Check out our interview with talented pop singer/songwriter Gabi Sklar who recently released her new single, “Thank God.”
Already capturing the hearts of millions with soul-baring lyricism and powerful vocals, 23-year-old Gabi Sklar is undoubtedly one of the most exciting voices in pop. She’s already amassed millions of streams across the few singles she’s released, as well as an impressive fanbase of 3.5 million on TikTok and 1.1 million on Instagram. Following recent singles like “Good Kisser” and “Pardon My French,” “Thank God” is a cathartic release of emotion beautifully packaged into a gorgeous pop ballad.
Follow Gabi on IG @gabisklar & TikTok @gabisklar
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How would you describe your sound in 3 words?
Nostalgic yet fresh
Who are your biggest influences?
Dolly Parton, Lana Del Rey, Nirvana, and Arctic Monkeys. Love 50s and 60s music too.
How did you first start making music?
I started writing and piano when I was 7, sessions at 13 and never stopped writing and learning from every room I walked into, regardless of the outcome.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano! And singing, I count that as an instrument.
Tell us about your new single, “Thank God.” What’s the story behind the song?
“Thank God” captures that sense of relief after ending a toxic period of my life and entering that journey of healing and rediscovery within myself.
Can you tell us about the success of your previous singles, “Good Kisser” and “Pardon My French”?
“Pardon My French” was the first single amongst this new era of music and both PMF and “Good Kisser” are cheeky, playful records that just make you feel badass. I always categorize my music into different worlds depending on narrative, feel, etc. to me, those records live in the same world sonically.
You’ve also grown a huge following on TikTok and Instagram. What are you doing to keep it going and growing your fanbase even more?
I try connecting with this beautiful community on a daily basis amongst both platforms. At this point, I feel like as much as they know me, i’m starting to know them. I just can’t wait to meet them in person at live shows.
What do you think is the secret to having success on Instagram/TikTok? When you started, did you expect to see so much success?
I never had any expectations at all with social media but I truly believe in the power of authenticity and consistency. I like using music and social media as a way to disconnect from the world and get lost into a different world so for some people, that’s what my videos do. Everyone just wants to be seen and feel like someone else understands them. That’s the beauty of music and thank you to the algorithm for allowing us to find one another. What an odd yet amazing digital age. I’m just grateful my music can be that escape to somebody.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Keep going and know exactly what you’re doing is what you’re supposed to be doing. Even if you can’t see the progress and even if you don’t have all the answers. There’s only so much planning you can do and the rest, you live and find out. You can’t control it all. The truth is, the best opportunities come from spontaneous moments.
How would your best friend describe you?
For someone who uses their phone a lot, they’d describe me as bad with my phone.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned so far?
It all comes from you first. If you don’t work for it, If you don’t believe in it and if you don’t have a clear cut vision, no one else will.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Ugly but kinda cute / trust the process? The things you’d likely pick up and think are questionable but then it always comes together. Also, always evolving.
What’s next for Gabi Sklar in 2023?
More music! Live shows (finally).
What is your own definition of happiness?
I’m still looking for it but when you have the answer, let a girl know. The closest thing I know to it is love and family, whoever you choose for that to be.
If you could meet someone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
There’s a whole side of my family I haven’t met and so much of our lineage has been up in the air. I’d probably want to meet my grandparents and hear their stories. Can you imagine a dinner party with all your ancestors? That’d be chaotic.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/at karaoke?
Stevie Wonder – I Wish
Where can we follow you?
IG / TikTok / Youtube – @gabisklar 🙂
Photo Credit: Lindsey Ruth @lindsphoto
