In today’s A-Z challenge, we find out all about GAVI who opens up through 28.
A song that made you want to make music?
Keep the Faith by Michael Jackson. It’s a deep cut from the Dangerous album, but I still remember the first time I heard it and how deeply it resonated with me. It was one of those songs that made me realize music isn’t just something you listen to—it’s something you feel, something that can genuinely move you.
Best rider you have had?
Nothing too crazy—lots of tea, honey, and a quiet space to decompress before performing. If someone ever throws in a sushi platter, I won’t complain.
Craziest moment as an artist?
Someone once told me over Instagram DMs that my music saved their life. That’s something I’ll never forget.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
“I’m a culprit but a victim
Love is just a broken system
I won’t understand
How did I end up right back here again?
Like doctor doctor can you save me
Officer give me a break
I know I’m liable
Ya but I’m still dying though
Cause
I gave a gun to a killer
I held the door for a thief
I sold my soul to a sinner
She stole my heart to watch it bleed
Why’d I confide in a liar
I put my all in her greed
I threw my hopes in the fire
She stole my heart to watch it bleed”
This song really embodies the self-awareness of walking into destruction, knowing better, but still hoping for a different outcome. It’s about being complicit in your own downfall and trying to make sense of it afterward.
Easiest song you wrote?
Force a Feeling. Ironically, it came really naturally.
Favourite song in your set?
Heartbreak Nostalgia. It’s the one everyone sings with me, and that kind of connection is everything.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Alive? Either Stevie Wonder or Jon Bellion. Oh, Bruno Mars too! And if we’re talking rap, I’d love a verse from Kendrick or Eminem. An Ed Sheeran collab would also be insane.
Hardest thing about being a solo artist?
I don’t actually consider myself a solo artist. I might be the face of my music, but I have an incredible team behind me—producers, writers, collaborators—who help bring my vision to life.
Interesting fact about you?
I created my own major in college called The Cognitive Canvas of Human Expression, which studies how language, philosophy, psychology, music, and art all intersect.
Joke you like to tell?
I’d tell you a joke about music theory, but you probably wouldn’t C major reactions because this interview isn’t in person. My wit’s definitely sharp, but any joke I say here would fall flat.
[This did make me chuckle – Ed]
Key to writing a song?
Authenticity. If it doesn’t feel real, it won’t resonate. If you don’t feel the song you wrote, how are you expecting so many other people to? The best songs are the ones that make you feel something before you even finish writing them.
Longest distance you’ve traveled to play a show?
Not too far at this point—maybe an hour and a half drive. Hopefully, I’ll be playing internationally soon.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
Michael Jackson. Beyond just being the greatest entertainer of all time, his ability to infuse every lyric, melody, and movement with raw emotion is something I’ve always admired. His music wasn’t just about sound—it was about impact. I also have to mention Ryan Tedder, whose versatility and songwriting ability blow my mind.
New band/artist you’d recommend?
Eddie Benjamin. Insane talent. I don’t even know if he qualifies as “new” anymore, but he’s incredibly underrated. Also, I write with a girl named Jordan Brynn, and she is just out-of-this-world incredible.
Opening for this band/artist would be ideal?
Jon Bellion, Ed Sheeran, or Bruno Mars.
Place you’d most like to tour?
Anywhere nature-y. New Zealand would be a dream. I have a bucket list of places I want to visit, and if my shows can coordinate with that, even better.
Quote that you’d like to pass on to our readers?
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” – Mark Twain.
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
SAD was inspired by a trip to the psychiatrist. I was in the worst headspace of my life, and when I opened up about everything, the doctor just said, “Oh, you’re sad because of Seasonal Affective Disorder.” I obviously do have SAD, but the reason I was struggling wasn’t just because of the disorder—it was because of real-life experiences. So, I decided to do what he did and attribute the entire album to SAD, even though the songs reflect real experiences.
See me live at?
Follow me on socials (@therealgavi) for upcoming shows.
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Every era has its strengths, but I miss when albums felt like full experiences rather than just collections of songs.
Unusual merchandise?
I’d love to make an Experience Album box set with animations, visuals, and immersive elements tied to each track.
Variations you’d like to do on one of your songs?
The Tryna Be Sad (SAD Version) variation was really cool for me. I’d love to do a full orchestral/strings version of Love Dies.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything. The fact that people connect with my music on such a deep level makes everything worth it.
X-rays or any treatments needed for performance-related injuries?
Nothing yet, but let’s hope I don’t jinx it.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
I’m never late—I’m really punctual. But if I ever were, blame traffic.
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of you?
I always say a dolphin, even though I don’t know if that technically counts as a zoo animal. Dolphins have the unique ability to swim in schools underwater and really feel the intensity of the sea, but sometimes they just need to see life from a different perspective, take a minute to breathe, and come up for air. I find that really metaphorically moving and try to emulate that. Plus, I hear they’re really smart, and I know they’re really cute.