When it comes to putting every part of one’s mind into their art, Gazel stands above the rest. Her debut album, Book of Souls, explores not only worldly sounds but takes mythology and philosophy to whole new levels. A true labor of love and hard work, we were in awe of what Gazel has accomplished so far with her exquisite take on music and were happy to have a chance to share a piece of her story today.
Kendra: You went big with Book of Souls in terms of theme and execution with the exploration of the human mind and whatnot. Was this always the route you wanted to go down for your first album or were there other ideas, stories, you wanted to pursue?
Gazel: My music has always been inspired by mythology and philosophy and I always wanted to make a record of this kind.
Kendra: Where did the idea for the girl searching for answers about a fire that took everything from her come from?
Gazel: In mythology, the fire and flood are old images that have the function of destroying a certain status quo in order to generate a new situation. The fire that burns my character’s village is necessary because it is only at times of extreme hardship that one’s innermost nature has the opportunity to shine through.
Kendra: “Walk on Land” features these beautiful steel drums which made me think of the Caribbean but you were heavily influenced by Middle Eastern sounds. Wonderful, intricate music we never hear in the mainstream. Have you always been a fan of music that strays from the constant Top 40
Gazel: I like using instruments from all over the world; from Africa and South America and the Middle Eastern and even Native American, all mashed in with the electronic music that I grew up listening to.
Kendra: Speaking of “Walk on Land,” being that it’s about man and nature – how do you feel we can turn things around in terms of what mankind is consistently doing to the planet
Gazel: To turn things around would require an elemental shift in how we draw the line between where we end and nature begins – but I’m not sure that’s how this story is supposed to go.
Kendra: This is your fifth single off Book of Souls. Usually, artists drop one or two before the release, why a handful from you?
Gazel: The album has 14 songs on it so I was happy to release as much music as possible leading up to the album itself.
Kendra: Book of Souls is out October 4th, but have you started thinking about where to take things on the next record yet? Will it be as philosophical as the debut?
Gazel: I’m working on a book at the moment – the album’s written counterpart. Philosophy and mythology are my main sources of inspiration – all future music will go deeper into the original themes and mythological characters that appear in Gazel’s Book of Souls.
Kendra: You have some dates coming up this fall. Will you be touring again in the new year as well?
Gazel: For sure!
GAZEL TOUR DATES:
10/10 – The Eagle Inn, Manchester
10/13 – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
10/19 – Sound Basement, Liverpool
10/20 – The Brunswick, Brighton
11/04 – St Pancras Old Church, London
