Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Gabi Sklar

Singer-songwriter Gabi Sklar is always striving to grow as a person and as an artist. Recently, she took a break from releasing music to further develop her craft and sound. She’s now back to show off that growth and the many different layers to her artistry. Pop Culturalist recently spoke with Gabi to chat about her new single “I’m Sorry You’re Boring” and her upcoming EP.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Gabi: I used to sing a lot as a kid and I was pretty bad at it, but that didn’t stop me. [laughs] I used to perform locally whenever I could and wanted to be heard by whoever was willing to listen. I probably serenaded a lot of friends and family against their will.

We had this really old grand piano in my house, and nobody ever played it. When I was seven, I tried playing “It Ends Tonight” by All-American Rejects and I’ve obsessed with playing piano ever since. I taught myself by ear and then took lessons, which is when I began to write my own music. I dedicated so many hours every day just singing and writing. Eventually, I started getting better and better.

When I was thirteen, I signed with my management and went to a recording studio for the first time. I recorded two demos, sent them to producers in LA and from there, my journey began. I would go back and forth from New York to LA and Nashville for studio sessions and meetings.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Gabi: I feel there is always room for improvement and growth. I’m extremely hard on myself and like to take advantage of every opportunity. Also, I have a really big fear of looking back and only having myself to blame for why something didn’t work out. I never want to feel as though I am the reason for holding myself back from my potential self. That is my biggest motivator and influence on everything I do in life.

PC: You have a new single out now. Tell us about “I’m Sorry You’re Boring” and the inspiration behind the song.
Gabi: I feel like the best songs I’ve written are the ones that come really naturally and stem from conversation, and when I co-wrote “I’m Sorry You’re Boring” with JP Saxe, that’s exactly what happened. It began as a conversation about life and dating—I recalled a story about my friend and this guy from Tinder. Ryan Marrone, the producer behind the track, started playing around with sounds and the room just had really good energy, everything was vibey. We started writing and into the chorus, JP had asked me, “What do you say to someone who’s boring?” and I answered with, “I’m sorry you’re boring?” I originally meant it as a joke, but somehow it ended up as the hook and the first single off my EP.

PC: You also released a music video for the track. How did you come up with the concept of the music video?
Gabi: My manager and I were talking, and similarly to how JP and I wrote the song, we created the video concept from a stream of conversation. We wanted the video to be just as relatable as the track, so we called up friends and asked about their most memorable dating stories. We, then, condensed them into “types”: the two-for-one, the try hard, the narcissist, and the hot mess—I am hands down the hot mess. I think everyone has someone that comes to mind when they listen to the song or watch the video.

PC: You’ve released a few singles so far in your career. If you had to pick one that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Gabi: For a while, I took a break from releasing music because I wanted to develop myself as a writer, artist, and person before diving into this next chapter. I think the next single is one that is close to heart and shows a lot of growth. I’m excited for everyone to see and hear that.

Mainly, a lot of what I am about is shown through this EP. Each track explains a layer to who I am as an artist. Just as we are as people, there are so many emotions and parts that contribute to who we are: one track shows my vulnerability, one track shows my playful side, one track shows my humor. It’s not one single, but really the project in entirety that sums up who I am at this given moment.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead to the rest of 2020?
Gabi: I’ve been writing a lot, especially with this time at home. It’s nice to sit down at the piano and narrate my thoughts with lyrics. I also have a lot of new music planned for the rest of the year. My new single, “All the Things You Never Say”, comes out May 1st with a music video. I’m really excited about it and think a lot of people can relate to it. Ultimately, the EP—a hot mess—will follow shortly.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Gabi: Nirvana

PC: First album you bought?
Gabi: On vinyl, Barton Hollow by the Civil Wars, but on CD, Metamorphosis by Hilary Duff.

PC: First concert you attended?
Gabi: High School Musical: The Concert Tour

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Gabi: Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die. It’s pure brilliance and opened my eyes to a different side of pop music.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Gabi: Baby’s Alright. It’s small and intimate, and the crowd is always fun and cool.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Gabi: My sister

To keep up with Gabi, follow her Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “I’m Sorry You’re Boring” today.