INTERVIEW: Gabarit drops new single “Adieu Morris”

Based in Paris, Gabarit is an artist determined to walk his own path by blending rap, soul, rock and pop into a sound that’s entirely his own. Gabarit builds songs around emotion, allowing his wide array of influences to collide naturally, resulting a musical output that feels both highly personal and unpredictable, positioning him as an artist intent on bringing a new perspective to contemporary French pop.

That adventurous background has directed his journey since stepping onto the scene in 2020 with his debut single, “A Ras Bord.” The release unveiled an artist already comfortable bending different styles and he quickly followed with the sophomore outing “Le bigo,” before returning with his debut full-length album, Matière Plastique, in 2022. Since then, Gabarit has expanded both his catalogue and his artistic reach; a succession of well-received releases has demonstrated his knack for continually developing, while collaborations with artists including Anglade, SANCHELITA and Ace HK have added new creative flair to his sound.

More recently, the collaborative EP Hôtel (très) Particulier, created with PARE BAAL and Jean-Loup Horwitz have further highlighted his ability to adapt while maintaining a clear artistic identity. Although songwriting has been a long-standing part of his creative life, his current chapter represents an even more ambitious undertaking. Working alongside a renowned French producer who previously produced an entire album for De La Soul, Gabarit has focused on developing a musical language that seeks to uncover a distinctive form of French pop that rises organically from his influences.

Each song in this new chapter is given its own personality and direction, yet all are connected by a shared emotional energy. His latest single, “Adieu Morris,” represents another important piece of that creative puzzle and like much of his work, the song arose spontaneously, growing from an emotional impulse as opposed to a calculated concept. Thematically, “Adieu Morris” draws inspiration from a painful experience Gabarit lived through years earlier and through th track, he expands them into something larger by stitching together elements of his own memories with similar incidents that have taken place in France.

Brought in Gabarit’s smooth vocal leads as the hop of a bouncy beat underpins delicate instrumental tones, a breezy pop soundscape forms, developing with grooving bass lines and playful synth flutters. Rolling with danceable rhythm, cut with instantly catchy hooks and wrapped up in a mellow sonic aesthetic, “Adieu Morris” glides with shuffling percussion, intricate instrumentation and bright vocal performance to craft an infectious musical moment that’s upbeat and memorable from start to finish.

Packed full of engaging groove, delicate instrumental elements and led by Gabarit’s expressive voice, “Adieu Morris” delivers a compelling jam that’s sure to win over fans across France and beyond. As he continues to go from strength to strength with each move, Gabarit is sure to make a lasting impression with his unique and thoroughly enjoyable musical vision.

We caught up with Gabarit to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Adieu Morris” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Gabarit below.

Hey Gabarit, how’s things?

I’m feeling fine! Been doing a lot of video editing lately, as I work almost on my own. One’s gotta be 360 today and it takes a lot of time to focus on music, video, promotion and all that at the same time, including my casual job. I feel like I am always stuck between Batman and Bruce Wayne, but not with the same amount of money you know (laughs). I’m just thinking about having a better balance from now on, maybe do a little less videos in order to get back to what we all love the most here, our be loved music.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I have memories of me acting like I was playing the drums at home on Sunday mornings while my father was playing mainly British rock bands, especially The Who, whose drummer has a very personal way of playing (laughs) that somehow intrigued my child’s mind. I was 5 at that time and been hassling my father to get drums lessons until he gave in after 2 years and inscribed me (laughs). I have also seen many videos of me as a 2 years old baby, always walking with a little piano toy in my hands (laughs) and the songs coming out this piano have never get out of my brain.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

They are so many talented musicians out there that have had an impact on me that sometimes, it is complicated to know who has influenced me the most. I guess I’m going to stick with Eminem ! I really have a profound passion for Rap, but for me, there is Eminem and Rap. Those are two different things (laughs)! Although I don’t like that much what he produced after 2009. But If I had to pick one word to define his work at the peek of his career, it’s devotion. That is what moves me the most when it comes to the way I see people, it’s how much they are really honest towards themselves, how they treat their passion, what they are willing to give.

Of course I could name many other artists in other genres that have helped me build myself as a musician, but I can’t be talking for hours (laughs)!

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

To be honest, I don’t really seek inspiration, or maybe I do but not consciously. I guess I have a form of autism (which I consider to be a chance in this world) that makes me spit out all the music I have stored up in my life without thinking that my song has to sound like something I already know. That would be the opposite actually, which means all the music « data » in me should be mixed up to give birth to something personal that has not already been heard before.

