After delivering a breadth of impressive releases over the last year, British artist Gabrielle Ornate has now returned with another anthemic belter in the form of 'Rewrite The Rules'.
Channelling the same bold and euphoric direction she is known for, 'Rewrite The Rules' makes for a wonderfully powerful return. With its shimmering tones, soaring atmosphere, and her own captivating voice at the helm, she is certainly gunning for the big time with this one.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and influences over the last few years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
When I was growing up, a lot of the music I consumed was in my dad’s car going on long drives from Greater London into the city. My favourite CDs were definitely the Beatles’ ones. I resonated with the Beatles back then (even before I properly became a musician). Something about their catchy and anthemic vocal melodies, relatable lyrics and charming instrumental earworms hooked me in from the year dot!
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Actually, yes. Since the age of 18, I was in an all-female, three-piece group called Fire In Her Eyes which comprised of myself, my best friend and her younger sister. We started writing songs together years before but decided to officially become a band five years ago.
Our sound was definitely 60s inspired and had a psychedelic, Californian sound with our lush three-part vocal harmonies (quite reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash).
I decided to leave Fire In Her Eyes earlier this year as I wanted to go down a new creative path and make different sounding tracks, but Fire In Her Eyes are still going strong and we’re all still friends :)
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
I’m inspired by quite a few things. Firstly, surrealism and fantasy - I’ve always been drawn to fictional worlds such as Frank Baum’s Oz and Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, so I find myself visiting these mystical places in my mind and exploring these themes in my songwriting.
Next, bohemia - resonate a lot with the aesthetic of the bohemian women pictured in Pre-Raphaelite artwork. However, I seek to take the male vision of passive womanhood and turn it on its head.
Lastly, atmospheric soundscapes - I love musical groups such as Boards of Canada, Cluster and Harmonia and aim to incorporate rich walls of sound within my work.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
This is a hard question as there are too many genius songs to pick from! If I had to choose, I’d probably go with ‘God Only Knows’ by the Beach Boys because it’s such a clever pop song both melodically and harmonically; so tuneful and memorable yet sophisticated and poignant.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
When I was still part of my previous band, we were invited to the BBC Studios in London to be interviewed on BBC Radio 1 by a radio presenter who championed us at the time. It was such a fun and exciting experience going into the main studios and seeing what goes on behind the scenes, let alone having our music played on BBC Radio 1. I’d love to relive this experience!
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
My favourite vocalist of all time is Jeff Buckley so, if he was still alive, I would’ve loved to perform alongside him and harmonise with his angelic vocal tones.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
I’ve been loving Wolf Alice lately, especially since the release of their latest album so I’d love to collaborate with them. I like Ellie’s hypnotic vocals and the way they contrast with the heavy guitar tones and gritty soundscapes, so I’d love to leave my mark on their sound.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
In five years’ time, I see myself with a solid following; fans who listen to every release of mine and come to see me perform live every time. With a progressed following, I envisage myself supporting bigger artists on quite a number of different tours, as well as performing at many festivals and headline shows. I plan to carry on releasing a steady stream of singles which will eventually result in the release of an album or two.
But, for now, I’ve got a few tracks up my sleeve which will be coming out in the new year. Amping it up one song at a time - watch this space!
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Gabrielle Ornate's new single 'Rewrite The Rules' is available to stream now. Check it out below.