We recently connected with Gaby Lagarda and have shared our conversation below.

Gaby, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’ve been working on creating a musical outlet for myself for many years now. I started a long time ago but a few years back I released my first single and have continued until recently. My focus has been primarily in creating music from concepts that empower listeners. Messages that are positive and can uplift more than just entertain. From overcoming fears, to feminism, taking charge of our own destiny, etc. Lately, I’ve been wanting to take more time to reflect on my creations and stay still for a moment. Something in me wanted to search for inspiration from the stillness and I’m happy to share that I have found it.

Gaby, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Throughout my life I’ve been sensitive to the things that move me, like sounds, stories, people, and places that make my heart palpitate a little bit faster and there’s a tingling feeling that warms up my body in a very subtle way. Those are the things that I am passionate about and would like to explore when making music. I started out by singing covers and feeling like there was a whole new world in music that I was not privy to. I took vocal and piano lessons to learn the basics but my mind was going at a faster rate than my learnings. It wasn’t until I ventured to try and write my own songs expressing my own ideas and conclusions of life, when I started feeling like I was slowly chiseling away my style. Now, I have two EP’s out titled “Souldier” and “Creator/Destroyer” which talk about courage, female friendship, feminism, existential dilemmas, finding our passions, vulnerability, etc. My sound can be described as a base of Pop in English and/or Spanish with Latin rhythms and a touch of world music since I usually add details of flamenco, middle eastern sounds, Brazilian funk, zouk, and more. My main priority is sharing life lessons I’ve learned along the way and creating positive feelings within the listener. Last year, I released two singles titled “Queendom” and “My Chicas” which are part of the 3rd EP I’ve been working on titled like the single “Queendom.” These are available on all digital platforms and Spotify selected them as part of their “Created by Women” playlist which is very exciting! In this EP, I dive into the ideal world I’d like to create for myself, my queendom, where women rule the world being more empathetic, without violence, and prioritizing the well being of all vs just a few like it is today. We value friendship, community and helping each other. My new inspiration this year after some time of reflection and stillness is a song about gratitude to the universe for the life lessons and beautiful memories I’ve collected so far. The song is in Spanish and uses poetic metaphors about my roots and being originally from the Mexican deserts in Sonora. I will be collaborating with indigenous rapper Zara Monroy who is also from Sonora. We have partnered to create an anthem for gratitude towards the Earth and opening ourselves up to the subtle messages the universe is constantly gifting us. The title of the song is “Flor del Desierto” which translates to “Desert Flower” and it will be released early next year.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the lie we tell ourselves of “I’m not good enough.” The more I talk to people, the more I realize that both beginners and more advanced professionals are always questioning themselves with this. I heard a great executive in the entertainment industry say the following during a women’s panel: “You are valuable just by being you.” This resonated with me because it’s true. We have a unique take on life, specific experiences and a background that is just ours which means we have a unique perspective that will only enrich a project because it came from us. It doesn’t matter how many years of experience or how much knowledge about music or arts we have, we are all unique in our perspectives at any point in our careers. It’s important we understand our value and confidently share our input when asked since it brings something to the table. That helped me realize that even though I didn’t have formal musical training, I was able to express myself in the form of songwriting and I have been doing so ever since. Once we realize our value and potential, nothing and no one will make us think otherwise.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Aside from writing music and building a creative outlet for myself. My goal is to help as many people as I can along the way. I believe that when we help others, we help ourselves as well by experiencing generosity, empathy and gratitude. I am very passionate about not only creating that for me, but also for others. I have been volunteering for the San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center for a few years now, and it is rewarding to feel like I am making others’ lives a little bit easier whether it is by helping at an event, supporting the music program, helping with fundraising efforts, etc. The Center helps unaccompanied children and families that have come from South America fleeing violence and looking for a better life. The services offered include therapy, legal assistance, basic needs like clothing and school supplies, but overall a community where they feel supported.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabslagarda/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/gabslagarda
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/gabylagarda

Image Credits
Jose Rodriguez