FEW GUUD THOUGHTS w/ Gabby Parafina — Interview + Review
Review | muse
Interview | Kha
Right before the summer comes to an end, Philippines based artist Gabby Parafina drops his debut project Therapy. Rounding off at 11 tracks, this project is the epitome of love lost and the internal battle we’ve all experienced when a relationship ran its course. The body of work has a soothing sound that’s pioneered by Parafina’s vocal arrangements. His ability to experiment with different riffs while maintaining a low tone is impressive and signifies his willingness to trust his creative gut. While listening to his project, Parafina’s influences bleed through gracefully.
There’s multiple songs that should resonate with the audience on a variety of levels. On “Proximity,” Parafina paints a beautiful picture of what he felt was love; which feels pure and genuine. On “Saturday Disco,” he explores his creative canvas by creating unique pockets in the production, displaying his ability to make the music work for him. The lucidity of the track was infectious, almost a levitating experience. “One” is a perfect example of captivating storytelling over an unplugged-ish production.
Gabby Parafina produced and wrote the entire project over the course of a year. His metaphoric writing allows his music to be left for interpretation but the emotion that guides his pen is clear as day.
How’d you get your start in music?
“I started making music in 2016, the same year my dad brought me my first iPhone. I didn't play much games on it; only used the GarageBand app to make music”
“When I first started making music, I wasn’t making R&B music, it was mainly hip hop/trap music at first. But then I got the budget to purchase a MacBook and that’s how a lot go the sounds you hear now came to light”
Do you produce your own music?
“Yeah, I produced the whole Therapy album by myself”
Logic or GarageBand?
“Definitely GarageBand, I find other daws super complicated at times”
Who are some of your influences?’
“A lot (chuckles)… uhh I have to start with Tyler, the Creator. Then there’s Frank Ocean, Earth Wind and Fire. This musician named Christian Kuria is one of my main influences, along with Daniel Caesar to be honest”
How did Therapy come about?
“I think it stems from a recent heartbreak I went through. I wanted the project to tell a story of the reckoning experience of the relationship.”
Would you describe heartbreak being the core theme of the project?
“Yeah, somewhat. There’s a romantic factor that standouts.The whole concept of this album is like giving your all to somebody, you’re expecting that person to reciprocate it but it ends up going otherwise. This project is the first time I’m being very honest with the writing.”
What was the hardest song to create on the project and why?
“I would say the song “two.” It almost didn’t make the project because… it was just super hard for some reason. I think all the pain that I experienced came to my mind while writing the song. The memories I relied on while writing the song made me very emotional.”
Hearing your struggles about writing “two” is interesting as a listener because for me, that song feels like a pivotal moment on the project. That’s when the production starts to switch. How would you describe your typical creative process?
“Watching movies… key moments in films I can relate to helps with that process. Or even just talking to friends, hearing their unique everyday experiences.”
What are some of those films that influence the project?
“It’s not a film but, the show Euphoria played a role…I would say the aesthetic of the show. That’s why there’s moments on the project that feel glittery or even a late night vibe.”
Going back to the title therapy, are you someone who utilizes that outlet?
“I associate therapy with music. When I feel like I have something I need to get out, I start writing lyrics. It’s hard for me to be straightforward with my feelings, so when I need to express myself, I write songs”
Are you the type of artist that’s constantly writing or do you designate time for it?
“I think I write efficiently when I’m not thinking about anything else. So I have to sit down somewhere, like a corner to get it done.”
Your project embodies that intensity of falling in love, falling outta love, and then eventually falling in love with yourself. What was the connection between “1” and “2”?
“The narrative of “1” is before the pivotal moment of the story. It’s the courting in the relationship, while “2” is sort of the self-realization of one's worth. I say this because the project is split into two parts. “Proximity” to “1” is one section and “Two” to “you don’t know” is the second portion. When I was working on “two” and onwards, I started to become more conscious on how love works in this generation.``
So the project drops on August 19th and you end the project with the song “Summer.” Was that intentional?
“(Laughs) No, that was unintentional. That song was not part of the bigger concept of the project… When I think about it, I made that song, along with “lotus(v2),” just for fun.”
Your music sounds big, as if you’re cashing out on an expensive studio, what’s your recording set up?
“Honestly, I don’t have professional recording equipment. My main tools are a mic, interface, two monitors and my iPhone. I cater being able to use these efficiently to the pandemic. I really got the time to perfect the sound I wanted.”
How long did it take you to make the project?
“About one year. I had a lot of free time and it allowed me to truly focus on the music.”
What’s next?
“I want to expand myself. Discover new sounds and make more unique music.”
Last three albums?
Gemini Rights by Steve Lacy
IGOR by Tyler, the Creator
Astroworld by Travis Scott
