GABRIEL JACOBY INTERVIEW: At just 26 years old, Gabriel Jacoby has already lived a life rich with experiences that fuel his unique musical fire. Born in rural South Carolina and forged in the gritty, soulful streets of Tampa, this R&B artist is a true polymath, personally writing, producing, recording, mixing, mastering, and directing all his own work. Evoking the lyrical complexity of early André 3000 and the modern soul sensibilities of Dijon and Mk.gee, Jacoby’s sound is a captivating blend of swampy Florida funk, southern soul, and R&B cadence. Get familiar…
What five words define your sound?
Funky, Bluesy, Souther, Psychedelic, Hypnotic.
Tell me something unique about your creative process.
My writing, producing and my visuals are all intertwined. There’s no first or last. I’m thinking about every part of everything from the jump.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
‘Be Careful’ – this is the song that started to get me some motion.
What inspired you to make that song?
There’s so much pain and suffering going on in the world right now, and I feel like as an artist I have a responsibility to speak on it. I’m the oldest of seven so I’m trying to set an example for my younger siblings as well as for other people out there. If your seeing what’s going on in the world right now, and not talking about some real shit then what are you doing?
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?
‘Dirty South Baby’ is my most vulnerable song – I’m speaking on my roots, my past, the issues I’ve had with being black and growing up in poverty in America, and what my family has been through.
What is your favourite song to perform?
‘Be Careful’ – all the lights come out and people real feel me when I sing that.
Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?
Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Lil Wayne.
What’s the meaning behind your name?
My name is my actual name, I’m just living up to you. Gabriel means ‘the messenger’ and Jacoby means ‘comfort’ – I try to be safe space for the world with my music and what I’m saying.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
There was no plan B.
What’s success to you?
Providing for my family, touring and trave;ling, liberation.
What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?
When I was incarcerated – being a black man in Florida they threw the book at me for no real reason, I’m not a threat to society. But that moment changed my perspective a lot and I wrote a lot of music while I was in there.
Where can people keep in touch with you?
I try to talk to every fan I can at my shows, and I’m always on live answering questions and spending time with my support. Truly love ya’ll, so grateful for your support.
Photos by Josh Flores and Juan Nieto
