Maxim Meyer-Horn

11 Jul 2023
Music

Gabriels: “I Would Love to Collaborate With Adele, Missy Elliott or the Spice Girls”

The American-British band Gabriels is set to release their highly anticipated album ‘Angels & Queens’ this Friday. With their captivating fusion of soul, R&B, and electronic elements, Gabriels promises a transcending musical journey, which brought them to Rock Werchter last weekend. With their ethereal harmonies and infectious rhythms, they’re establishing themselves as true visionaries with an important message: love is all we need. We had a chat with the incredibly charismatic and captivating singer Jacob Lusk ahead of Gabriels’ performance to talk about the new album and whom he’d like to work with in the future.

This must be such an exciting period for you as your new album Angels & Queens is coming out this weekend. How is it to have this new project coming out?

It’s exciting. A little nerve-wracking because I hope people will like and enjoy it. We’ll see.

The response to the music so far has been magical. Looking back, is there a specific moment that you like to think of the most?

There are so many moments. I got to sing with Elton John at Glastonbury, we went on tour with Harry Styles, performed on TV … It’s been really great to travel and meet new people along the road.

You have such a powerful voice that touches a lot of people. Is there a singer that inspired you?

There are too many singers to count. I’m really just inspired by many people, just everyday people. Life is kind of hard and crazy, so to know that we all go through the same kind of things, is what inspires me in a way.

The sound of Gabriels is partially inspired by gospel music, which is a genre often practiced by choirs. Did you grow up singing in choirs?

Actually, when I was younger, I didn’t really sing that well. I was terrible. Our music is not only inspired by gospel; it’s infused by rock, R&B, and jazz. We’re influenced by a lot of different things. I try to keep my mind open, and I find new inspiration every day in everything, in everybody.

Is there maybe a sound that you’d like to explore in the future that you haven’t done yet?

I don’t know. We’ll have to see.

If you could choose one artist or act to collaborate with—that people wouldn’t necessarily associate with you—whom would it be?

I would love to collaborate with Adele, Meghan Thee Stallion, Missy Elliott, or maybe the Spice Girls. There are many people I’d like to work with.

Currently, you’re touring a lot to promote the upcoming album. What are your next plans?

We’re going to do more shows and touring. Maybe, we’re already going to work on album number two. I just released a song with The Blessed Madonna called “Mercy”, so a lot of music.

Touring brings you to many places but also keeps you from being home. Are you sometimes a bit homesick?

Sometimes, I’m definitely a little bit homesick, but I enjoy being out here, though. I like traveling, meeting new people, and spending time in new places. Yesterday, I caught the train and went to Brussels to explore the city. I got a waffle, but I’m definitely also getting chocolate tonight or tomorrow.

Before performing at big festivals or arenas, you performed at very intimate clubs. Do you approach these shows differently?

No. I try to make sure that every time I open my mouth, I give my best. Small shows make me a little bit more nervous because you can see everybody, whereas the bigger shows are more like a blur. Every performance, no matter how big or small, I give it the same amount of attention. When we first started out, we performed in very intimate environments, so I want to keep the essence of these shows.

Gabriels’ new album ‘Angels & Queens’ is out on all platforms. 

Pictures by Lorenzo Veppi
Interview by Maxim Meyer-Horn

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