Listen to Artist/Songwriter/Producer Localcolor's EP 'Modern Nostalgia' + Q&A
Gabriel Garnes, alternatively Localcolor, is a musical artist, songwriter and producer hailing from Columbus, Ohio. He has been built by visual and performance art from an early age.
Gabriel chose to pursue his love for music, performance and film by moving to Sarasota, Florida to live with his brother in a house full of filmmakers. From there he moved to Los Angeles where he is currently based, attaining a degree in music production, playing around local venues. With nostalgic sound, R&B riffs, and neo-soul tones throughout his work, he is continually crafting a unique sound and aesthetic. Some of his many influences include Childish Gambino, Frank Ocean, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Slum Village, A Tribe Called Quest, Nujabes among many others.
Listen to Localcolor's latest EP 'Modern Nostagia' below and also check out our Q&A with the rising artist:
What's your creation process like?
I am always influenced by things around me, other artists and forms of art (movies, books, etc). Usually one of these things will inspire me to create something, or just a need to make anything. I tend to usually start with the keyboard, since essentially everything I would need to make the skeleton of a song is in front of me. I'll find a chord progression, then build the rest from there. I mainly use Ableton to produce, and sometimes play in guitar or record random sounds, and I will also pull in samples at some times. When it comes to writing lyrics and melodies, that varies, sometimes I write while I only have a chord progression, or I'll flesh out the entire production before I start writing. At a certain point, after I've exhausted what I think I can do for the project, I'll show it people I trust to give honest feedback, and also hand it off to a trusted producer friend of mine who could possibly clean it up more or add things it may need that I don't hear or see. From that point it's just mixing and mastering.
What advice to you have for aspiring artists who are planning to move
to bigger cities to pursue their dreams?
My advice would be to whole heartedly believe in what you're creating, and the energy you give off. People can tell if what you're doing is genuine, and they immediately respect that. It really is all about relationships in this industry, so take time to nurture the ones you have. It can be overwhelming moving to a big city, and there are many distractions that you cannot avoid, but don't let those distractions deter you from what you came to do in the first place. Make your own lane and kill it.
What mark do you want to leave on the world with your music?
My goal is to create only timeless music that people can play when I'm dead. I want to create a moment, or feeling for anyone listening to my work. It's never been about fame, but I just want to make people feel how I feel when I hear an artist I admire, or just a well put together and thought out piece of work. I will not stop until I feel I've achieved that, and even then I won't think I'll ever be wholly satisfied with what I put out, but that is just me being a perfectionist.
IG: gabegarnes
Twitter: @GabeGarnes
iamlocalcolor.com