gabrielle mooney

words by VANESSA SALLES photos by ALEXA KING

With a sound and style that’s authentically her own, Gabrielle Mooney will win you over with just one note. We talked to the rising songstress about her musical journey, what’s to come, and life in quarantine!

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Take us back to the beginning! How would you describe your musical journey so far?

I started singing and performing when I was three, with my family who were in a Southern Gospel group. Looking back, that was pretty special! I went from singing in a tiny church with my brother and sister, to being in a rock band, to right now, being in country. I feel like everyone gets inspired by all genres, but when you grow up in a small town in Arkansas, you hear more country and bluegrass than anything. I appreciate my roots now more than ever and this project is about celebrating that! I’m a rebel and I feel like that’s alright. I guess it just took me a minute to realize my roots and my fashion don’t exactly always match...but that’s why I put out “Come On In”. I wanted to show people my roots and let them know who I am. I may look edgy, but my family is the sweetest southern fam you could ever have. And that’s who I am too, just with more black clothes and wallet chains.

What can you tell us about your single, “Come on In”? What’s the story behind the song? Anymemorable moments while writing/recording that you can share with us?

This song is so incredibly special to me. I had just come back from visiting my fam in

Arkansas, and it got me in my FEELS. My Grandpa Reed had recently passed, and we had gone through some old pics of all of us. I was going straight into town to a writing session, and when I got there, I realized that this is what I wanted to write about. “Come On In” is literally my life in a song. My Aunt Miranda makes the BEST sweet tea in the world. It’s a running joke that my mom used to make beans and cornbread excessively. My dad has always been a builder, so his muddy work boots would be outside the door. We went to church three times a week and now my dad says grace instead of my Grandpa Reed. I was into the punk-rock scene and even fronted a band when I was younger. There was access to the roof outside of the window of my room, and me and my sister Erica would sneak out there and smoke (sorry mom). Don’t smoke kids. It’s bad. My grandpa had an old Ford that only played cassettes. My hometown is 20 min from the interstate. The words are all my life!

What’s the reaction been from fans so far? Should they be expecting a music video any time soon?

I can’t even begin to tell you how blessed I feel that people are diggin this! It’s amazing to see all the support and love this song has gotten. And YES! Stay tuned. Oct. 26th keep your eyes peeled!

How would you describe your creative process?

It’s never the same! A lot of times I’ll get inspired by something random as I’m driving down the road and voice memo it on my phone. I honestly have so many of those that are awful, but some are gems! A lot of my songs start like that. Then, I’ll go to my piano and see if it’s as cool in my head with music.

When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) are you inspired by?

Can I say Gwen Stefani? I’m a huge fan. HUGE. She’s a goddess and with Blake Shelton. She’s perfect.

Which artist(s) are on your dream collab list?

These guys Dan&Shay, that would be pretty sick. Small group, very talented. Haha! Really though, I’d love to do a song with Shay. Also, of course, GWEN. I’d also love a country collab with Bazzi. He’s dope. And Morgan Wallen would be fun too.

Tell us about what’s to come! Are you working on any new projects? An EP?

Yes, yes and YES!!! Right now, I’m about to have a song called “Fire Love” come out with a pop group Yacht Money on Oct. 23rd and the music video for “Come On In” will be premiering on CMT. Then, releasing my own new song SOON! We are working on a full project as well.

What can you tell us about your relationship with your brother, Shay? Do you two bounce song ideas off each other?

Shay is seriously the most amazing brother in the world. Our family is incredibly close, and being auntie to his boys and my sister’s kids is my favorite thing in life. We actually try not to talk a ton about music when we hang out. We are writing together, but it’s not the focus of our entire life. I’m so proud of him and he’s proud of me, and he’s the first one to be there to support me in anything I do (my sister is too!). Me and Erica show up in full Dan & Shay swag. We are all so close and always have been. I’m so blessed!

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with aspiring musicians?

Don’t expect anything to be handed to you! I knew this before I ever got to Nashville. I went by my pen name “LYRX” to pave my own way without the Shay link. I never wanted to use Shay for anything, even unintentionally. I’m Shay’s sister, not someone trying to grab coattails. My relationship with my fam comes first. But, if you move here expecting to get a record deal and blow up, that just isn’t realistic. If you’re not willing to write 500 songs just to have 1 “hit” that never makes it past Top 50, then this isn’t the industry for you. Listen to advice. Take it in, good or bad. Take criticism and let it make you better.

What has life in quarantine been looking like for you?

Well, I went to Arkansas for 6 MONTHS. I stayed with my family on the farm, so it was great. Now, I’m not sure if I know how to function in regular society because I’ve gotten so used to being home, haha!

What would you say has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned this year?

Patience. It’s so hard when your whole world is flipped and every timeline is pushed back. It makes you stronger but dear Lord, it’s not easy LOL.

Any special message to fans?

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I see all the comments, the likes, the love. I appreciate every word and follow. Y’all are what it’s about.