Gabriel – THE INTERVIEW
Gabriel’s Interview with an Exclusive Track Preview!
Welcome to our very first online interview, We are very proud to have with us a very talented Armenian singer/musician, Gabriel from New York City. Although he is currently working on an Armenian/English album, He is a pop artist who mostly sings in English and has had a few hits along the way. I recently had a chance to ask him a few questions about his past, present and future. We’re sure what he has to say will entertain you, thank you for visiting and enjoy the interview!
Hi Gabriel, thank you for joining us today.
Parev and a big hello to the newest, hottest international Armenian media outlet and to all my friends worldwide.
Thank you, as you may have noticed, Armenian pulse is a new media source, and i must admit we have chosen you as our first guest for selfish reasons. We here at Armenian Pulse think you got what it takes to make it big! So, might as well get you now before you’re unreachable, hehe…
WOW, that’s very nice of you to say! Unreachable? Never! I will always keep it real, I am not the type of person to ever be unreachable, especially to friends!
Awesome! I first heard your music in the early 90′s, you broke out big in the New York City freestyle scene. Explain to us on how you got started and how you created a name for yourself during that time?
Don’t make me sound old now with the early 90′s thing… LOL
hehehe
When I started in the early 90′s, I was only a young teen! I performed in every NYC night club possible with all the top dance, freestyle artists at the time and just really had fun with it.
What was your experience when you first rocked the stage?
My first performance was intense, It was sold out with hundreds of people, I think the hardest part was taking the stage! Once I hit the platform though, I knew it was meant to be.
One of my favorite tracks out of that era is “King Without A Queen”. That song felt like the anthem of freestyle to me. In my opinion, “King Without A Queen” is equal or better than the top selling hits from your counterparts, Stevie B or Johnny O.
Me too!!! Thanks DUDE!! That is great to hear, really, so many people ask me to remix that song… hmmm… maybe in the future? If I get enough requests on Facebook, I will have no choice! hee hee…I create music that people want to hear and makes them feel good, so many people love “King Without A Queen”, I think a remix / re-release is definitely in the future!
Well, I would definitely like to see that happen! Who wrote the music and lyrics to “King Without A Queen”?
My older brother and I.
Speaking of your older brother, you have a very famous brother, who is an Armenian Entertainer. Can you reveal who he is for us?
Of course! Everyone knows him! He’s Robert Chilingirian!
What’s it like having a big bro who is also a legend in the industry?
I can tell you, it is NOT easy! We are super close and really help each other out. I travel and sing with him when he’s on tour (and believe me, we are on the road A LOT!) and he is my biggest critic as well as inspiration. He is also a tough act to follow, have you ever seen him perform? It is a cool show, he is truly amazing on the guitar and with the crowds when he performs. I feel so blessed to have him as my big brother.
I have seen him perform a few times and you are right, he is truly amazing on that stage and especially great with the crowds, he really knows how to throw a party! Tell us the most important advice your brother Robert has given you?
As I was growing up, he always reminded me, no matter what, family comes first. That is what life is all about, family.
Who influenced you growing up? Who was your idol?
My big brothers, Robert and Richie, both of them were and still are in many ways my Idols
Who and when was the first big named act you saw in concert?
Many many years ago, my brother Robert took me to see Stevie Wonder at Radio City Music Hall, an amazing man and musician. But the concert that had the most impact on me, and that I remember the most is CREED. I saw them in 2002.
Wow, both those shows must have been incredible! In your biography, you mentioned that you stopped music to pursue an education in Architecture. How hard was it for you to put a hold on your dream? Or was your dream what you eventually studied?
I never really put a hold on my dream, I was just pursuing a seperate dream of mine. I am a strong believer that dreams and goals are the life force that keeps us going. I have many dreams! Being an architect is one of them, performing music and bringing people enjoyment is another….. you must keep dreaming to keep living!! Without goals and dreams, what is there?
Great advice, not many people in this world conquer their dreams, let alone two. The way the music industry has taken a dive, I’d say you made a smart decision. There is nothing wrong with a little security first. Do you have your own Architecture firm?
Yes, and it is one of my greatest accomplishments. ROGARI.com is the compilation of many years of studying, hard work and dedication. I am very proud of the designer I have become, the buildings I have helped create and the business I have developed.
Congratulations on that! Last year, you made your return to music, immediately released 3 tracks and got back in the game. And i got to tell you man, you did not miss a beat! Your second single “Out Of Sight” is one of my favorite songs. What made you want to make a comeback?
