INTERVIEW: Gabi Goldman drops new single “Nostalgia”

Gabi Goldman is an artist making an impact in the pop-infused R&B world with a sound that’s as flush in emotion as it is in style. Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden and now based in Stockholm, the 27-year-old artist is turning heads with a sound that blends slick production, soulful vocals and lyrical transparency. While Gothenburg’s quiet streets once left her restless, she’s since found her rhythm in the Swedish capital, where her flair for self-expression and sharp artistic instincts have room to flourish.

With a cascade of red curls and a grounded charisma, Gabi brings an engaging presence that’s quickly becoming her trademark and her energy ripples through her music. Her lyrics dive straight into the messiness of life, exploring themes of heartache, mental health and self-reflection, delivered with a knowing wink and a voice full of charm.

Her journey as an artist seems almost instinctive, “From the beginning, it wasn’t something I chose, I just did,” she says, highlighting a creative pull that’s always been present. That innate drive led her to debut with the single “Body Heat” in 2023 and since then, she’s kept her momentum alive with a series of singles that culminated in her debut EP For Myself, a project that feels like both a diary and a declaration.

Her latest release, the brand new single titled “Nostalgia,” arrives as the final single from the For Myself EP. Co-written with James Newman and produced by Stuart Crichton, the track is a slow-burning reflection on memories that last longer than they should. It’s intimate without being indulgent, blending minimal production with dreamy chords and vocals that glide between fragility and strength via a soft ache in the way Gabi delivers each line.

Set up by the soft pulse of airy piano notes, Gabi’s alluring voice enters to cast enchanting melodic leads carrying picture painting lyricism. Flowing with delicate instrumental textures, the arrangement forms a stunning soundscape of dreamy pop vibes as the gentle kick of drums injects a mellow rhythmic energy while Gabi’s dazzling voice flutters above.

With smooth guitar tones and elegant melodic writing, “Nostalgia” serves up an absorbing pop outing that’s truly impossible not to love. Putting her songwriting talent and performance panache on full display, with her new single, Gabi Goldman continues going from strength to strength as a rising pop artist with a unique and compelling musical vision.

We caught up with Gabi Goldman to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Nostalgia” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Gabi Goldman below.

Hey Gabi, how’s things?

Things are good, thank you. Pretty intense with a debut EP coming up… I’m riding solo.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Well professionally at the age of 12 on a Swedish kids show but I’ve always been a sucker for attention so I started selling out shows in our living room from the age of 4

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

It varies but constants are Raye, Yebba , Amy Winehouse

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Shitty things that happen in life tbh, I rarely find inspiration when nothing is aching a little…if that makes sense.

What was your highlight of the year for 2024?

My highlight was gigging. This was my first year of actually getting booked as an independent artist. My booker is insane (its me lol)

What do you love about the Swedish music scene?

That it’s pretty much always happening, the scene for independent artists is growing and we’re just ahead in many ways.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Hmm, good question. My next single is giving “I just drove home from my ex , we spent the night and we weren’t supposed to, I was drunk”. But the other ones are a mix of being mad, self loving, self doubting, being free… yeah you name a feeling, I sing it.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Wow I started so young at the age of 16/17 ish , so I had absolutely no clue about anything at that point, I just did what I thought was expected. Then I started going to LA , being free and experimental. Then I heard I was too all over the place so I started focusing on being very squared and realised that wasnt being true to myself, so now I just create whatever I fuck with (pardon my language). I’ve also started to reuse old hooks or just parts of old demos instead of throwing away potential stuff that usually gets lost.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Right now maybe 070 Shake or/and Raye…Or like Shensea for fun?!

How did you find making your single “Nostalgia”?

I wrote it seven years ago in LA with a writer named James Newman, Produced by Stuart Crichton. I had just ended a relationship with a guy in Stockholm that I really liked but it was not a healthy situation so I ended it and wanted to highlight that it is in fact also possible to miss and regret even though you had to make the decision. I remember James mentioned something about me feeling Nostalgic and on we went…

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I always wanna be real with emotions, blunt to be honest! I’ve felt so lonely in my feelings and I’ve covered them with a lot of confidence. I just wanna relay the message that it’s fine to feel, to make mistakes, be mad, be sad, feel all the feels. And to make sure no one feels lonely. It helps.

How was it working with producer Stuart Crichton on the track?

He’s absolutely amazing. Such a pro, you know. His experience comes with so much knowledge so my 19 y/o ass was just in awe.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’m not in a music listening period right now cause i’m stressed as hell, so I usually go back to comfort music during those times. Like Mary J Blidge, Rihanna, Nicki minaj.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Feeling related and heard… period. I’m a bit more blunt in my upcoming project but I truly want people to feel and be free, be themselves, love who they love and don’t feel guilty about it. Give yourself a break and be like, “damn i feel a lot and that’s okay, fuck being normal”

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I had my own gig at the club “Yaki Da” in Gothenburg where I grew up… That felt really wholesome.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Tate Mcrae, Yebba, Doechii… It would be at Way Out West in my hometown.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Yes, find people to work with who you feel safe with, that you can be yourself with. Don’t let people get to you when it comes to your art. No one knows what’s gonna pop, even though experience can feel like power, you might sit on the best shit ever. Go with your gut, and if you can’t sense it , walk away from any feeling that feels off. It should be fun too!!? (telling this to myself as well)

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?

Debut EP, big gig the 29th of May leading up to the release (30th) I also just found out I’ve been selected as one of the 5 finalists of Brilliants minds project for independent artists. Fingers crossed I win and can perform there… Being nominated is also a win!

Listen to Nostalgia below