Diandra Interviews Gaby Moreno: Releasing The “Fire Inside”

When I talk to artists, they are divided. Some have rediscovered their creativity, while others are rediscovering their couch. It can be a toss-up between and when “the muse” will come, but everybody agrees they wish joy would appear more. People are sad and feel stuck, which is why Gaby Moreno released “Fire Inside.” For her, we need hope and joy to get us through and what better than music to do so. In our interview, she discusses how music gave her life, of which her songs are like paying it forward.

Diandra: How are you in these crazy times?

Gaby: It has been a very interesting time. I am so used to traveling and moving and never being in one place for more than 2-3 weeks. This has been a huge change for me, and I’ve been doing okay. Being home and not being rushed, I, actually, adopted a dog.
Fire Inside

Diandra: UGH! YES! (she laughs) What did you name him?

Gaby: (smiling) I named him Oakie. I got him a week ago. He’s a little Chihuahua: only 10 pounds.

Diandra: So in being less rushed, what do you reflect about the world and things like the protests?

Gaby: You should be able to listen and read. I feel like, right now, a lot of people are chiming in with knowing the real meaning of things. This is a good time for us to step back, and let those who know step forward and have their voice. So, it is time to let black voices speak about the black experience in America. Just listen.

Diandra: Is there anything you have created?

Gaby: Mostly, I have been producing other artists, and I have been getting more into Logic; learning to do things on my own, which is super fun and another aspect of music that I love doing. It is something I want to explore more, and time will tell how this time will inspire me. I have just been receptive and sensitive to everything that has been happening; so who is to say that something won’t come out from this in a year. For now, I am just absorbing.

Diandra: Do you foresee changes?

Gaby: Well, just in this interview; a lot of people are going to realize that there are other ways to do things that are better for the environment. Like, I don’t have to take a plane to get to your interview. We are doing Zoom.
Mexican Institute of Sound, Gaby Moreno – Yemayá

Diandra: So let’s talk about your collaboration with Mexican Institute of Sound. Has it inspired a new sound for you?

Gaby: This is a collaboration; so it was really about me going more into his synth-world, which is more electronic. It was fun to break in my habit, and I really enjoyed. I would love to do another collaboration with him in the future. Sonically, I know who I am, but I like to try things that are a little left of me, but I will always keep my organic sound.

Diandra: Was there anything you learned from the experience?

Gaby: I love that fact that Yemaya is a goddess of fertility and abundance and maternity. She is a huge part of Latin American cultures, especially in Cuba and Brasil. So I went in this rabbit-hole of what she represents, and everything I read was so wonderful. In the Yoruba religion, they sing and dance, which makes it one of the only religions that does that to its deity. I love reading, and anytime I read about gods, I love that they represent nature.

Diandra: Speaking of maternity, what is the best advice your mother has given you for life?

Gaby: Gratitude. She taught me you should be grateful for EVERYTHING, even the small things. You should even be grateful for work: whether you like it or not. She showed me humility, and feeling constant appreciation for life. I am thankful that I do music because it is what makes things go around.
Gaby Moreno & Metropolis Ensemble: “The Immigrants” (Live at Kaufman Music Center)

Diandra: So if music was like a partner in life. What has it given you?

Gaby: Well, not to be cliche, but it has given me life. I got into music very, very young. So it has shown me how to connect with people, which is a very powerful thing. I love my work not only because of the feeling I get, but also knowing that people get that feeling, too. I don’t see myself ever doing anything else.

Diandra: What inspired “Fire Inside”?

Gaby: I wrote the song, in Nashville, with Andrew Brazelle. Peer Music, my publishing company, sent me there on a writing assignment. We wrote a few songs that were mostly aimed at tv shows and ads. So we were thinking, “Let’s write songs about universal themes like, hope and love.Let’s write something timeless.” It has already been used for tv shows and ads and on youtube “Dear Class of 2020.” It has been wonderful. We recorded it awhile ago, but I felt like this is the year to put out those type of singles; put out music to bring people joy. The message of the song is “this to shall pass. Don’t let bad moments get in your way. Just breathe through them.” We will always have obstacles, because that is life, but we have to keep going and learning to live better.

For More Information On Gaby Moreno Click Here.