Gabriel Seize Interview
Gabriel Seize is a retrofuturistic musician and producer based in Brussels, blending synth-pop, French Touch, and classic sci-fi aesthetics. His debut EP Prologue showcases his unique sound, with rich electronic beats and dreamy vocals. A self-taught artist, Gabriel also creates 3D visuals and directs his music videos, immersing audiences in his multidimensional world. We caught up with him around the release to learn more about his background, influences and aspirations.
You grew up as the only musician in your family and are completely self-taught. How did you first get into music and what was the journey like in developing your skills on your own?
I started with a small electronic keyboard I received for christmas when I was 7. It's fun because after years as a singer in different bands, playing piano, sometimes guitar and bass, keyboards have returned in my life and became central with my new project. I've always been a bit lazy and avoided music theory, or technical practice. I've always worked only with my ears.
Being a French artist based in Brussels, how have the music scenes in both France and Belgium influenced your sound and artistic direction?
When I arrived in Belgium, I was a rock enthusiast, and Belgium has a strong rock culture, more than France. I think that's what seduced me. But now I look back to France because of this electronic and synth sound that has been very very strong from Jean-Michel Jarre to Daft Punk, AIR, or Justice. I must have something in common with all these artists that make me love this type of music, maybe something that comes from being French. But I don't know exactly what.
Your debut EP Prologue features a mix of retrofuturistic sounds and modernproduction. How did you develop this unique blend of influences and what inspired you to explore this sound?
It was Covid. It was a moment when making music with machines instead of other human beings seemed obvious. And I had this huge amount of time to explore these instruments. I love nostalgia and that's why I love when I hear anything retro that makes me think of my childhood. But on the other hand, I've always felt like the 80's productions sounded flat. No bottom, no power in the beats and basses. It's nice to be able to mix retro sounds with the power of modern production.
What's your favorite track from the EP and why?
I think it's Falling Softly. It gathers everything I try to do. Melody, power, and sensation of escaping very far. It's a riff and a gimmick that I had in stock for so many years. I'm glad it finally became a song.
You’ve self-produced and directed much of your work, including music videos. What are some challenges and rewards of taking complete creative control of your projects?
A sensation of freedom and a lot of fun. It's like I'm thinking about something: ok let's do it. No need to convince other people. Just play with your toys. The challenge is that it takes a lot of time. And also, in this very solitary process, you can sometimes be flooded by doubts.
Looking back, how do you see your evolution as an artist from your early days of self-teaching to releasing your debut EP Prologue?
It's very ambivalent. On one hand, I look back and I try to put myself back in the shoes of the teenager I was when I started to dream about being a musician. I realise that almost all the things I pictured in my head have finally happened along those past 10 years with different projects. Recording my songs, playing concerts in a lot of venues including iconic places of my country, opening for some great artists, making videos...Etc On the other hand, there's a big part of me that is always unsatisfied. I always feel like “I didn't make it”, like I did'nt make something good enough to convince a larger audience. Depending how you look at it (I think it's the same for most artists), you can see your carrer as a great journey or a total failure. I think it's best to focus on the first idea :-)
You’ve transitioned from a collaborative project to a solo artist. What motivated this shift and how does working independently allow you to express your artistic vision more fully?
Like I said I feel more freedom this way. And also he hardest part for me was to maintain cohesion in a team. I'm not very good with dealing with emotions, expectations from other people. But of course sometimes I miss the collective energy and fun. I think the best is to have both, maybe in different projects.
Being entirely self-taught, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are starting their journey without formal training?
Today, you can learn almost anything by yourself with all the information on the web. I would say 2 things: try to find the balance between being ingenuous and skilled. Own your art and technique, but keep a fresh eye to make sure you're still able to play out of the rules. It's very difficult to keep that balance and I don't say I suceed in it.
What's coming next for you?
I've been doing a nice tour this summer in Belgium. Now I need to produce new contents, videos and sounds. I need to explore new things and I intend to do it in public, on my social networks mostly. So I would say, follow me on Insta and Tik Tok. I'm going to share a lot of new things in the next months.
