Today, the Venezuelan-born, Indiana-based songwriter Rui Gabriel announces his signing with Carpark Records, and presents his new single/video, “Target.” A contemplative, infectious, piano-forward single, “Target” was written while meditating on how the end of friendships feel like romantic break-ups amid an obsession with pop superstar Dido. “‘Target’ was written after the abrupt end of a friendship that was already running its course” Gabriel says. “I became fixated on the aftermath and realized that the emotions behind these circumstances were more intense than anything I’ve felt in any breakup.” The track features vocals from singer Kate Teague and is co-produced by Nicholas Corson (The Convenience, Video Age). The video was directed by Cameron Lowe.
Rui Gabriel’s journey to become one of indie rock’s most vibrant and perceptive voices is certainly unconventional. Born in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, Gabriel had always wanted to be in a band. After attending high school in Nicaragua, he ended up in New Orleans for college. “When I got there, I realized the school was full of kids who were all in bands,” says Gabriel. “Just being around these other artists gave me the confidence to try and do music.” After writing songs with his band Yuppie Teeth, he formed Lawn with Mac Folger and Nicholas Corson in 2016 and released three albums – 2018’s Blood on the Tracks, 2020’s Johnny, and 2022’s Bigger Sprout – receiving raves from the likes of Stereogum, VICE, and Bandcamp.
Major life changes like settling down and becoming a father gave Gabriel newfound dedication as a songwriter. “I had been working on the different iterations of these songs for so long but when I found out I was going to be a dad, I finally got the urgency to finish it,” says Gabriel. “It was very profound to have that moment where you’re like, ‘you’re going to record these songs and finally finish them and then this other new and exciting chapter in your life is going to begin.’” Stay tuned for more music coming from Gabriel in 2024.
