discussing events or people from your personal life?

Yes, I’m really inspired by love and the life around me, but I’m also equally as inspired by the idea of a world outside of the one I perceive. I want each song to feel like it is its own world where you can find yourself or get lost in, whether it’s fictional or true.

Living in New York is it exciting to be in a place with such a big music scene and arts culture?

I love New York! From the art to the food to the fashion, there’s so much culture here and that’s why I haven’t moved to LA. There’s no place like New York.

What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?

Be true to yourself and your art. Be nice to everyone you meet, from the big guys to the interns to everyone in between. Always look for areas of improvement and never stop learning and creating.

gabi's Top Picks

Book:

The Song Machine: Inside The Hit Factory

by John Seabrook

Movie: Ratatouille

Fashion Trend: Bows, boots, and denim

TV Show: Yellowjackets

STAR POWER TEAM

EDITOR IN CHIEF

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PUBLISHING

CAROL WRIGHT CAROL WRIGHT

COVER

Gabi Sklar SINGER

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHER Lindsey Ruth

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