After establishing herself with a breadth of dazzling delights these last few years, LA-based artist Gabriella Raelyn is back on the grind once again to deliver her vibrant new offering 'Crush At First Sight...'
Adopting another heady dose of captivating alt-pop aesthetics for her newest outing, 'Crush At First Sight...' makes for a brilliantly bold and powerful return for her. With its captivating production perfectly set to her shimmering vocal style throughout, she is definitely one to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead as well.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano! When I was younger, I used to look up ‘synesthesia’ piano tutorials on my favorite songs, follow along, and teach myself that way. Sometimes I still do that.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Same as today, generally anything that sounds good. Specifically, the music I remember listening to the most when I was a child was Evanescence’s ‘Fallen’ album, Linkin Park’s ‘Breaking The Habit’, and Cher’s ‘Life After Love’.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I have a core memory of buying My Chemical Romance’s ‘The Black Parade’ when I was about twelve, but before that I had the Bratz Forever Diamondz and Rock Angelz CDs.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘West Coast’ by Lana Del Rey, or ‘Just Pretend’ by Bad Omens. I love when there are switches between flow and style of the song, and when there’s genre blending. Not to mention how beautiful both songs’ lyrics are.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
To be honest my process is very sporadic, almost to my own annoyance sometimes. I’ll go through months where I haven’t a smidge of inspiration, and then all of a sudden I’ll have written six songs within a few days. When that happens, I’ll try to allow myself to let the inspiration flow, stop what I’m doing, and just let the music translate from my head to the computer.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I’ve recently discovered the visual kei bands, Malice Mizer and Buck Tick. Explosive artistry, I can’t get enough of them.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
MARINA. She is such an inspiration not only musically but in the way she conducts herself as well, it would be an honor if I could ever open for her.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I feel a special connection to any piece of media I consume through its music. I feel like when I watch a movie or show, or when I play a game, the accompanying music reaches out and communicates like a sixth sense.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The dichotomy of authentic art and the money-driven state the music industry is in. Above all else, I want to make art that is true to myself and my vision, and that is also true for the type of art I want to consume. Unfortunately the music industry is an industry, so I constantly find myself treading the edge of “wanting” to do things inauthentic to my art to financially support myself. I wish authenticity was more valued in the grand landscape.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
From my choir director in middle school, Profe: “Know when to blend in, and when to stand out.”
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Gabriella Raelyn's new single 'Crush At First Sight...' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.