Whether you’re a teen right at this moment or your teen years are far behind you, we think it’s safe to say our teenage years includes some of the most ridiculous things we’ve done in our lives. Oftentimes, it’s where we could be literally, “Young, Wild, and Free.” Seventeen year old emerging popstar Gabi Sklar knows what that’s all about especially with her new song “Liberteens” which may or may not cause you to throw a party, make a mess, possibly have cops show up, and what have you. Basically, create a scene that looks just like Project X… But don’t point your finger at us if the cops come by!
This is Gabi’s second single since her debut single of “LA Changes You” when she was just 15 years old. Here she is two years back with new music and a new music video to go along with it which pays tribute to the original libertine: Marie Antoinette. Check out our interview with Gabi to learn how she got into pursuing a career in music, juggling school + music, and some of her favorite high school memories that helped inspire “Liberteens”!
TYF: For readers just learning about you and your music, when was the moment you realized you wanted to pursue a career in music? What was the first song you sang out loud or created where you said to yourself, “Okay, let’s do more of this!”
Gabi Sklar: I honestly can’t even remember when I began singing. I used to make my own song books when I was probably four or five. My mom actually called me from New York the other day and told me she found one of my old songbooks. I’ll go back and read some lyrics I wrote as a kid and most of the time I’ll be like “what was I even trying to say” and other times I’ll be like “damn, I wrote that?” I just always enjoyed writing from a young age whether it was poetry, short stories or music. When I turned fourteen, that’s when I really took music seriously, signed to my management and began co-writing and meeting with labels.
TYF: You’ve mentioned wanting to inspire others just as other artists have impacted you. What artists do you look up to who’ve had such an influence on you?
Sklar: Gavin DeGraw has always been a huge influence of mine. He would always play this really small, intimate venue called the Paramount near my hometown. I love Dua Lipa, Khalid and Lana Del Rey as well.
TYF: If you were to meet said person, what would be your first question for them or what would you like to know/learn?
Sklar: I feel like no matter what I’d plan to ask or say to them, the situation would turn into me being starstruck and becoming speechless. It would probably be an in the moment thing but I think I’d rather have a genuine conversation and get to know the person rather than formulating a specific question to ask. That way it’s more natural, I could form a more meaningful relationship with the person and learn from the way they interact rather than respond.
TYF: What do you do to get out of a musical writer’s block? How do you get out of that funk?
Sklar: I think the best way to get over writer’s block is to go out of your comfort zone or go on a spontaneous adventure. Basically, anything to draw inspiration or give you an experience. I think the main reason I’ll ever fall into a writer’s block is when the songs I’m writing become redundant or i’m constantly writing about the same things… but there’s so much to write about and to inspire you that you just have to find something that allows you to draw inspiration.
TYF: How do you go about juggling focusing on school to focusing on your music? (I can barely handle waking up early in the morning.)
Sklar: My weekdays start extremely early— and no, i’m not a morning person— but this way I can try getting the most out of my days. I try my best to juggle everything because I chose to do both music and school simultaneously. In fact, I’m in a music school! I always said no matter what happened in my career, education is super important to me. I think my music goes hand-in-hand with my college experience and vice versa. It’s a lot of sacrificing. I might not be able to go to parties every weekend but instead, I’m working on what could be my next single.
TYF: Speaking of school, what are you currently studying and what are your career goals later in the future?
Sklar: My major is called Musicianship, Artistry Development and Entrepreneurship. It’s cool because I can learn more about writing and performing but also the business side to the music industry. It’s really cool because it educates me more on labels and my rights as an artist and ultimately, allows me to have more creative freedom in my project.
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TYF: Love “Liberteens”! Definitely connected to that song the moment I listened to it as would anyone else who heard the track. How did this song come to life? How did you go about envisioning what the music video would be like?
Sklar: When you google the term Libertine, a free spirit, rebel comes into the picture. The director, Lanz Pierce and I sat down and said, well wouldn’t it be cool to do a Marie Antionette inspired video— after all, wasn’t she the libertine of her era? The idea mimics the concept of a young, rebellious free spirit transcending any generation or time period.
TYF: Even though you’re still in the midst of being a teenager and whatnot, what are some moments you know you will never forget when you look back at your teenage years when you’re like 70?
Sklar: Every line from Liberteens either tells the story of or is inspired from my favorite high school memories. There was one time I was at a party and my friend’s car got keyed. As we tried figuring who keyed his car, a pig started running loose and everyone was chasing it trying to figure out where it came from. Yes, this actually happened. This story, however, was left out of Liberteens but maybe it will make the sequel…? My friend did get into a fight causing him to get pushed in a pool, every party in my high school would get copped out, my friend did stand on top of a car although it was not a red Audi r8. We were a town run by teenagers.
TYF: With “Liberteens” out now, how long until we hear more new music?
Sklar: Very soon!! I can’t give too much away but maybe in the next few months! Make sure to follow me for all the updates!
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