From https://shoutoutla.com/meet-gabby-mills-singer-songwriter/
We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabby Mills and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gabby, how do you think about risk?
“Would you rather take the risk and fail, or live comfortably and always wish you had tried?” This is what one of my professors told me before I transferred to a music college in California. I was battling the decision whether to move across the country to fulfill my dreams of becoming a singer/songwriter, or finishing up a degree I wasn’t fully passionate about, but seemed to be the safe way to go. After that comment she made, I immediately knew that I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. I think the only thing that scares people about risk taking is the chance of failure. When it comes to my personal experience with taking risks, I’ve found the possibilities are endless and I’ve come across more opportunities than I ever could have imagined! Part of being hungry for growth and success is knowing that you have to take that leap of faith sometimes. If you fail, you try again. That’s just the mindset you have to put yourself in. My motto for the past 2 years has been “say YES” meaning every opportunity that’s thrown my way, every chance I have to make myself better, I’m going to say YES and just do it. Regardless of how nervous or scared I might be, or any self doubt that I may have, I push myself to go after what I want and tackle the fear of not knowing. Every amazing opportunity I’ve ever gotten, came from taking a risk. My advice to anyone who is scared to take that risk that they’re been debating about is, DO IT. The best experiences and opportunities await right outside your comfort zone! TRUST THAT!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While I am SO excited with where I am now, I’m still preparing for how much further I have to go! I realize that I am still at the very beginning of this journey, and have many more obstacles to overcome. This time during the pandemic has affected people all around the world in different ways, some so drastic and heartbreaking that sharing my own battles during this time couldn’t possibly compare to the struggle that others went through. One of the biggest challenges I faced during the pandemic was losing the ability to perform live. This felt like the biggest set-back to the start of my career. Sure there were still virtual performance opportunities, but losing that ability to connect with an audience and feed off of that energy was completely lost. It seemed like just as I was earning more performance opportunities, gaining more attention, and setting up meetings with potential managers/agents, it all vanished within a week when Covid-19 hit. While I was so devastated by everything I thought I had lost, I knew this was only one of the many challenges I would have to face in this industry. I knew it wasn’t the end, but just a small bump in the road. Since then, I’ve decided to get up and get back to work. I’ve been working on new music, booking more auditions, and have even gotten to perform with popular bands like the Goo Goo Dolls! It’s been an insane year, but I’m so ready for what’s ahead. To anyone else that’s had a really tough year, remember that if you can make it through this you can make it through anything! Keep going!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The best part about living in LA is that you will never be bored! There is so much to do and so much to see. Since all of my friends are big food people (like myself), we would definitely be eating, a lot. Some of my favorite places to eat are El Cholo Cafe, Oh My Crab, Crepes De Paris and Bay Poké. These spots are amazing for lunch, or dinner! After all of our meals are taken care of, I would take my friends to Venice Beach. It’s a more touristy area, but everyone should still see it. I love it so much because of all the amazing street performers and artists that showcase their talent and creations. People here sell their artwork, so almost anything you buy is truly one of a kind. Also, Santa Monica is so close you can take a bike or scooter and be there within minutes! Where you can also buy cool artwork and get some tasty street food. After a long day of eating and exploring, we would go for drinks at Mama Shelter, a super chic rooftop bar in Hollywood! The drinks here are awesome, and you might even spot a few celebrities hanging around!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I wrote a list of all the people that deserve a shoutout, I might put you all to sleep! To keep it short and sweet I’d like to give a shoutout to all of my incredible friends and family members for all the support they give me. But most importantly, my mother and God. Ever since I was young she’s worked so hard to make sure I had the opportunities to do all the things I loved, and she was always there to cheer me on. For every performance and every show, she has always been my #1 fan! Without the grace of God to guide me through every decision making process and every trial before me, I truly don’t know where I’d be. Every time something felt impossible, I was reminded that I am capable and loved, and I will always have what it takes to keep moving forward.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
