New York-based Singer-Songwriter Gabi Sklar Starts to Heal With “Thank God”

“Thank God” often expresses relief – that something went well or that you made it. Rising singer-songwriter Gabi Sklar appropriated this phrase for the title of her latest track – one designed to highlight her strong voice, vulnerable lyrics, and uplifting melodies following recent hits like “Good Kisser” and “Pardon My French.”

Now 23 years old, the New York-based singer Gabi Sklar has gradually been dropping singles over the past couple of years while having the opportunity to collaborate with Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum producer Tommy Brown. For reference, Brown previously worked with legendary songwriters like Diane Warren, Isabella Sjostrand, JP Saxe, Sam Romans, LionChild, Njomza, Boy Matthews, and 8ae. Gabi Sklar has also trained with vocal coach Don Lawrence (Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson), choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson (Lady Gaga, Diddy), and performance coach KJ Rose (Lil Nas X).

Dropping on August 24, “Thank God” serves as a release of emotions – in Gabi Sklar’s case, in response to a toxic relationship and overall destructive period before starting to heal. Due to this sentiment in her other works, she’s amassed over 3.5 million followers on TikTok and 1.1 million on Instagram.

How did Gabi Sklar get involved with singing and songwriting?

I’ve been singing from a young age, but even more than that, I’ve always loved writing — stories, poems, songs, etc. I started playing piano when I was 7, and from there, my songs started coming to life. I was writing and singing about emotions I had yet to experience. Those initial songs were terrible, but they’ve gotten better over time! 

What was your intention with your new single, “Thank God”?

I don’t think I went into the song with any specific intention, because “Thank God” wrote itself in a way. It’s a song that hits very close to home for me and verbalizes some unresolved feelings I had been suppressing for too long. I hope the message that people can take away from the song is that with the end of a relationship comes the beginning of a new relationship with yourself. 

How did “Thank God” come together?

Originally, we were in the studio to write a completely different song that day! I left for a bathroom break, and when I came back, I hummed the hook for what would become “Thank God.” Taking those little silence breaks is so important because it’s in those moments when your true emotions become so telling. 

Your lyrics go in a personal, soul-bearing direction. What inspires or influences your lyrics?

Life, love, heartbreak, loneliness, fear. But also, fabrication, curiosity, and creating a bubble of creativity where each song is its world to get lost in. It depends on the day, I guess! 

You’ve worked with several notable producers and songwriters already. Who has inspired you or influenced you the most so far?

Working with the producer Tommy Brown and his camp has been a very big, perspective-altering experience. When you’re in a safe, nurturing, supportive environment of talent — instead of just constant pressure to deliver — there’s a motivation to just be and create to your full potential. You don’t just write songs — you create history.

You have a strong following on both Instagram and TikTok. How have you been growing your social media following?

It all started with one video, and from there, I’ve been posting nearly every day for the last year and a half. Through those videos, I’ve built a loyal and safe community of people from all over the world who are just like me. I’m excited to put faces to those names when I finally tour!! 

You’ve put out a handful of tracks so far! Are you gearing up for an EP or album?

I’m thinking about both an EP and an album, but for now, I’m focusing on releasing singles, as I have so much music ready to be shared. I want to keep growing, and eventually, I’ll put out a full project the right way. 

What are your long-term and short-term goals?

My short-term goals are to release more music, play more live shows, and, ironically, get more sleep! Maybe also to drink more water. I hesitate to name long-term goals because you never know when opportunities can come about, but I’d love to be a part of more film productions, both musically and creatively. 

Photo credit: Lindsey Ruth