Gabi Sklar
At only 20 years old, Gabi Sklar’s already been in the business for quite some time. How? She got her start in middle school, meeting her producer at only 13. A Long Island native, she made her professional debut in 2017 with “Liberteens” and has since released seven more singles, including my personal favorite and her most recent, “Heart to the Ocean,” an infectious pop collaboration with Studio 54 Music, which makes its presence known with the song’s disco undertones. Like “Heart to the Ocean,” the rest of Sklar’s music carries within it a heavy pop influence. Make no mistake, however, this isn’t bubblegum pop. Sklar pours her heart and soul into hers work, displaying a touching level of openness and honesty, especially in “Fake Tans, Fake Tits & Drug Problems,” an ode to the insecurities she grapples with on occasion. We recently spoke with Gabi Sklar about how she found her way to music, some real-life events that gave way to songs, and more!
How did you get started making music?
I taught myself how to play piano when I was seven and that’s really when I began writing songs. Before that, I always used some creative outlet to express myself as a kid. For a few years, I just kept singing, writing and performing and eventually, I met my manager when I was thirteen. That’s when I started flying to LA and Nashville to collab and write and record records. I never envisioned music to be anything more than a hobby for me because I didn’t see it as an obtainable reality.
You made your Spotify debut in 2017 with "Liberteens". How has your music evolved since then?
Ironically, I wrote the song about being sixteen when I was fifteen and then released it when I was seventeen… I’ll be twenty-one in a few weeks. My music evolved because I evolved as a person. You need to mess up and go through the bad, to get to all the goods and in-betweens. Music is so personal, so when you experience so much change and growth as a human being, it all trickles into who you are as an artist and the music you’re putting out into the world. Your perspective on life changes.
Talk about a real-life experience that inspired a song.
Almost all of my songs are inspired by real events whether I’ve experienced them first-hand or not. I remember going to the studio to write “Fake Tans, Fake Tits & Drug Problems” with JP Saxe and walking in being like “It’s so nice to meet you, living in Miami is great, my friend’s dating a striper… How would that conversation go with your mother?”
How has the pandemic affected your ability to make music?
When the pandemic first hit, it was definitely challenging because first of all, everyone was in a state of shock, I think. People were copping differently and my mental health, along with many other people, was not in the best state. To be honest, I felt uninspired and depressed. Now, fast forward, and music is the one thing keeping me sane throughout 2020. The best takeaway I’ve had as an independent artist in a pandemic is to utilize the ability of relying on yourself. I think it’s easier when there’s an entire team of people supporting you,but you forget the value and weight of self-sufficiency. It’s always great to have that extra crutch but I know that without it, I’m just as fine.
What do you feel is the most significant difference between the Miami and New York music scenes?
When I think of Miami’s music scene, it’s so fun but it’s predominantly Latin or EDM music. There’s not as many pop writers and producers down there. Then you think of New York and compare it to a place like LA; It’s day and night. A big majority of the pop scene has shifted to the west coast. I always run into the same people who swore they’d never leave New York but then tell me they just bought a recording studio in Pasadena a year later.
Who are some of the artists that have most shaped your sound?
I think of all these bad-ass female artists I look up to—Lana,Miley, Ariana, Kehlani…—and I think of the mark they’ve all left on music and pop culture. They (along with many, many other talented artists) have definitely shaped who I am artistically and the impression I want to leave with my music. They emulate confidence, independence, swag, and they are 100 percent, unapologetically themselves.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I think time travel but not in a back-to-the-future type of way where each decision creates an alternative reality. I think the sole purpose would just be to relive certain moments… but then again, flying would be pretty dope.
What can we catch you up to on your day off?
Regardless of whether it’s a press day, going to the studio, or a day off, every day starts the same: with an overdose of caffeine.I love spontaneity and adventures so even on a day off, I can’t let my mind rest. I would definitely be out exploring in whatever city I’m in or hanging with my family and friends.
Who do you owe your biggest thanks to?
I’m in a situation where my parents have been so unconditionally supportive of my decisions and goals. I know a career in entertainment is not ideal and maybe, they would prefer me to be a doctor or lawyer, but they’ve never said or showed it. I could never thank them enough for trusting and believing in me, even when other people don’t. I also have so much appreciation towards my manager, Lee. I used to come home from school and sing and play piano for hours just for my own enjoyment. I didn’t even have the confidence to tell people at school, so I just kept this huge part of me a secret. Lee gave me this confidence and support that changed everything and now I can do what I love every day and share it with the world.
What's next for Gabi Sklar?
I have so much new music that I’m eager to share with everyone. It’s been such an intense, crazy year and I am grateful to use my voice and share my story so people know they’re not alone.
I taught myself how to play piano when I was seven and that’s really when I began writing songs. Before that, I always used some creative outlet to express myself as a kid. For a few years, I just kept singing, writing and performing and eventually, I met my manager when I was thirteen. That’s when I started flying to LA and Nashville to collab and write and record records. I never envisioned music to be anything more than a hobby for me because I didn’t see it as an obtainable reality.