What do you love about the Paris music scene?

So many good artists everywhere man, but I’m not too fond of the Paris scene, except for the jazz/soul/funk scene that has so many talented musicians I admire. Of course I love the 90’s/2000’s electro French Touch scene and some very good rappers we have, but globally I’m way more influenced by British and American music.

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

Hmmmm…you have really good questions (laughs)! For the moment, I would say that I always make music for people to listen in their room, on their own (laughs). Maybe with headphones.

It must be because of the way I have listened to music during all my childhood and as a teenager. I spent so many hours studying songs instead of doing my homework, and I invite all the future musicians to do the same (laughs). I feel that this is the best way to build your own relationship with the artists you’re listening to, it gives a real intimacy. But I guess this will change with time, and if you ask me the same questions in a couple of years, I might tell you to listen to my music in a room full of people, because after all, it’s all about sharing (laughs). I know that the way I make music changes all the time and therefore, can give birth to other moods that lead to listen to it differently.

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

Wow…that’s a tough one (laughs) ! I started playing with other musicians when we were 13/14 years old and then, started making music on Logic at 19 I guess. I was basically making my own compositions and adding my vocals at the end, but then I decided to focus on finding my own voice so I jumped to just rapping and « singing » (laughs) on some instrumentals, which did not really gave me a sound, but was part of my musical journey. Now, I am working on some more personal material, with a completely new direction, as I make the composition, as I used to do when I was 19, but let’s say more seriously (laughs). The goal is to create unique sound aesthetics that corresponds to a vision of what I have always wanted to do, even though it might have changed during the years. I do not use sampling methods as I want to prove that even though the Beatles era is behind us, there is no reason why we cannot create crazy melodies today, without having to steal or remix old songs, however, as I told you earlier, I know that my sound is going to change in the coming years, including samples and coming with a more « chill » approach, and less focused on demonstration. But all in good time!

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Mostly dead artists (laughs)! But otherwise, I could say…hmmmm…maybe James Blake??! Would be amazing (laughs).

How did you find making your new single “Adieu Morris”?

Adieu Morris come up very spontaneously, as all the other songs I’m working on. I think I started with the drums and the bass (can’t remember exactly), and then the melodies were heaven-sent (laughs)! Just a joke, even though it might be true for another song I’m currently working on (laughs). Regarding the lyrics, it just refers to a very bad experience I had years ago, and that I’ve put in perspective with similar events that happened in France, making a mix between the real story and how it could have turned out in an alternative life. If you want to know more about it, go listen to the song (laughs) !

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

I wanted to tell people that even though some unexpected events might have took you close to death, if you’re still alive, there might be a reason, which to me is that you gotta be even more devoted to what you do and enjoy doing it!

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I guess it would be Sen Morimoto! Love you bruh (laughs)! Man, album Diagnosis is so perfect, it had been a while since I hadn’t enjoyed so much a recent album from first to last song. The way the 2 first songs come one after another like it was the same song…the last song that is such a perfect epic outro…there is nothing to throw away (laughs)! Dude really has all my respect. Plus I really identify in the way that you hear so many influences in his music but you never feel like he’s trying to imitate anyone. You just hear the product of what he is and he never cheats.

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

Devotion (laughs)!

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Oh shiiit I thought you were talking about other artists’ performances (laughs)! As I haven’t been live so far, I can talk to you about other artists (laughs)! I’ve seen a lot of concerts so it’s going to be complicated to give you only one performance! I’ll give you 3 very nice concerts if it’s OK. Hmmmm…let’s say Prince in London…was amazing (laughs)! And I would give a huge shout out to Bilal and Ghost Note! I mean this is mainly jazz/soul/funk music but man I’ve seen too many artists to remember (laughs). People, if you have the opportunity to see Ghost Note and Bilal, just not hesitate, you won’t regret! And as for Prince…you’ll have to wait til you climb to those skies…(laughs)! And go to see Herbie Hancock and Stanley Clarke while they’re still alive!

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

Let’s say Ghost Note, Fiona Apple and Rage Against the Machine (laughs) ! And where else than in Paris?…in L.A or London maybe!

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

I don’t really like advice coming from someone I don’t personally know, just be faithful to what you feel, there is no need to be someone else, just have to become you!

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

I have to finish to compose and produce songs that will probably enter in a common project with my two last releases, and then I’ll move to something that sound even more faithful to who I am…it’s a long path and that’s what makes it so exciting (laughs)! Thank you for the interview!

Listen to Adieu Morris below