One thing’s for certain: nothing is certain. As we grow older, this saying, initially met with a smile, becomes an unwelcome mantra of life. We yearn to hold onto the beautiful moments, wishing they’d never end, but life always teaches us otherwise. People leave, life situations change; it’s an endless cycle of arrivals and departures. Not everyone can cope with this, so it’s comforting sometimes to find solace in others who feel as we do. Like Gabriela Bee, with her new, beautiful single “MAYBE” that captures this sentiment, melancholic yet filled with hope.
“MAYBE” is a song about my best friend of over 14 years,” Gabriela tells. “She’s a year older than me, and is now off to university, on the other side of the country. She holds a special place in my heart because she’s been there with me through all of life’s changes. I’ve always been used to seeing her face, and her being an 8 minute drive away, so it hit a certain heartstring knowing she’s now across the country. I wrote this song the day after she left, and it’s the only song I’ve ever written that actually made me cry. It made my entire family cry. The song itself tells the story of our sister-like bond, and delves into the truth behind missing somebody and the uncertainty of seeing them again. The realization hits, and now all you really have to rely on is “maybe”. Now, she’s off on her own journey, and we part ways in two very different directions. It feels like the polaroids I have of us are not enough, but our memories will last me a lifetime, and I’m so glad that I spent those tender childhood years with her. Maybe I’ll see her again.”
Gabriela Bee is a young, talented artist whose journey into music began at an early age. Hailing from a creative family, her upbringing was immersed in an environment that fostered her artistic talents. Her journey is marked by a transition from comedy sketches to heartfelt pop music, underscoring her dedication and love for singing despite the challenges and scrutiny that come with changing public personas.
In our interview, we discuss Gabriela’s musical influences, her love for the ocean, and how her personal life experiences shape her music.
photography by Jack Roy
Hey dear Gabriela, so you are about to release your new single Maybe. Just listening to it and I like the mellow vibe and what the song is about: „This melancholic longing for certainty and stability, but eventual acceptance that sometimes a maybe is better than nothing.“ Were you inspired by a specific situation to write this or you had life in general in mind?
I wrote Maybe about my best friend of 16 years who moved away. I wrote it the night she left, so it was all super fresh to me. The song kinda goes into the real feelings behind missing somebody, not as optimistic, and the uncertainty of ever seeing them again.
What have been your first memories related to making music?
My first memories related to making music take me back to when I was around 7 or 8, attempting to come up with my own song (I would take a song that was already out and rearrange maybe 3 of the words) I felt like Beethoven.
“It’s hard for me to be soft around people or cry around people other than my family so it’s this super specific feeling to be so comfortable writing about my vulnerability in a song that a stranger will be listening to.”
And why do you feel that music for you is the best creative tool to express yourself?
I feel like I can express myself best through music because it gives me this safe space to be completely transparent. It’s hard for me to be soft around people or cry around people other than my family so it’s this super specific feeling to be so comfortable writing about my vulnerability in a song that a stranger will be listening to. I also feel like I’m bad with words (speaking-wise) but once I start writing out lyrics it’s so much easier to communicate what I’m trying to say through storytelling.
Where is your best place to be creative?
My best place to be creative is by the ocean, I don’t write many songs there, but I get a TON of ideas at the beach. I’ve always loved the water. The tides and the flow of the water almost do the same thing to my thoughts, making me think clearer and come up with really interesting things. It’s hard to think about my worries and other thoughts by the ocean.
How is your music writing process, first melody or lyrics?
My music-writing process fluctuates. But I’d say most of the time it’s beat with a chord progression, then humming gibberish and finding a cadence, then filling in that gibberish.
“Things are constantly changing and it’s hard to keep up with that many advancements, especially in the music world.”
Who are your role models, music wise but also in private life and why?
My biggest role model has always been and will always be Freddie Mercury. In everything I do, whether it’s singing, writing, performing, or even in my everyday life, he’s always there. I’ve always felt very connected to him, as we have a lot of similarities. When I was younger I actually thought I was him reincarnated.
How would your friends describe you in a few words and how would you describe yourself in a few words?
I think my friends would describe me as very energetic and always making a joke out of every situation, and I would say the same thing about myself. There isn’t a moment that goes by where I’m not cracking a joke, I feel like my brain’s automatic reaction to everything is to immediately do a bit with it.
You are very young and have been in the public eye for many years now, how do you deal with the pressure of being in the spotlight?
Dealing with the pressure of being in the public eye since I was little is a lot but I have such a great family to support me at all times. My parents are my safety net, and my brother is my ultimate best friend, so they’ve helped me overcome a lot of things and strengthened me to be ready for anything.
“Happiness is performing. Singing for others to make them feel something, and getting this specific energy from the crowd that I can’t feel through anything else.”
What´s the best and the most difficult thing about being young in our times?
The best thing about being young in this day and age is the constant advancement in technology, but I also feel that’s the most difficult part about it as well. Things are constantly changing and it’s hard to keep up with that many advancements, especially in the music world.
Where do you see yourself in about 10 years?
In 10 years I see myself doing stadium tours. Touring is all I ever think about, and performing in stadiums is a lifelong dream of mine.
Happiness is…
Happiness is performing. Singing for others to make them feel something, and getting this specific energy from the crowd that I can’t feel through anything else.
