In the song โDisease,โ a cinematic love ballad, two perspectives on a relationship that has ended are creatively illuminated. The verses depict each person coming forward after reflecting on themselves, ready to accept responsibility for their mistakes and for how they have harmed the other person throughout the relationship. The tension-filled bridge, where both perspectives collide in sadness, love, and agreement that the relationship is irreparable, is where the song subtly builds to its climax. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
GABBY DONNELLY: I was raised on the central coast of California in a quaint town called Arroyo Grande. My love and knack for songwriting came at a young age. While I similarly knew I had a love for music at a young age, my desire to process on paper through writing was at the forefront. My parents still have the evidence of this. In my childhood scrapbooks there are torn pieces of paper with messy and misspelled songs that were written in grade school.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
GABBY DONNELLY: I was lucky to have parents that saw where my passions were, so I was involved in choir and piano lessons for a number of years but my true turning point was in high school when I taught myself how to play guitar after a friend showed me four starting chords and from there writing (and most often with my guitar) became a constant.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name โGABBY DONNELLYโ?
GABBY DONNELLY: I listen to a wide variety of genres and have a lot of influences. I grew up really admiring writers like Carole King but in present day find a lot of inspiration seeing whatโs new in the singer/songwriter genre. Artists that keep vulnerability at the forefront like Wild Rivers are in my frequent listening rotation.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
GABBY DONNELLY: With the music I have released and plan to release I think listeners may resonate with the simplicity and vulnerability in my music. I try to approach things in an honest and not overly complicated way. I care about production and delivery but not in a way that I am trying to overshadow the message of a song.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?
GABBY DONNELLY: I think because of what I grew up listening to I felt like the easiest realm for me to approach was something in the realm of country/folk because it felt safe and familiar. I think as I have grown and continue to grow as an artist I have gravitated more towards pop and have resonated with artists like Gracie Abrahams.
6. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
GABBY DONNELLY: I donโt know that doing music as form of entertainment or for my own narrative would be enough for me. I feel like music is important not only for identifying our own feelings but for helping others understand their own. If we as songwriters continue to say the hard, honest and scary things then we can help make space for others to say them whether it be to themselves or to others. Music is such an important form of communication and can truly help facilitate important moments and/or perspective shifts. So while I get a lot of joy out of music, it also in a lot of ways feels like a commitment and connecting point to others. I want to be someone that can always see beyond their own story or narrative and understand their stories or experiences can often be shared by others.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
GABBY DONNELLY: I think because my focus is not on a specific career point or reward and rather just pressing into what I feel like Iโm called to do โ Iโve been able to get a lot of joy from music. Itโs reminded me of sides of myself that I like and that feel authentic/purposeful and has also brought really beautiful relationships into my life. It is truly so fulfilling for me to create with others and that has been an incredible part of my experience thus far.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
GABBY DONNELLY: It honestly varies. A line typically comes to mind at some point throughout my day whether Iโm doing dishes or driving and from there I try to find time to sit at the piano or with my guitar to build out the thought. In a lot of ways most of my songs come unforced and in a moment. The song idea or feeling most often comes to me first rather than me sitting down in hopes of writing a song.
9. What has been the most difficult thing youโve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
GABBY DONNELLY: I think it can be really easy to succumb to your own insecurities or put an enormous amount of pressure on yourself through the production process. Itโs not always a quick or glamorous process and Iโve found myself wanting to be better than I am in a lot of moments or thinking that even after great attempts I could still somehow deliver better. Thereโs so much vulnerability require in the creative process so it can at times be a mental battle.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
GABBY DONNELLY: I think the willingness to start. Itโs not always simple or easy but I love celebrating others in their bravery to even start or to say yes to a dream they have.
11. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
GABBY DONNELLY: Creative work in a home environment with others. Itโs really beautiful to see how you can create with others and intertwine experiences or feelings to create something that may resonate with others.
12. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
GABBY DONNELLY: I think as writers it can be tricky if we try to control the listenerโs experience. I think itโs beautiful how one song can mean many things but be equally important to people so I definitely want listeners to have the freedom to interpret my work as they wish.
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