Gabrielle Swanks makes a powerful first impression with her debut single, "Moon," a smooth blend of alt R&B, Afrobeats, and Afro-fusion that instantly links worlds and states of being. Nigerian-American, DMV native Gabrielle brings a sound that is a rich blend of soulful rhythms and infectious grooves. The track is lyrically a journey of connection & introspection. It reads like a conversation between the heart and the universe on love, enlightenment, and the irresistible power of feeling. The mood in this song is cosmic, while the delivery is human.
The production is effortless and mesmerizing, with deep percussion and low bass lines creating the warmth of a summer's evening. Warming briefly, before a slightly slowed pace drops everything into rich and silky slow beats, Gabrielle threads her voice across the beat with an intimate feel that is expressive yet quietly confident. "Moon" by Gabrielle Swanks, an artist with a defined aesthetic and a talent for fusion. The form sounds like a meeting of the sensuality of R&B and the rhythm and bounce of influences from both Afropop and Dancehall.
The result is a work that evokes both emotional and physical responses. It invites us to reflect on our own place and purpose, and it has power running through it, yet its power feels soft. "Moon" not only offers an introduction to Gabrielle Swanks but also provides a sustained entry into the fluid world of global sound. It's refreshing, enthralling, and full of promise and a debut that signifies the arrival of an artist ready to make her own path.
Discover Gabrielle Swanks on Instagram