I had reached a point in my life and professional career that enabled me to have more free time for myself to pursue other goals and dreams besides architecture. I felt that I reached that goal of graduating, working, establishing my own firm, designing mansions, hotels and being a successful businessman. I am a strong believer that there is a time and place for everything. Now that my business is set up and successful, I wanted to return to something that had been a long standing dream of mine, to perform music for others to enjoy!
Must be nice having that freedom again, We are going to play the track “Out Of Sight” next, Your vocals are pitch perfect, the music is intoxicating, and the beats are to die for. Before we play it, Who produced that track and who wrote the lyrics?
My brother Robert and I wrote the music and my cousins and I wrote the lyrics. It was a family project which was a blast to put together. It ended up with an amazing result!
Lets take a short break from the interview and allow our audience to listen to “Out Of Sight”. (Press the play button below to listen)
Gabriel - Out Of Sight
Incredible song! Describe to us a typical studio session with Gabriel? How and where does it all go
down?
It all goes down at my brother Robert’s studio, The Chilin Factory in Los Angeles.
Oh yeah, I’ve been to the Chilin Factory, It’s an awesome set up with the perfect ambiance. Please continue
Well, this is how it really goes down: Lots of Falafel Sandwiches, Tahn, laughs, and singing…(and some yelling by Robert to get serious too) LOL
hehe
I love it! We always have a blast and work through the night!
What or who is your ultimate inspiration when it comes to creating music?
Life is always my ultimate inspiration. It really depends on the day and what is effecting me at the time I write the song, but I use my music as a creative outlet. To let my friends and family know about something that I am experiencing at a particular time and hope to bring others together who may have the same feelings or experiences.
That’s deep man, really deep. So whats next for Gabriel NYC? What can we expect from you in the coming months?
New releases that is FOR SURE! I also hope to perform as much as possible! I think the most exciting project I am working on is my new Armenian/English album. I am really enjoying my culture at this point in my life, the Sunday family dinners, the humus, the hookah…. and I want to reflect that in my music. I am really excited and have had a lot of fun putting it together.
Awesome, can’t wait to hear you in Armenian! Ok, you’re not getting away without a few of Armenian Pulse’s convivial questions! You’re stuck on an island, which top 3 CD’s would you like to have with you?
Creed, George Michael’s – Older, and Snow Patrol
What famous person or politician do you think is maybe missing a few screws?
Rush Limbough
Which celebrity were you madly in love with when you were a kid?
The chick from the movie Weird Science… didn’t every boy???
haha, one of my favorite movies, design a woman from your thoughts on a computer and she comes alive, how can you lose? LOL, Well, thank you Gabriel for giving us your time. We hope you will come back and visit us again.
Of course! I will also keep you up to date on any shows appearances or newsworthy info! Thank you so much for talking with me today! And please don’t ever forget: POLORES-NUNE-HYEN-ENK
Loved it! Different and interesting. Gabriel has the greatest voice
Great interview! Learned a lot about Gabriel that I didn’t know! Loved the song too!
Great Sound, Cant believe he’s Armenian.
Is it true? He looks more like a Soprano..
What a great tune…Is it on I-Tunes?
More power to the Armenians if he really is one of us.
D.T.
What a cutie…
I know him and hes a real Armenian from the Big Apple.
You have to see him live.
Lady-G from the NYC.
I thought he is from L.A. are you sure Lady G. I saw at a function a few week ago. He really has a great sound, me and my girlfriends love his music and cant wait to get his Armenian stuff. I agree he does not look like the everyday Armo-
Out of sight is really a great tune..
I have been requesting it on Radio AGA. he also has a great song Sad Eyes..
First Congratulations to you Harout, I enjoyed the Interview, Good questions, Interesting, it made me feel I got to know Gabriel, his music and background. Enjoyed the Music and Wish both of the the Best of Everything. You both have a friend at the New Jersey Shore
The Chilingirian brothers are very talented guys. Out of sight is out of sight! i saw gabriel in his first show evr in NY, n saw him last year, he is so nice n sweet and has not changed a bit-
armenian pulse this is great thanks a mill.
Gabriel has a nice and very unique voice. Enjoy listerning to his music. Keep up the good work!
Bravo Gabriel..
Great Interview! Can’t wait to see Gabriel perform Live one day! It was such a treat to hear his cool music and get to know him a little through this interview. Seems like a down to earth and talented artist. We need more of those in the world! By the way, This site Rules!
I thought Gabriel looked familiar. Robert and Gabriel Chilingirian played at my wedding 8 years ago. I was so happy they were available that night. They really made my wedding special. Robert had everyone up and dancing all night. Continued success to them!
Happy Birthday!