What I’ve Been Listening To: GAZAL

GAZAL (G) is a fan of Little Simz, Del Water Gap, and would like to appear in any song by Arca!

Have a listen to GAZAL’s debut EP before getting to know more about the Australian artist.

Who is GAZAL and how did your namesake come about?

G: Well, my family heritage is Lebanese so GAZAL is my last name, I kept it simple and effective and that’s about the only thing simple and effective about my project. My music and vision is fueled by a scattered ADHD brain and intense emotions where every layer is intricate. Each track is a real time depiction of me trying to solve an issue or emotion and really is a roller coaster ride.

What artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?

G: Little Simz, because she makes me feel so damn good every time I hear the song “Gorilla” (yes, I may have looked up the lyrics to learn them once or twice).

G: Del Water Gap’s song “Beach House” reminds me of how good discovering great new music feels like, like when I was younger, which unfortunately is a more rare occurrence as you get older. It gives me butterflies (I think it’s the drone synth) in my stomach and reminds me that life is ugly but can be so pretty and euphoric at times and that’s what everyone holds out for.

When you go into the recording studio to work on new material, what are your must-haves?

G: My brain, an acknowledgment of how I am feeling, a good 2-3 tracks to set the vibe, and phone on aeroplane mode IS A MUST.

Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?

G: My song “Blue” because my soul is encapsulated in that song. From the production, to lyrics and melodies, I feel like it’s got my name written all over it. I think this song lends itself nicely to my previous tracks and all the tracks for 2024.

Which song of someone else’s (artist or band) would you have liked to feature on and why?

G: Oh goodness, so many. I would probably say, Arca right now. To be in a room and see how their brain works would be insanely cool. They have worked with so many artists FKA Twigs, Bjork, Little Uzi Vert and their style is so hard, I think it would be absolutely fascinating and fruitful.

What has led you into becoming a musician and why do you keep making music?

G: Because I feel like I have to. I think life is better with a soundtrack and does something that dialogue and words alone can’t do for me. Making music to articulate a feeling is something that I think is innate to me, always will be and provides me with peace of mind.