The Scandi music scene has a long history of exporting some of the most gifted and talented to global music, and Gabi Goldman is one of the newer names to emerge from the region’s rich, iconic musical landscape.
Gabi’s sublime vocals take centre stage in each of her songs, and so far listeners have been invited in to Gabi’s musical world via a trilogy of cutting-edge, R&B-flavored introductory jams: “Body Heat”, “Few Good Friends” and her latest “2 Hard 2”. Possessing a full-bodied and powerfully toned voice, Gabi brings every word of the lyrics to life with unwavering sincerity, much like the icons SZA and Amy Winehouse who Gabi cites as personal inspirations.
Proving herself as an audio-visual artist, Gabi’s multi-faceted artistry is further explored in narrative-building mood visualisers which will unfold to a full story alongside her debut EP; the raunchy “Body Heat” shows off her experimental side, while the latest for “2 Hard 2” is a stunning example of her skills as a dancer.
Already proving herself to be a promising newcomer unfolding before audiences, Gabi Goldman is an exciting artist definitively primed for big things. We caught up with Gabi about her newest single “2 Hard 2”, her thoughts on the progress of the music industry for women in music, as well as what’s coming next for the adventurous newcomer.
SheBOPS: Gabi, congratulations on your new single! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind “2 Hard 2” and what the song means to you?
Gabi Goldman: It’s an honest song about how a real modern relationship can look like. Jokes aside but I feel like situationships are truly the curse of our generation and I wanna find my allies. It means a lot to me that people listen to my music and relate to it. It’s a song that is relatable and truthful and that’s inspiring to me.
What was the creative process like for this single? Did you face any unique challenges or interesting moments during its production?
I didn’t write this song personally but it was just an instant connection. I related to it like I wrote it myself and that to me is just really cool about lyrics.
You have been dropping narrative-building mood visualisers alongside the music. How do you approach translating the message and moods of your songs into the visuals?
We worked around a narrative, going through different emotions during the beginning of a night to the end (with a dance break with “2 Hard 2” demonstrating the feeling of breaking free from a toxic relationship). Visuals are so important to me and to send a message with them. I want to be real and vulnerable with it, kind of like a little insight into my life and snippets from a drama series. Expressing feelings through dance is also so cool, and not only by giving it to the viewers directly.
As you’re residing in Stockholm, how would you describe the current music scene over there and are there any women on the scene you’re excited about?
R&B is definitely a rising genre over here and we have a lot of great girlies who are killing it. The list is long… hmm, genre wise that would work with my project… Zikai is great, Mapei, Daniela Rathana…
How do you navigate the balance between artistic expression and the commercial aspects of the music industry?
That’s a tricky one. Now that socials has become such an important part of it, I think we all are trying to find our ways and navigate through it. I’m staying true to myself, always… I’m doing what works best for me and feels true to me. To incorporate dance is a good way. I want to be commercial in the sense that I want everyone to vibe with it but also wanna be my own little rebel and don’t care about it being commercial… it’s a fine line.
Women have historically been underrepresented in the music industry. How do you think the landscape is changing for women in music today?
We’re on the rise baby. We’re so freaking amazing, all of us. I think it’s important to support each other and take care of the sisterhood that can easily get lost in a business with a lot of men. Hype each other up, work with each other, talk and be honest with each other.
What advice would you give to young women looking to break into the music industry and make a name for themselves?
Find people who you trust and that you like working with. Don’t let too many people get to you in terms of creativity… and do what YOU want to do. Let your vision speak for itself and if people don’t F with it, it’s their issue. Do what you love and find people who understand it. That’s truly all that matters. If you don’t, it’s so easy to get lost.
Is there anything about the music industry that frustrates you from a woman’s perspective?
It’s always frustrating [laughs] all of it, but I try not to focus on that. I’m getting more secure in myself and with that I find it easier to navigate. Don’t take any shit (as we say in Sweden). Stand up for yourself and if you’re being mistreated, don’t ever work with them anymore. Know your worth. You will find someone/a team/people to write with that will make you blossom.
Are there any women in music who have had a significant influence on your own music and career?
Definitely. Mainly Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige… I can’t remember how many times I was performing “Be Without You” to my dad in our living room.
Can you share a bit about your upcoming projects and how you hope to continue empowering women in music through your work?
I wanna continue keeping it real, if not even more; dig deeper in the storytelling and dare to push myself further and continue doing scary things.. and don’t be so damn scared that people won’t vibe with it or understand it. If one person gets it, I’m good with that.
Discover Gabi Goldman on Spotify and stay tuned for her upcoming music!