Gabba Defines Freeing Key Moments in his Life Through Debut Solo Project Album, ‘Recollections’
Listen to ‘Recollections’ here
After years of contributing to various musical collaborations and music projects through instrumental rock act, Degs and Gabba (formerly Tom’s Story), as well as indie band, Fools and Foes, Manila-based musician, Gabba embarks on a new artistic journey with his solo project. Gabba will be releasing his debut album, ‘Recollections’ on 26 July 2023.
‘Recollections’ captures the essence of Gabba's personal and musical journey, serving as a musical score for different moments and core memories in his life. The most vulnerable and honest presentation yet for Gabba, the 14-track album presents a timeline of his experiences – a reflection of the ebbs and flows, highs and lows that have shaped him as a way of journaling in music form.
Comparable to previous music projects, Gabba approached the songwriting process this time with a fresh perspective. With unparalleled creative freedom and constraints of band dynamics, he focused on conveying his message in any way possible and gaining a holistic view of his music. The album showcases his signature brisk guitar and drumming styles but also incorporates textures inspired by his musical heroes and the organic ambiences of the places he holds dear. The result is a profoundly fulfilling experience and sonically, ‘Recollections’ is a liberating masterpiece for Gabba.
‘Recollections’ promises listeners a sonic and emotional roller coaster. Each track has a distinctive vibe, contributing to the album's overall narrative. Notable singles in ‘Recollections’ include Gabba’s very first single, ‘Puzzle’ where he came to terms with what it means to be a solo act. ‘Goofy’ was inspired while skateboarding with his friends and rewatching videos taken during these adventures that Gabba heard a beat in one of them. ‘Fury’ was inspired by the WAR Scene in the movie, Fury, and recorded and written in one day for the ASEAN Music Festival 2021.‘Overcurrent’ recreates a throwback ode to the old Gabba sound which most fans have grown to recognize. The single ‘Coastline’ was just released in June, in line with Gabba’s announcement of the ‘Recollections’ album. The single portrays the difficulties of being away from people close to you, separated by seas.
Collaborations also played a distinct role in Gabba's solo project, differing from his previous music ventures. Gabba shares, “The collaborations for this album were not 'let’s sit down in a room and discuss'. They were more of a back-and-forth of ideas. It was exciting because we hardly saw each other face to face, but every exchange had intriguing outcomes. I'm a big fan of all of their work. This was the only time I was able to really pick their brain, and see and hear how they work. This was a big push for me in finishing this album, providing a breath of fresh air and an abundance of inspiration.”
‘Here Now’ was together with Manila-Jakarta-based multi-instrumentalist, composer & producer, The Ringmaster. While very different when it comes to musicianship and as people, the creative process turned out to be organic and natural with the help of a few coffee trips and the exploration of guitar pedals. ‘Linear’ was a collaborative effort with drummer Bea Lao.
From introspective melodies to energetic beats, Gabba invites listeners to immerse themselves in his music and experience a range of emotions. With the release of ‘Recollections’, Gabba will be headed on a Recollections tour in the Philippines from August to September within Metro Manila and a few provinces. He has also just been announced to be performing at the inaugural SXSW Sydney this year.
Gabba, ‘Recollections’ Tour Dates:
4 August - 123 Block
10 August - Nokal Manila
12 August - Studio Yakal (Afternoon Sessions)
19 August - Balcony Music House
28 August - Wabi Cafe, Pasig City (Afternoon Session)
2 September - Canto Bogchi Joint (Baguio City)
9 September - Shutterspace Studios
16 September - Memento Tattoo Studio (Lucena City)
15-30 October - SXSW Sydney (just announced)
