In this exclusive interview with Sonic Sisters Magazine, American singer-songwriter and producer Gabriella Raelyn opens up about her musical journey, sharing how she first discovered her passion for music and the key influences that have shaped her unique sound. She discusses the impact of various female musicians and industry leaders who have inspired her along the way, as well as how her personal experiences fuel her songwriting. With the release of her new single 'Crush at First Sight', she delves into the inspiration behind the track and reflects on songs that have profoundly influenced her career. Gabriella Raelyn also shares a personal story behind one of her own songs, offers insights into her future aspirations, and gives valuable advice to emerging female artists. Throughout the conversation, she speaks candidly about her creative process and the meaningful connections she hopes to build with her listeners.
Continue reading to learn more about Gabriella Raelyn. . .
Thanks for chatting with us at Sonic Sisters Magazine! Can you share a bit about how your journey into music began?
Thank you for having me! My love for music definitely came from my mother. When I was really little, she’d have artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Depeche Mode playing, and she said I’d dance around while she sang, and naturally as I grew I learned how to sing along as well. I joined my elementary school’s choir when I was eight, and continued all the way until I graduated high school. It was through a choir-class songwriting competition when I was twelve that I discovered my love for making music. After winning the competition in class with nothing but lyrics and a melody (no music, since I hadn’t known how at the time), I was able to record the song and hear it come to life with my teacher’s piano accompaniment. The moment I heard my lyrics turn into an actual song, I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to do. From there, I began producing my own music when I was fourteen, and released my first song at eighteen!
Who have been some of the most significant influences on your musical style?
I really appreciate the cinematic elements present in the music of Evanescence, Black Veil Brides, The Cure, and Depeche Mode. Aesthetically, Lana Del Rey, MARINA, and Lady Gaga have hugely influenced me as well.
And which female musicians or women in the music industry have inspired your journey?
MARINA is a huge inspiration for me. How she calls her own shots, participates in only the things that matter to her and prioritizes her own artistic vision over popularity. She seems so confident in herself and her music, and her lyrics have profound themes as well. Lana Del Rey has inspired me to take inspiration from the past, but whereas she leans more towards the 60s and 70s, a lot of my inspiration comes from the 80s.
How do your personal experiences shape your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners take away from those connections?
I am a huge fan of fantasy/romance works such as Phantom of the Opera, Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Rings, and I feel like the cinematic manner of speech present in those works comes out in my lyrics sometimes. Almost like it’s an incantation.
Congratulations on your brand-new single Crush at first sight… - what inspired this particular song?
Thank you! Well, to be honest, it all started when I was on a lunch date with my mom. We were in a new area and decided to try out a new restaurant. Turns out, one of the waiters was really cute! He had a sort of brooding vibe to him, and when we left, my brain was already cooking up the bass line. Sometimes it’s hard for me to figure out instrumentation, but with this song, it flowed easily. People often say the term ‘love at first sight’, and I knew it wasn’t that serious, so I was like “it’s just a crush”, which ended up becoming the hook of the song. It’s a song that explores the preconceived notions we get when we first see someone attractive.
What song (not your own) has had the biggest influence on you and why?
It’s so hard to pick just one! But I suppose one of the ones that has influenced me a lot is Judas by Lady Gaga. I am all about loving the villain. Typical appeal of the ‘bad boy’ and all that, I suppose. But when this song came out, my mind was blown. It’s also directly influenced my career, since I made an 80s cover of Judas in 2020 that went viral, which allowed so many people to find my music.
Is there a song in your catalog that holds a special personal meaning for you? We'd love to hear the story or inspiration behind it.
For me, it’s ‘Raining at Midnight in June’. I can’t even remember where I got the inspiration for this, but I just heard the chorus in my head when I was washing my face one night, funnily in June. It’s a song about forbidden love between a princess and her knight. Something about ‘love against all odds’ has always seemed very romantic to me, and so I ran with that concept and ended up with a very theatrical, synth and orchestra-heavy track. It’s still one of my favourites.
What are some of the aspirations you have for your music moving forward?
I want my music to inspire. Nothing makes me happier than when my art inspires others to make more art. I’m not looking for popularity so much as I’m looking to connect with an audience my music resonates with, whoever it is! I also would love to make music for TV shows, movies, and video games in the future.
What advice would you give to emerging female artists who are just starting out in the music world?
This may be a bit of a pragmatic answer, but if you’re planning on being an independent musician, learn the business side of the industry! You’ll need to know how to keep track of your funds and your team as you grow, as well as learn a good marketing strategy. Don’t think of it as a strategy to ‘blow up’, but a strategy to meet your future fans! Lastly, don’t let anyone make you feel like you need to change your vision to make it ‘more appealing’. Keep that authenticity. It’s your treasure.
Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my interview! I hope you’ll check out my song, and if you do, go ahead and give me a holler on social media. Thank you again, Sonic Sisters. I’ve been Gabriella Raelyn.
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