Music > Interviews
Gabby Rivers - Rework Taylor Swift 8th June
05/06/24
When did your journey as a musician begin?
My journey as a musician began back when I was 12 (I am aged 21 now) I was at a musical theatre Saturday club from the age of 8-15 and whilst I was there I enjoyed the singing side the most. I said to my mum I would love to sing more outside of the theatre club. She asked in what way and I mentioned being a artist, performing in venues and so on. My mum found some open mic nights and before I knew it I was 12 years old singing in pubs with my favourite covers and networking with so many musicians. It was a really amazing way to kick start my musical journey.
How would you describe your music (is it already like Taylor?)?
My music is definitely inspired by Taylor’s songwriting. I feel like whenever Taylor swift is annoyed with someone she writes about it! Which is exactly what I do! I also started out on acoustic guitar before switching to full band which is similar to what she did as well. My music is sassy, electrifying pop rock music, I’m a sensitive gal so when it comes to someone annoying me or upsetting me, instead of me confronting them and my emotions, I write about it. It’s like therapy to me.
Where do you look for inspiration for your music?
I look for inspiration in my music through my favourite artists and also through my band. I find it really helps when we all have similar inspirations we can listen to tracks and bounce off of each other. I also look through inspiration just through life in general and reflecting on what is going on and weather I want to right about it and weather it will help we cope writing about it.
Describe your creative process!
My creative process works and changes in many ways. Sometimes I pick up the acoustic guitar and come up with a chord progression and then write a catchy chorus or a hook. Sometimes my band mates will come to me with a idea or a demo and I will write lyrics to it and come up with production ideas and sometimes I write poetry and turn it into a song.
What inspired you to get involved with ‘ReWork’?
What inspired me to get into Rework was seeing it all online! The energy in that room always looks like so much fun and it’s such a great concept run by amazing people. It was a no brainer. Plus I love Taylor swift so even more of a reason to get involved.
Choose your favourite Taylor era!
My favourite Taylor era has to be her 1989 era!
How are you planning on reworking the hits of Taylor?
I’m planning on reworking Taylor’s songs into a even more sassier style! With a little hint of pop rock but also in a way to highlight my vocals too! Lots of band practice and perfecting the set definitely!
What power do you believe live music holds?
Live music holds so much power! I feel like it’s so Therapeutic in so many ways! People go to watch live music to have fun, relax, laugh, smile, let off some steam, socialise. It’s such a great experience going to a gig and it’s one of my favourite things to do.
How important do you believe it is to support the local music scene, through events like ‘ReWork’?
It’s so important to support the local music scene, it helps keep artists and venues going and seeing the publics support keeps us all going. It’s all about coming together especially with the rework events and the more the merrier!
What advice would you give to any aspiring musicians?
Advice I would give to aspiring artists is practice makes perfect! Weather thats with your vocals, instrument or songwriting process just keep on practicing and mastering your craft. Also networking is your best friend! Getting to know your music scene and venues is so important and will help you find opportunities too! Also open mics are so handy when first starting out it’s networking whilst also practicing your art.
Have you got any more plans for 2024?
I have so much planned for 2024! Me and my bands goal this year is to have a super productive year of writing and band rehearsal practice! So we have loads of new music to share! Also just wanting to record more this year and I also have some fun gigs coming up too which is all announced on my social media @gabbyriversmusic. Also hoping for a busy festival season! As it’s my favourite time of year.