Moon is a single that Gabrielle Swanks is also making a new step in her career with, and she claims it was her unofficial debut. The artist lives in DMV and her Nigerian-American roots have been significant to her identity. Gabrielle has lived the majority of her life making stories beginning with writing and currently talking through music. Her music has elements of pop, R&B and African musical influences that bring out something personal, moody and unique to her.
The creative career began with writing. One teacher made her realize the power the words can carry and this initial creative impulse later gave rise to songwriting. Her mother assisted her by spending innumerable hours to give her ideas and polish them. At the age of eleven, Gabrielle heard The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which demonstrated to her that storytelling and music have the power to change people. This finding led her to the artistic path that she takes nowadays. She was a member of a jazz band in her high school and then taught herself music production. It is due to these experiences that she developed the confidence and artistic control which became the key to her work today.
In Moon, Gabrielle offers the world a new artistic vision. The song is constructed on beat, feelings, and significant narrative. The song is very smooth, dreamy and has a faint power. It is a mix of R&B, Afrobeats, and rhythmic tracks with expressive vocals of the singer. Moon symbolizes the beginning of a promising new era in the life of an artist who is undeniably on the road.
Listen to Moon below
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“Moon” is such an intriguing title — what inspired it, and what does the moon symbolize for you in this song?
To me, the Moon has always felt like an unstoppable force. A quiet power that keeps the sea in motion. I think I’ve always been a little obsessed with their connection, it just feels so poetic.
Was there a specific moment, feeling, or experience that sparked the creation of “Moon”?
Moon was born as a palette cleanser. I was in the studio with my friend/engineer and asked if he could put on a random beat that I could just hum to for a little bit. I listened to the track once and had this melody stuck in my head and I spent the rest of the session investigating that melody. Moon was sparked as a completely mindless moment in the studio where I was able to freely just play on a track and see what felt right to me in the moment.
The song feels both intimate and atmospheric. What kind of mood or story were you hoping to capture?
I’ve always loved the idea of fun, danceable sad songs. When we were refining this one, I just wanted it to be something you could move to. It felt almost like having this little secret that, underneath the upbeat vibe, it’s actually not a happy song at all. Personally, I see Moon as a heartbreak song.
If you had to describe “Moon” in just three words, what would they be and why?
Melancholic because the lyrics feel quite somber to me. Groovy because the song makes me want to move. And atmospheric because of the way the backing vocals are arranged.
How did “Moon” begin — with the lyrics, the melody, or an instrumental idea?
Moon began with the instrumental idea.
How would you describe the sound or genre of “Moon”? Does it mark a new direction in your music?
Moon 100% marks a new direction in my music. I was just talking to Gamal (the co-producer of the track), and I told him I feel like I’ve been fighting R&B allegations my whole life, and this song feels like me finally embracing that side of myself. I’d describe Moon as a fusion of R&B, Afrobeats, and rhythmic influences. It’s smoother, more groove-driven, and it really feels like the start of a new chapter for me sonically.
The lyrics in “Moon” seem deeply emotional. Is there a particular line that holds special meaning for you?
I really love the line, “oh they both wander, eyes always falter.” Writing it was the moment I truly understood what this song was about. At first, I wrote “oh they both wander” thinking about wandering eyes, but as I continued writing, I realized it could also be about the two of us drifting apart, wandering away from each other.
Does “Moon” explore a personal story, or is it more of a universal reflection on love, loss, or self-discovery?
Moon definitely comes from a personal story. It was inspired by a real experience and the emotions that came with it, but I think that’s what makes it connect with people. Even though it’s rooted in something specific to me, the feelings of heartbreak, reflection, and growth are pretty universal. It’s my story, but it’s one I think a lot of people can see themselves in.
How does “Moon” represent where you are right now as an artist?
Moon really captures where I am right now as an artist. I’m more confident, more trusting of my instincts, and more connected to what feels authentic. I’m at a place where I want to make music that moves people both emotionally and physically, and Moon really does that for me. It blends vulnerability with energy, which feels like the perfect reflection of who I am right now.
What have you learned about yourself through writing and recording this song?
Writing and recording Moon taught me how much I’ve grown, not just as an artist, but as a person. It reminded me how important it is to trust my instincts and not overthink the process. I used to second-guess everything, but with Moon, I just followed what felt right. More than anything, creating this song was so much fun and that joy was such a grounding reminder of why I wanted to make music in the first place.
Is “Moon” part of a larger project, like an EP or album, or is it a standalone single?
As for now, Moon is a standalone single but you never know what the future holds.
What do you hope listeners take away after hearing “Moon”?
I hope listeners get to escape for a moment. All my favorite songs make me feel like I’m in a music video and I would love if Moon had an effect like that on my listeners.
Has your relationship with the song changed since finishing it?
Definitely! I’m emotionally removed from the situation now, and while the song still reminds me of that breakup, it mostly makes me think about how far I’ve come as an artist and how much more confident I feel in my music. Moon is a personal reminder that I’ve spent years intentionally developing my ear and intuition and that it’s time to trust them.
How do you usually know when a song is truly finished?
I think I tend to know a song is finished when I can’t fit anymore backing vocals. Truthfully, I’ve never been too precious about my music so my process is just trying to follow what feels natural. A mentor once told me that a good song simply feels good, and that idea has always stuck with me, so too keep it simple: when it feels good, it’s done.
Finally, what’s next for you after “Moon”? Can fans expect more new music soon?
My community can definitely expect more new music, in fact i’m working really hard on the next project right now. My community can also expect live performances, I’m ready to meet the amazing people that have been so supporting me.
I just want to say thank you to everyone who has listened to Moon. I am so blown away by the response and the intrigue in it. Y’all are making my dreams come true and for that I am eternally grateful.
