Meet Wrabel
If you’re looking for an artist that is an activist and a singer-songwriter instrumentalist, then pop act Wrabel is for you. First making waves with his 2016 single 11 Blocks, the rising artist continues to release meaningful music for everyone. Standing up for social injustices in his song, The Village, Wrabel is creating a safe place for music lovers everywhere.
Since his debut, he has collaborated with P!nk on her latest album Hurts 2B Human and Beautiful Trauma tour, while also writing for some of music’s biggest acts. With the release of his brand new EP one of those happy people and upcoming tour with Billy Raffoul, taking place this October, Wrabel is showing no signs of slowing down.
We got the chance to chat with him about everything from the new EP, upcoming tour and more…
Your single magic is such a fun and infectious record; what went into the making of the track?
First off, thank you I really appreciate it. That song came from a day with kid harpoon. He’s a legend. I’ve wanted to work with him for so long. I came in, and he was messing around with some drums and that piano intro. I was like ok, yep! Let’s start! ha.
It all happened pretty quickly. Those days are my favorite. I tried to just not think too much. To just write what I’m feeling. I’m maybe the happiest I’ve ever been, and I just wanted to express that.
Will there be a video for the song? Any concepts or idea’s you have planned?
We’ve got a lyric video I really love for it. One of my best friends and creative director Yazz Alali made some really great graphics and images for it, and Zach Sekuler made the video — he did one I loved for the Louis The Child and Wafia song I worked on called “Better Not.”
You have a new EP on the horizon titled one of those happy people, can you give us a sneak peek at what we can expect from the record?
Lots of feelings! And a surprising amount of happy. haha. I tend to always write sad songs. I think they come easier for me. This EP was made with some friends. People I trust and people that inspire me. I got to touch some corners I don’t think I’ve touched before. We talk about love and looking for it, questioning it when you find it. And about life… “happy people” is self-reflective. Just looking at like why can’t I just be happy. It seems so simple. I’m in love. Work is the best it’s ever been. But some voice in my head is always like “MORE MORE MORE.” I did that and “flying” with Jesse Thomas and Jesse Shatkin. “flying” and “magic” are in a world together.
Trying to capture the feeling of…well…flying…and…well…magic. Ha it all sounds cheesy when you talk about it, but I promise they’re not. And “love to love u” and “the real thing” kinda started it all. Both came from a day with John Hill, an artist canceled, so we just decided to mess around and see what happens. “flickers” is a song straight out of my heart. Arlissa and Stint and I were writing a song and the idea just kind of hit us. I guess every song on here came from that kind of moment. And trying to follow it.
How did your collaboration with P!nk on the track 90 Days, come to be?
I had written that song as it was happening in my life. It’s one of those “too true” kinda things. It felt so special. From a day with Steve Robson. Time passed and time passed, and I was sitting in a studio with Keith Naftaly of RCA. I played him a few songs, and he kept coming back to it. “play that one again.” “one more time.” ahah we listened to it a lot. He called me a few days later and said Alecia loved it and wanted to work on it with me. I still can’t believe it happened. She is so kind and so loving and supportive. And simply brilliant.
Along with working on music with her, you also joined P!nk on the Beautiful Trauma tour, what was that experience like for you?
Surreal. My manager told me I gotta come up with a new word. Like “ok ok we get it, but I’m sure you believe it now” aha. The truth is, I don’t! It’s just one of those things that doesn’t sync up in my head. Getting to share the stage every night and sing one of the most special songs I’ve ever been a part of with Alecia. It still and I think will always bring tears to my eyes to remember that tour.
You have written for Kesha, Backstreet Boys, Marshemello, and more. Can describe your average writing session? What do you need to create music?
Oh boy, if somebody could describe it to me, I’d love that! aha. It’s different every day. I rely maybe too much on the mysterious fairy that is an inspiration. I typically will just mumble sing over chords until something comes out — a melody or a word that makes me feel something. One of my best friends and collaborators says the first two hours of writing with me are me staring anxiously in the corner and biting my nails just searching for “it”.I need comfort and trust. I need to feel safe like I can have a good idea or a bad idea, and there will be no judgment, support, and cupcakes.
If you could listen to an album on repeat, which would it be and why?
Aqualung “Strange & Beautiful”. It inspired me to write songs. Without his work, I wouldn’t be making music.
You’ve been nominated for a GLAAD Media award and have been apart of Out Magazine’s OUT100, how does it feel to be recognized by two legendary organizations?
It feels so validating, my coming out process wasn’t the easiest. It wasn’t the worst-case scenario, but I was pretty entangled in a church that kicked me out. It was a real-life coming of age, coming to terms with it all. To be recognized by such legendary LGBTQ organizations makes me cry. Makes me proud of myself for coming out and for following my gut and my heart. For speaking up and using my voice. Whatever we do and whoever we are, I think our biggest bet at changing the world is by simply being ourselves.
What plans do you have for the remainder of 2019?
Tour! in October with the amazing Billy Raffoul and Joy Oladokun is joining us. With Carlos Vara in Nashville. I’m so excited. To play shows and tell stories and some bad dad jokes. To get to meet people and connect. Hugs and tears. I have been writing so much with other artists, and some of those songs are making their way out soon. hmm. I want to start cooking again. Haven’t turned on my stove since I got back from the last tour aha. And releasing more music. It feels so good to be able to do that on my own terms now, with Big Gay Records. L O L. it makes me so happy.
Make sure to check out Wrabel latest EP one of those happy people below!
