A deeply vulnerable first single
Silent Tears uniquely blends folk, pop and chamber-pop musical styles, the song delves into the complexities of mental health struggles.
Gabriella Mordecai was told she could sing before she was forming full sentences. “There are videos of me singing at the age of one-and-a-half with my father playing guitar by my side,” she told The AJN. Her father, Rabbi George Mordecai has spent decades working as a cantor in the US and Australia, and is now part of the clergy at Emanuel Synagogue, where Gabriella said she is fortunate to lead services too.
She credits her father’s musical talents and her mother’s talent for poetry and writing for fostering her journey, including writing and releasing her debut single, with a second single now released as well.
“My father has served as one of my musical inspirations throughout my life. This includes not only his unique singing style and beautiful voice, but also introducing me to some of my favourite artists, including Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Amy Winehouse, from a very young age. My mother, who has a knack for poetry and writing, used to engage me in poetry as a child. Much of where I am right now as a singer-songwriter can be attributed to my parents,” she said.
Silent Tears was her first release from her upcoming album A Place I Never Knew, which will be released later this year. Gabriella said it was a deeply vulnerable choice, particularly for a first single. Uniquely blending folk, pop and chamber-pop musical styles, the song delves into the complexities of mental health struggles.
“To put it very simply, for me Silent Tears is about wishing you could be happy when you’re expected to be happy, and the frustration of feeling trapped in your own mind, with seemingly no way out,” she said. “I hope that my song brings comfort to those who can relate to its message and help them to feel less alone in their struggles.”
The song, she said, was written slowly, as the lyrics came to her. She recalled the first verse came to her when she was at school one day and struggled to match the celebratory mood of those around her.
When asked what music means to her, Gabriella said everything.
“Music has always served as a creative outlet through which I have been able to express some of my deepest emotions. There are many songs that I listen to and sing with which I deeply resonate. However, when that is not enough, songwriting gives me the ability to tell my stories in a way that is truest to myself and how I feel and experience things,” she said. “The addition of music to a piece of writing offers an opportunity to further illustrate the message you are trying to convey through the words, and that’s what I love about songwriting.”
As for advice for those looking to go into music, while she recognises that she is an aspiring musician herself, she said it’s important to stay true to yourself.
“I would say listen to advice from others, but also follow your gut. I think it is very important to stay true to yourself and your musical style and how you choose to present and promote yourself. No matter where my music takes me, I am glad I put so much into it and did it all on my own terms – I just say go for it!”
Silent Tears and Gabriella’s second single Break in the Clouds are available on all streaming platforms.
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