For as many live performances as I’ve seen, I have not experienced an artist who brings the same energy onstage in the way Ollie Gabriel does. After seeing his expression through music, I was very excited to see what he has to say about his style, background, and passion for music that I could hardly contain myself. After seeing his electrifying performance, the only thought in my head was “Where does this man get all his energy?” Upon seeing him at TNE magazine headquarters for the first time, my immediate thought was that he was more prepared to shoot for a GQ cover. Ollie possesses a style and confidence that emanates from everything he does. I knew this interview would be lively and interesting, but I did not know how. Still, for some reason, I kept thinking to myself never to judge a book by its cover which you will understand as you watch the interview. We begin talking like we were high school buddies catching up and exchanging details about what has been going on in our lives. Ollie’s background is so intriguing. He grew up in a family of artists which he shares with me during our interview in the Groove Room. He grew up in Louisiana, and as a child he loved music. His journey that led to being in the music industry is quite fascinating because that was not his original plan. This soulful man started his journey in the military. As you hear how that came about you will understand that his journey was not easy. As a lot of artists, he worked regular jobs where people would tell him to go after his dream and do what he loves to do. If you knew him, then, you’d know this was obvious advice. After speaking to Ollie, I do not think that he would want his journey into the music industry to be changed in any way. Not only is this guy a wonderful talent in the vocal area, but he is also motivated to be a musician in every way possible. He was inspired to try every instrument he could get his hands on. His instruments of choice include drums, guitar, organ, and trombone. These instruments led me to believe that he probably grew up playing in a school band. Sure enough, that was something he mentioned during our interview. After spending a few minutes talking about his past and his journey towards music, I was really intrigued about how open he was in talking about his past and how it affected his the choice he made to pursue music wholeheartedly. That is definitely a part of the interview with ExumMusic you want to stick around for. I also have to mention the energy in the room while speaking with the debonair Ollie Gabriel. He is so smooth and laid-back, but you can’t let that coolness fool you, he takes his art seriously as you can see in his performance onstage. To me, had the showmanship of James Brown paired with the innovation of Michael Jackson. His intensity is intended to make sure the audience feels his soul as it pours out of his song lyrics. This guy is a must see in 2018. Ollie Gabriel credits his style as a mixture of Michael Jackson and Classic Rock icons like Mick Jagger which is pretty obvious when you see him perform. The story that I really get a chuckle out of is how he really came out to the California area, and I must say you will hear and understand why he is not single. Sorry Ladies! Ollie’s personality alone can lure you into what we discuss. One of the main themes throughout this interview was that people should not put all of their eggs in a single basket. That being said just because he has the gift of singing, his talents do not stop there. He also discussed the business side of music and how he came about to understand this subject thoroughly. I do not want to go into every detail, or you will not need to hear our interview. This guy not only sings, but he also has his own business within the industry on which he elaborates in the interview. He also talks about his personal mission to share his knowledge with other people who may want to venture into this industry. Ollie Gabriel’s music has been featured on major networks such as MTV, NBC, Fox, and TNT. Just to let you know how serious he is about his art as a musician. He had his debut single “Running Man” featured on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy which was a first released in Europe and it has 16.5 million streams on Spotify. Ollie is not only an artist; he is an inspiration and mentor to young kids who want to be in the music industry. He does not just focus on music but also on life. The message he gives to the young people of today is that you can do anything you set your mind to. The same energy he puts forth in his performances on stage is that same energy he gives to his lessons towards young kids. Even I received a lesson during this interview, and for that, I am quite grateful. Ollie is a force to be reckoned with on and off the stage. As you listen to our interview on ExumMusic, you will learn Ollie Gabriel is not going anywhere without first leaving his mark. His music and life-lessons will stay with the people who listen to him for many years to come. Thank you, Ollie, for your gift.