Gabe Cummins Premieres "King Of LA" Video + Interview
The song was inspired by the lifestyle that artists live. The constant struggles we go through, being underpaid for our art and the battle of balancing our ego with our need to perform on stage. The concept for the video came from an idea I had of wanting to walk through the streets of LA in iconic locations, as the “King of LA” would do, to interact with people of LA while doing so.
The music video sees Gabe walking through the streets of LA in iconic locations and interacting with people. Watch it below!
King of LA was self-produced by Gabe along with Gian Stone and is packed with gritty guitars and soaring synths that give a nice balance to the mix of live drums and 808 samples. The melody is highly infectious and makes the song a perfect track for the summer.
I was lucky enough to ask Gabe a couple of questions so we can get to know a bit more about him, from his musical inspirations, what he's currently listening to, favourite artists, and more. Check it out below!
I’ve read you’ve got quite a great background in music, from teaching and producing music for commercials. Can you tell us what drew you to pursue a music career?
I was definitely a nerd in high school so I had my career paths narrowed down to psychology, medicine, law, education or music. Music seemed like the most fun so that was the path I chose. Along the way I’ve done my best to use music to explore my other interests. I’ve been lucky that I’ve been able to explore things like teaching. And, navigating the music business has certainly afforded me the opportunity to get my psychology and legal studies together.
What are your musical inspirations and how do they influence the way you make your own music?
From a young age I was drawn to blues music like Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Eric Clapton’s blues records so I knew that I always wanted make music that spoke to me on an earthy, soulful level. Today I’m drawn to artists that are able to do that in a popular style. Childish Gambino and Kendrick Lamar are crushing that right now.
Out of the songs you have written so far, which one is your favourite and why?
My favorite song that I’ve written is “This Could Be”. I’ve been performing it a bunch lately and it’s been getting a huge response. It’s the next single I’m about to release right after “King of LA” so that certainly adds an amount of excitement and anticipation to the song as well.
I love teaching but I don’t do it much anymore. I think the love of creating music took over so that’s what I do mostly now. That said, when I was teaching most days I found that putting my all into as much of both as could for a very specific amount of time allowed me to find balance. Setting clear boundaries and goals for both made all things possible.
If you could pick any artist to work with, who would it be and why?
I’d love to write a song with Ryan Tedder and/or Pharrell. They’re two of my favorite writer/producers of all time.
Are you planning to tour any time soon? What can fans expect from your shows?
I am! I’ll definitely be touring next summer. Also, in September I’ll be starting a residency every Monday at this amazing spot called Apotheke in downtown Manhattan. It’ll be with my band and we’ll do a mix of my own stuff along with some choice covers. There will also be plenty of guest musicians that are already scheduled to sit in.
What was the first album you ever bought?
I think it was Pearl Jam’s “Ten”. It’s such a great record. The songwriting and guitar playing on that record are incredible.
If you were given the chance to pick one artist/band to tour with which one would it be and why?
I’d love to tour with Bruno Mars. His band is so incredible and their live show is just the best right now.
What music are you currently listening to?
Recently released music I’ve been checking is The Internet’s Hive Mind. I really like their style. Also Deva Mahal. She has such an incredible voice.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life which one would it be and why?
Stevie Wonder’s Songs In the Key of Life. It has everything I could every need/want in a record.
What is your favourite song of 2018 so far?
Havana by Camila Cabello is unbeatable. Her vocal performance. The piano montuno against the 808. The horns. It wins 2018 so far for me.