We were lucky to catch up with Gabriel Key recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Since before my adolescent years, music has been my passion. Playing piano and the harmonica as well as singing at family events and local karaokes became a hobby. However, when COVID-19 impacted the lives of millions of individuals worldwide, including my family’s, music became more than just a hobby. An interest in pursuing music professionally arised. After my mother’s passing in 2021, and as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic, country music was my therapy, relief and escape of reality.

Many people have always asked me how I chose country since I started my musical journey listening to rap and recording hip hop songs at a home studio. Line dancing with friends at local country bars was my cardio and I resonated with country’s feeling in the songs played. It spoke to my soul. A feeling I wanted to transmit to people when singing and writing songs.

Luke Bryan became my idol. In fact, his hit single “Country Girl (Shake it for me)” was actually the first line dance I learned. Today, I am known by many as “Gabe, the Cuban Country Boy”. I am proud of all the musical accomplishments I have achieved and have yet to receive.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2014, I became a Firefighter/Paramedic for Monroe County in Florida. After two years serving the Florida Keys community, I realized how the education for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was necessary for individuals of all ages. Therefore, I opened a CPR training company, Push Hard CPR, offering services for all of South Florida. When numerous companies closed during the pandemic, we were one of the few CPR training sites open. In-person contact seemed nearly impossible; therefore, I decided to offer mannequin delivery services and rentals for healthcare professionals, bystanders, teachers and much more requiring such certifications. Through Zoom, exams were proctored and in-person instruction via an online platform as well as training was a success. Push Hard CPR also sells automated external defibrillators (AED’s) to schools, clinics and medical offices, as well as provides in-house maintenance for all equipment. One AED is donated every year to the Breanna Vergara Foundation (BVF). In addition, becoming a sponsor of BVF and Miami International Fitness Exposition, as well as partnering with recreational parks in Miami and Broward have been some of many goals I have achieved with Push Hard CPR.

All of the above-mentioned is completed while still working full-time as a Paramedic in Naples, performing with my band across South Florida and living a happy and healthy life with my soon-to-be wife. Sometimes I ask myself how I can manage multiple businesses, my career, music and personal life all at once. But, I am a firm believer that if you can dream it, you can do it.

I would love fans to know that I am not just an energetic entertainer, singer/songwriter, I am also someone who has a life of his own besides music and who enjoys living life with family and friends while fishing, hunting and ATV riding. Once again, I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish throughout my Paramedic journey, as well as both my businesses: Push Hard CPR and GK Music & Productions. I would like for all the fans and younger generations to know that if one decides to embark on a journey, if it is done with passion and commitment, it will lead to immense satisfaction and success.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I believe the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing people of all ages, race, ethnicity, and conditions enjoy my music. Music can be therapeutic for many, and being able to connect with a crowd is my favorite part about performing and composing country music.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Personally, most of my social media audience has been reached through “old school” promotions. In every Karaoke bar, places where I perform with my band, and live music entertainment locations, I market myself as an artist. Professional collaborations with organizations, influencers, and local small businesses have also made a tremendous impact on all of my platforms.

My advice to those starting to create their brand and launch their music or creative work would be to not be afraid to promote themselves with flyers, banners, emails to local areas they wish to be a part of, and most importantly, be authentic and let the world see that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gabrielkey.com
• Instagram: @gabrielkeymusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabrielKey
• Twitter: @gabrielkeymusic
• Youtube: @gabrielkeymusic
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Zm0t0lQb6BKgmJqmXv0DR?si=z1iklgo9QZ-_2majulR6ig

  TikTok: @gabrielkeymusic

  Https://www.pushhardcpr.com

Image Credits

– Adrian Ramirez

– Lismary Hernandez