‘Moon’ is NOT Gabrielle Swanks’ debut single. Yet, it feels like one. Or better, it feels like the start of a new bold era for the Nigerian-American creative. A keen producer and songwriter, Swanks is seen embracing a sultry, evocative R&B flair, leaving behind – at least partially – the brighter and groovier cinematic pop of her beginnings. Blending afrobeat rhythms with hip-hop coolness, ‘Moon’ develops with incredible charisma and confidence, wrapping listeners in a hypnotic, elegant aural universe, one that’s tender and measured, nocturne and minimalist.
Could this be Swanks’ reintroduction to the music industry? Certainly. As we see it, it’s the perfect evidence of how one’s artistry is constantly evolving, a sign of how personal and seasonal music-making can be. For Gabrielle, ‘Moon’ represents a fearless act of resilience and independence, as she goes ahead and sculpts her sonic world bit by bit.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with the Maryland-based artist to learn more about her overall artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Gabrielle, thanks for chatting with us! First, I’d be keen to know more about your musical journey as a whole. What first motivated you to pursue art so intensively? Are there any particular artists who have inspired you along the way?
Hey! Thank you so much for taking the time to highlight Moon, that honestly means a lot. I put so much love and intention into this song, so it’s really special to see it connecting with people.
I don’t think there was ever one big moment that made me want to pursue music; it’s just always been there. I was that kid who wanted to try everything, but being an artist was the one constant. Still, by the time I graduated from college, I realised how easy it would be for life to pass me by without ever really going for it. I’d spent years saying I’d take music seriously “one day,” and suddenly graduation came, and I still hadn’t made a single song. That was a wake-up call. A few weeks later, I bought FL Studio and started teaching myself how to produce. That’s really when things started to click.
There have been so many artists who’ve inspired me along the way, but the ones who really shaped me early on were Lauryn Hill, Sade, and Tina Turner. I still remember the first time I heard their songs or performed their music; it felt cinematic, like I was in a music video. Their music made me feel something bigger than myself, and that’s the kind of impact I hope my own songs can have.
I hear that you are not only a talented singer and observant songwriter, but also an inspired producer. How does your creative process unfold? What comes first, lyrics or production?
For me, production usually comes first. I’ll just play around with sounds and hum until something feels right, like a melody that catches me. After that, I kind of let the song lead the way. Sometimes the lyrics spill out all at once, and other times the production starts taking over, and I have to stop writing just to get all my ideas down.
I am sure you relate to topics such as self-doubt and impostor syndrome; one’s ego often meddles with art making. How do you deal with professional self-confidence and knowing when a song/track is ready to be shared with the wider world?
That’s a tough one because I still feel like I’m at the very start of my career. I think the biggest thing for me has been learning to trust my ear. For a long time, I didn’t feel confident speaking up in rooms full of people who had way more experience than I did. I wanted to learn, of course, but I’ve also realised that everyone brings something different to the table, and staying quiet actually does a disservice to the music. So now I try to remind myself that my perspective matters too.
I imagine that being able to sculpt your own aural world puts you in control of your creative vision. What’s your end goal, in musical terms? Are you following a specific inspiration?
I’d love to be part of creating soundtracks for TV and film one day. I’m really inspired by Ludwig Göransson; his work is absolutely incredible. I actually remember the exact moment it clicked for me: I was watching Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and when the song ‘Alone’ came on, I was completely floored. The way the music fit the scene so perfectly created such a powerful moment, and I remember thinking, “I want to do that. I want to create moments like this.” That’s when I knew I wanted to make music for visual stories.
‘Moon’ is your latest single, a slice of luscious and soulful R&B packed with nocturne tones and contemporary flair. Compared to your previous material (for instance, your previous EP ‘Agni Kai’), the piece embraces a bolder R&B character, also nodding to afrobeat and hip-hop in the process. Is it fair to say that hazy synths have left space for nuanced vocal harmonies and bouncy grooves?
Yes, absolutely. Moon definitely leans more into R&B and groove-driven production than my earlier work. With Agni Kai, I was really exploring cinematic textures, but with Moon, I wanted to create something that felt more grounded in rhythm and movement. The hazy synths took a bit of a backseat so I could focus more on vocal harmonies, bounce, and feel. It’s still moody and emotional, but there’s a new energy that feels more alive.
Is it a sonic direction you intend to follow, going forward?
Yes, definitely. Moon really opened up a new lane for me, and I want to keep exploring it. I’m leaning into that blend of R&B, Afrobeats, and rhythmic blend, while still leaving myself room to experiment. I don’t want to box myself into one sound, but this direction feels like the foundation for what’s next.
How are you navigating the modern music industry? Is there anything crucial that you learnt while pursuing your career?
It’s honestly still early for me to say. In many ways, Moon feels like my first song. I’m in this space of learning and evolving right now, just trying things and figuring out what works.
Lastly, what’s next for Gabrielle Swanks? Can we expect any shows or future releases?
Right now, I’m working on my next single and starting to think about a longer project. I’m excited for people to hear my next song and step into the world I’m creating around it. I’m also diving into writing bigger stories, connecting themes through both production and lyrics. There’s something really special about unfolding a story over time. I can’t wait to share more of those journeys with my community. Even as I’m still exploring the meaning behind some of the lyrics I’m writing, my main focus is creating a space that’s fun, light, and full of work I’m proud of.
