Gabriel Greenwood is a rising singer-songwriter known for his soulful vocals and reflective lyrical style. His latest release, High School Reunion, channels the wistful pull of the past while illuminating how far we come after graduating. In our interview, Greenwood discusses the inspirations behind the track, the influences that shaped his signature sound, and his plans to continue forging new musical frontiers in 2025. He also reveals the pivotal role his music education played in nurturing his creative spirit, underlining his unwavering commitment to sincerity. This glimpse into Greenwood’s world hints at how he merges personal memories with modern ingenuity.
Gabriel Greenwood, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us to discuss what’s in the pipeline for you! We loved discovering you through your latest single, High School Reunion which is due for release on January 11. What’s the story behind the single?
I wrote this song in 2021. I graduated from high school in 2016, so, if not for COVID, it would’ve been my 5th year high school reunion. That sentiment was on my mind, and it filled me with nostalgia for that time in my life. It reminded me of the crush(es) I had in high school, and what reuniting with them at a reunion would’ve been like. Would I still like them? Have they thought about me at all?
You do a lot of growing in 5 years after graduation. You become an adult, you find new interests, and you learn a lot about yourself. I felt like it took me leaving high school to learn about love. I wanted to write about that idea.
What do you hope listeners take away from the single?
As much as I want listeners to walk away with a sense of self-acceptance and pride in their journey, I also want them to identify with the slow burn of a high school crush that never worked out. Life is full of many ‘what ifs’, and especially when you’re young and don’t have all the answers, it’s important to look back and celebrate that growth, while also going “Damn; imagine if I had had the courage back then that I have now!”
How did you ensure your melodies reflected the emotional underpinnings of the single?
I am so inspired by classic artists such as Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. I wanted to reflect the nostalgia of high school by having a 70s Soul throwback-y sound. I also had the privilege of working with incredible session musicians on this track (Daniel Huston, Ian Strobino, Jackson Mayhall, Heaven McCoury, Mack Clay). I feel like the real players added to the sense of being in a band, which brings me back to high school. The melody itself naturally fluctuates from being more introspective in the verse to declarative in the hook, reflecting the ups and downs of memory and connection.
You’re clearly an artist capable of painting a complete spectrum of emotional complexity. How did you hone this skill?
Thank you! I think it’s a combination of studying the greats, who were masters at storytelling, and my background in choral arranging and vocal coaching. Working with vocal harmonies taught me how to create layers of emotion in a song, and studying songwriting has given me the tools to translate those emotions into lyrics and melodies. I’m also someone who’s always reflecting on life and observing the emotions around me—I think that helps too.
Would you say you have a signature sound, or can your fans always expect the unexpected?
It’s a bit of both for me! There are nuances and writing elements that fans will always be able to identify as quintessentially Gabriel Greenwood. I also love sticking to my love of a soulful sound, and I’ll never lose that. But, I’m also constantly inspired by new sounds. I have new ideas incorporating some 80s rock elements and world music elements that I’m really vibing with right now. So for my fans, I’d just say prepare to be pleasantly surprised!
How do you incorporate nuances of your influences while keeping your sound authentic?
I feel High School Reunion does it best out of any of the songs I have out. It really balances the nuances with my own originality. The instrumentation and arrangement sound so classic like my 70s Soul influences, but the melody itself is very fresh. I’m especially proud of the hook, which feels so modern without feeling out of place. Also, the topic and the story itself is pretty unique while being very relatable. I always love finding a story for a song that not many other artists talk about, thereby ensuring some authenticity from the get-go.
What appeals to you most about classic songwriting?
Well, my mom is a songwriter who worked primarily in the 70s and 80s. She inspired me from a very young age to tell stories through my songs. I love the frankness of writing that came out of the 70s. Writers who inspired my mom like Laura Nyro, Carole King, and Carly Simon knew how to deliver a message clearly AND creatively. I also love when a second verse actually MEANS something haha! I love how classic songs continue to tell the story linearly through each verse. A lot of modern Pop tends to use the second verse to rehash what’s already been said in the first verse, when there’s so much more context and layering you could be doing in the second verse. In High School Reunion, I enjoyed showing a full conversation with the crush that continues and finishes in verse 2.
Have the environments you’ve lived in and experienced shaped your sound?
I see my influences as starting points rather than templates. The music that inspires me was always playing in my house growing up. And though a lot of it wouldn’t seep into my artist persona until my teen years, it had a deep impact on me. At the same time, I was being so nurtured at school, where I was surrounded my top-notch music opportunities. It gave me an environment where, if I wasn’t being inspired, I was at least being encouraged to take music seriously. I am indebted to my music education for where I am today. As an artist, whether releasing music or performing on cruise ships, I think my inspirational and educational environments were crucial in shaping my sound.
Any big plans for 2025?
I’m really excited to take my fans with me on my journey performing professionally on a cruise ship this year! From January-May, I will be performing a piano duo show with my incredible pal Stephen Coakley aboard the MS Zuiderdam! We’ll be on for the 125-day Grand World Voyage, circumnavigating the entire globe! Along the way, I hope to collaborate with stellar musicians and artists I admire both on board and off to make music that connects with people on a deep level. 2025 is also going to be a year of a lot of creation. I’ve got more songs on the way, as well as a lot of exciting content to further grow my fan base on Instagram and TikTok. =)
High School Reunion will be available to stream on all major platforms from January 11th. Find your preferred way to listen and connect with Gabriel Greenwood via their official website.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast