EMGWORLD SHEDS LIGHT ON AN UP AND COMING PERFORMER READY TO STAMP HIS NAME ON R&B
The R&B arena may be one of the hardest genres for an artist to break into. In hip-hop, you can ride the waves of a catchy hook or ride the coat tails of a co-signer like Lil’ Wayne. In R&B, you either have it or you don’t. Los Angeles performer Gabe Roland is ready to show the industry that he has just what it takes to make it in the R&B world.
EMGWorld: Where are you originally from?
Gabe Roland: I was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. I made the jump to LA three years ago to pursue music.
EMGWorld: What first inspired you to pick up the microphone and perform?
GR: I’d have to say Michael Jackson. Seeing Michael Jackson perform inspired me so much because he was the complete package. The way he would sing and engage his audiences made me want to become a performer. Michael was the most complete package you could find.
EMGWorld: How long have you been grinding as an artist in music?
GR: I've been grinding for about 8 years..
EMGWorld: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
GR: I have TOO MANY to name. With me being raised in Kansas City, I'm very inspired by country music artists like Lady Annabella. I'm also a big fan of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Elton John and Brian McKnight. I love how those artists pushed the envelope open throughout their careers.
EMGWorld: Performers such as The Dream and Keri Hilson came into the industry as songwriters. Just how critical is it for a singer to also possess the ability to write a song?
GR: It's ULTRA-CRITICAL because songwriting puts you in a position where you can be the artist you desire to be. Some artists are extremely talented, but they don't write or produce. Those artists are subject to sing whatever they're given to sing, which limits their creativity. Being able to create and write puts you in a position where you can make your own product and have your own voice.
EMGWorld: How helpful has it been for you to be able to write your own music?
GR: Coming into the game as a writer helps you establish credibility as an artist because you're proving you have talent versus just an image. Your looks will only take you so far. If you have no talent then you're DONE.
EMGWorld: What’s been the toughest obstacle you’ve faced while pursuing a career in music?
GR: The biggest obstacle is getting other people to care and LISTEN to your music. Having people take you seriously can be a challenge because when you're new people don't know you. I've worked hard to push the envelope, but it's a challenge to stay patient when I know I have the talent to stand on any platform.
EMGWorld: You recently performed in the BET Music Matters showcase in New York? How was that experience?
GR: The experience was a blessing for me. New York is one of my favorite cities because New York is honest. People like the grind in New York because it's honest and in your face. I had a few friends attend the showcase, but no one there really knew of me. I ended up having one of the LOUDEST applauses of the night. People [immediately] hit me on twitter and facebook after my set to tell me I had the best performance in the showcase. The feedback was real because these people didn't know me or know of me. The reaction and responses from the crowd let me know I could compete on any level.
EMGWorld: R&B music has seemed to join forces with hip-hop in order to garner success. Would you say your style of music also caters to the hip-hop audience?
GR: Yes. I like singing and rapping. It's almost impossible to avoid combining both sounds now because hip-hop is such a big part of our culture. There are so many duets where the rapper raps and the singer sings. You now hear R&B artists rapping and hip-hop artists singing. Look at what Kanye West did with 808's & Heartbreaks or what Drake is doing now. I'd say that R&B and Hip-Hop go together like a MARRIAGE.
“Your looks will only take you so far. If you have no talent then you're done.” – Gabe Roland, Blogboard Spotlight
EMGWorld: At what point during your journey in music did you say to yourself, “I can be great at this?”
GR: Getting such a warm reception at the BET's Music Matters Showcase this year in New York triggered a voice in my head that told me “I can be great at this.” I heard that voice again in LA when I performed at the Entourage. Those were two performances that stand out in my mind and helped me realize how great I can be as an artist.
EMGWorld: Digital distribution is plays a major role in the success of today’s artists. How frequently do you release digital mixtapes?
GR: You have to constantly release music especially when you're unknown. I'm easy to forget even after giving a great performance because I haven't established myself. I released my first album in January and this month I intend to release a new mixtape titled 'Dream Nation.' I plan to drop another EP in late September to promote my second album, which will drop in December.
EMGWorld: What’s the best advice you’ve received since you made the jump to Hollywood to pursue music?
GR: Trevor from SESAC New York told me, “The mountain isn't as big of a climb when you can write.” I sing, write and produce. No matter how many hats I wear I've learned that everything happens in time. You have to be patient with the process. Things will happen for you. Don't get sidetracked by hearing about overnight success stories. Just continue to CLIMB, WORK HARD and EXERCISE YOUR TALENT in every area you can.
EMGWorld: Who within the industry has played the biggest role in your development as an artist?
GR: I'd have to say James Leach. James works at SESAC and signed me on as a songwriter when I was still living in Kansas City. Being signed by James meant so much because it exposed me to alot of artists I never met before. It opened up a lot of networks and helped me see what was really going on in the industry.
EMGWorld: How can producers out there send beats to you?
GR: Producers can send music to me via e-mail at gaberoland@gmail.com or hit me on twitter @thegaberoland.
EMGWorld: Where can fans connect with you?
GR: Fans can follow me on twitter @ thegaberoland or friend me on facebook at thegaberolandofficial.
“I've learned that everything happens in time. You have to be patient with the process.” – Gabe Roland, Blogboard Spotlight
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