The Britain’s Got Talent final is this weekend and we were lucky to have a catch up with last year’s finalist Gabz.
We chatted about what it was like having her debut single reach the top 10, her new charity single and all her upcoming plans!
Check it out below!
HTF: Hey Gabz! For those people out there who haven’t come across your music, how would you describe your sound?
Gabz: Catchy melodies alongside rap is my main style but I can write all sorts, wherever the mood takes me!
HTF: Who would you say are your musical inspirations?
G: I would say Jessie J & Ed Sheeran.
HTF: And what inspires you when song writing?
G: I don’t really know, it normally starts with a melody or some lyrics that will suddenly go round in my head and that’s the start of a song that I then have to finish!
HTF: Obviously BGT was a big help in launching your career, how would you sum up that experience?
G: It was really good because it gave me a platform for people to listen to my music and I gained a lot of confidence from performing live so I find doing gigs a lot easier now and less nerve wracking.
HTF: What is your most memorable moment from it?
G: I think it was when they told us we had got through to the semi-finals because we hadn’t seen any of the other acts and I was so scared I wouldn’t make it through. When they said I had made it to the semi-finals I was so shocked and happy!
HTF: Have you been watching this year’s series? Any favourites that you’re rooting for?
G: I have tried to watch most of it but I have been rather busy. I have in fact met a few of the contestants, my favourites are: James Smith, Collabro, Lucy Kay, Bars and Melody and I’m hoping Bailey McConnell will be the wildcard!
HTF: Your debut single ‘Lighters’ reached number 6 in the UK chart, what was it like hearing you had made a top 10? And do you remember where you were when you heard the exciting news?
G: It was absolutely amazing! I heard the news whilst in London having just been to the Teen Beach Movie Premiere and we received a phone call. We then went straight over to BBC House and I got to announce it live on the Radio 1 Chart Show with Jameela Jamil!
HTF: Your new charity single ‘Holiday in Brazil’ is out on June 8th – what’s the reaction been like to the track so far?
G: Most people seem to think it’s a good catchy football song and a bit of fun, which is exactly what it is supposed to be?
HTF: The video is a fun one, what was that like to film?
G: Although it was a long day it was a great experience because my brother, 2 of my cousins and my friends got to be in the video with me. I think you can tell from the video how much fun it was and the look-a-likes, the samba dancer and freestyle footballers made it even more interesting.
HTF: The track is a charity single for Make A Wish, and last month we saw that you were at the charity event Soccer Six, what was that like?
G: I love going to the Soccer Six football events as you get to meet other artists and the fans get to meet everybody so it’s good fun all round. The only thing I don’t like is I have never been on the winning side!
HTF: What are you currently working on? A debut EP or album? Anything that you can reveal to us?
G: I am recording my own new music, which I will perform at gigs and will hopefully go on my first album, although I want to finish my education or at least my GCSEs before this is released. I might release the odd single in the meantime though!
HTF: You’re doing your music alongside school – how difficult is it having to juggle both?
G: It is quite difficult as there is not much spare time but luckily I love music. Hopefully it will get easier once I have finished school but I know how important an education is so it’s just a case of working really hard at the moment.
HTF: Who would be your dream collaboration and why?
G: Jessie J because I think she is an amazing singer, songwriter and my inspiration.
HTF: You have a huge fan base behind you, any crazy fan encounters?
G: Nothing too crazy but I have had people cry when they’ve met me, and someone asked me to sign their face!
HTF: You’re performing at part of the Pop-It Tour next month, alongside Sam Callahan and M.A.D, how excited are you about that?
G: Very excited! I have met Sam and the M.A.D boys a few times before and they are really nice so I am very much looking forward to the tour – it should be great!
HTF: Have you got any other upcoming live shows planned?
G: Yes I have quite a few both before and after the Pop-It Tour including Stevenage Day on June 8th and playing the Dome in Liverpool on June 28th where I am joint head-lining with Justin Fehler. I’m also headlining Southmead festival on July 12th in Bristol, where there is a fantastic line up!
HTF: Thank you for chatting to us, but lastly, what exciting things are in store for you for the rest of 2014?!
G: Touring, festivals and recording new music – it’s going to be very busy!
Watch the music video to ‘Holiday In Brazil’ below! And all the info on Gabz’ upcoming shows can be found on her website here.
