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Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabe Carmona.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Absolutely. Thank you for having me! It all started in San Jose, CA. I remember this day so clearly. It started when I first saw footage of Jerry Lee Lewis performing “Great Balls of Fire”. I was so amazed at his musicianship. At that time, I had a small Casio keyboard, so I tried to play like him. Well, after about 10 mins, I was playing the same boogie-woogie style and performed it back to my parents. Surprised that I could teach myself that quickly, they immediately purchased my first professional keyboard, a Yamaha DX7s. From there, my journey started. Now, coming from a family rich in musical history, it will come as no surprise that I spent most of my childhood in music studios and performing on stages all along the west coast.
Since then, I have been fortunate to have worn many music industry hats, including Engineer, Musical Director, A&R, Producer, Composer, as well as Studio Musician for local and record label recording artists at locations such as Universal Music Group, Capitol Records, Sony Music, and Warner Brothers to name a few.
It’s been fun thinking back to how it all started, but you know, I truly believe I am where I am today because of the legacy of Carmona musicians who paved the path. For that, I am forever grateful and give thanks before every performance.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
So far? Yes, that’s fair. Like many artists, I have always prepared as much as possible before any contractual, management, and performance opportunities. I can say that I have had my share (early on in my career) of “learning experiences”. So, while the road hasn’t always been smooth, I still feel it’s been a blessed one. I attribute this to always remaining open to possibilities, staying positive, mentoring, giving back when I can, and always staying true to my art, soul, and my sound. Remaining disciplined in all of these has landed me success. So for me, success in the music industry isn’t something that I waited or hoped for. It is something that I created, day after day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Sure. My musical works consist of artist productions, TV/Film/Trailer compositions, Timelapse placements, private contracts, promotional video and music content, and productions as a solo artist. These days, you can find me tracking in my new recording studio, affectionately known as the G Suite, tucked away in Middle Tennessee’s backcountry. As a music producer, composer, sound designer, and mixing engineer, it’s safe to say, my production schedule is never the same.
Over the last 20+ years, my work has also been showcased with Korg, Roland, and Yamaha, including placements with media companies. What can I say? I am dedicated to the craft of great audio and the art of music. My work has also allowed me to share the stage with some of the industry’s best. I am most proud and honored to have provided musical services and/or rocked stages with Wyclef Jean, Pitbull, DJ BigMike, George Benson, Ruben Ramos, Miguel Melgoza, Steve McCarty, The Melody Makers- Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, the late Mikey Dread, Don Carlos, Yellowman, The Legendary Wailers, O-Shen, Jamin ‘Chief Ragga’, Fiji, Ekolu, Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole, and many others.
What do you think about happiness?
What a great question with so many answers. To me, I think more happiness is needed in our world today. So often, while facing life’s challenges, full schedules, chasing our dreams, and other time-consuming responsibilities, we often forget to make time for ourselves. I also think it’s extremely important to prioritize ourselves for a healthy mind, body, and soul. By doing so, we can remain open to happiness, and just as important, we can then share our happiness to hopefully help others. That said, when I think of happiness in my life, I immediately think of my wife and daughter who I love and adore so much.
Contact Info:
- Email: 88kgabe@gmail.com
- Website: gabecarmonamusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/gabecarmona
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabecarmonamusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabecarmona88k
- Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCtTYvwrFhCkkAdjHi2hX7Og
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/gabecarmonamusic
- Other: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/gabe-carmona/360407292?ign-gact=3&ls=1