Off the back of supporting fast rising name Olivia Dean in her hometown, Birmingham based Gaby K releases her debut EP “The Good, The Bad & The Boring”. Singles “Like You Should”, “Running” and “Not Your Boyfriend” have already laid down firm foundations in the lead up to the EP having collectively amassed an impressive 60,000 streams for this burgeoning independent artist, proving that good music does not fall on deaf ears. The EP is a soulful pop exploration into the different dynamics of relationships… the good, the bad and the boring!

Gaby sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My love for music definitely sparked from my parents always having music playing in the background. I don’t think I ever got through a day without listening to music, as soon as I could I bought myself a CD player, I think my first CD was ‘Justified’ by JT.

Once I started playing the piano, (all my siblings had to play an instrument when we were younger) I started to write songs although at the time I looked at them as poems more than anything. I used to always love singing but never really thought about how good I was until friends signed me up to a talent show and I won. From there I realised how much I loved standing in front of a crowd singing.

After this my songwriting grew and I started to experiment more with my sound In the studio and performing at local live gigs and now I am here.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I love Amber Mark, ever since I saw her live at a gig a few years ago supporting Jessie Ware, I researched more about her and her music, where she started and just her whole journey. I would love to write a song with her. I think she is extremely talented and I love how she has produced some of her own singles.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

I think not being able to go into the studio to work face to face with my producer. It was great for a while to record at home but I feel that after a while I started to miss the journey to the studio and just the whole atmosphere itself. I finished 3 songs over the pandemic when we had to stay at home and each one was done over FaceTime.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I would say my sound was pop/soul with influences from R&B.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

My proudest moment would probably be supporting Olivia Dean at her Birmingham show during her tour. It was such an amazing experience and the crowd was incredible, not one person in that room knew or heard of me or my music and the way they responded was the best feeling. Having them sing back to me my music but also getting off stage and having people come up to me telling me they love my music and followed me on Spotify was just amazing. What a great crowd they were.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

It is a journey, nothing happens overnight, the people you hear about who succeeded ‘over night’, have been working behind the scenes the whole time. So don’t give up but also allow yourself to take a break if you need to for your mental health and to recoup. You don’t need to be going at full speed every second of the day.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

The KTNA I have been loving at the moment, you definitely should check them out. They have been supporting Pip Millet who also I think has an amazing voice. Definitely go listen to their music, they are absolutely smashing it at the moment.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

For the last few weeks I have been listening to Mac Millers ‘Circles’ album. Just love all the songs on this album, it is so chilled and that’s what I have needed for the last few weeks. I have always loved his music but I only recently just non-stop started listening to this album. If you are literally going for a walk or chilling at home, definitely go listen especially if you haven’t heard it before.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Mostly just chilling out, watching films or going out with friends. Honestly a night out with the girls is just as fun to me as a day of just watching films and eating takeaways.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Coffee ALWAYS.

Food (which usually ends up being a KFC).

Slippers or thick socks - I don’t know why but I like to take my shoes off in the studio.