Pop singer-songwriter, Gabriele Kysel, has released her latest single, “Home.” The track was written by Gabriele Kysel, produced by Gabriele Kysel and Jean-Luc McMurtry, mixed by Jean-Luc McMurtry, and mastered by JD Moon.
“Home” explores Gabriele’s journey and how she has come home to music once more, and features her lush vocals accompanied by a clean pop production.
“I wrote ‘Home’ after I took my hiatus from music. I remember the moment I wrote it, it was just me and my piano,” says Gabriele. “My mind was completely still. I started playing chords and the words just came flying out of my mouth. Thus, ‘Home’ was made.”
In this interview spotlight, we chat about the new release, technology, adapting during the pandemic and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from, and how do you describe your style of music?
I am currently based in Norway. I would describe my style of music as cinematic – pop. I
look at the way I write music as if the piece itself is a movie. I love movie scores and I also
love pop music, so combining those two into one seemed like a great idea.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I started my music journey as a kid. At first it seemed that this could be just something I dreamed of pursuing. My grandma was the first person to ever believe in me. She actually pushed me towards music. I wrote my very first (and very bad) song when I was about 6 or 7 years old. The piece was called «Clock» and I remember singing about hours on the clock and how the clock goes «tick tock». When I was 13 I decided to pursue music professionally. My parents were very supportive of my decision. And they still are to this day. The reason why I knew music was the way is simple, there is nothing else I would want to pursue as much as music. Writing songs has gotten me through so many different phases of life. It is beautiful to read over the songs I have written and remember the memories tied to them.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
My newest song «Home» is in a way different than my last song «Comparison» (which was also the very first song I put out). In «Comparison» I wanted to cover themes like jealousy, ego and self destruction. «Home» is a song that I wrote 2 years ago. I wrote «Home» right after I took my hiatus from music. In «Home» I am talking about how music is my home. As far as the themes go I do think that «Home» is different from «Comparison».
I really wanted to give «Home» that cinematic-pop feeling. So there is strings involved and other cinematic effects. At the very end of «Home», there are voices added, voices of astronauts. They are there for a reason. I liked the connection between astronauts coming home to earth, and me writing «Home» about coming home to music. I found that to be a cool parallel.
«Home» is also great to listen to in the car, or when you have been feeling down. I wanted people to also be able to relate. At times it feels as if the weight on your shoulders is too heavy. I wanted people to be able to play «Home» and tell themselves that no matter what, they could always count on the strength they have in them. I co-produced the song with Jean-Luc McMurtry. He added in that rock-ish sound into the song. Which is great cause it adds to the message I am trying to deliver.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
I think that the unknown of what was going to happen, was the scariest part. I really did not like the unknown. Creatively I discovered new parts of myself, and music. I wrote and learned a lot during the pandemic. Not a lot changed for me personally, I have always been writing and recording and producing on my own. I have built this teeny, tiny studio in my bedroom. «Home» is actually the first exception.
What was the last song you listened to?
«Cornfield Chase» by Hans Zimmer. He is my favorite composer. I was at his concert the other night and he and the orchestra, everyone was just extraordinary.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I love vinyls a lot. My dad collects old record players, so we have different types of record players at home. From different decades and all. I also like CDs! My mom used to play me classical music to me when I was younger. I knew different composers and their pieces by heart.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
You are able to listen to my music on all streaming platforms under my name «Gabriele Kysel». You can find me on social media media platforms,@gkysel and @gabrielekysel. I also have a YouTube channel where I post vlogs and music @GabrieleKysel.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you for having me! I really appreciate you giving me this opportunity. I hope you all have a great day, and I hope that you like my new song «Home».
