REVOLUTION.
by
Isobel Erny
Social art — the fuel for sustainable change.
– Published in ILLUMINATION –
WHO IS GABO AUTHENTIC?
GABO AUTHENTIC is an up-and-coming Bolivian social artist, passionate about defying against societal expectations of identity. In his most recent Spanglish single, ‘REVOLUTION’ — GABO AUTHENTIC works to promote social art as ‘very popular,’ as he sings ‘SOCIAL ART si es muy popular’ in the chorus of ‘REVOLUTION.’ Catchy, yet inspirational. I invite you to tune-in, put your headphones on, and listen as you read.
“ART IS THE MECHANISM OF CHANGE”
(GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
DIGGING A LITTLE DEEPER —
Born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia — an Andean city located in the heart of South America, GABO AUTHENTIC explored his authentic self through creation, music, and ultimately, social art.
As a Pop Singer-Songwriter, GABO AUTHENTIC is continually curating projects through international collaboration. More specifically, with that of various communities and other artists who share the same values that he resonates so deeply with.
GABO AUTHENTIC has many goals regarding his music but one that stays true to him is inspiring people; in hopes of his music ‘speaking’ to his listeners. To him, building an audience is less about fame and more about reaching as many people as he can, to spread his revolutionary thinking.
AUTHENTICITY: WHY IS TRANSPARENCY CRUCIAL TO THIS MOVEMENT?
The philosophy behind authenticity coincides with GABO AUTHENTIC’S morals and values, not only with his social art. His art is a part of him, an extension of him.
To be authentic is to revolt against contemporary social pressures. In turn, defying against the societal-profitization of identity suppression; of being untrue to oneself.
With the aim to uplift his audience, GABO AUTHENTIC believes each soul that walks this earth should be given the right to freedom of expression.
“TO BE AUTHENTIC MEANS TO SHINE ONE’S INNER LIGHT. TO FREE OURSELVES FROM THE SOCIETAL PRESSURE ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLYING TO THE SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE AND ‘NORMAL.’”
(GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
Speaking from experience, GABO AUTHENTIC knows what it feels like to be faced with conflicting beliefs from the one’s closest to him. But he lives by his words,
“THE BIGGEST ACT OF BRAVERY IS TO BE ONESELF, FOLLOW ONE’S DREAMS, AND TO LISTEN TO ONE’S GUT — ESPECIALLY DURING TIMES OF EXTERNALIZED CRITICISM AND SELF-DOUBT”
(GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
HE’S JUST GETTING STARTED —
GABO AUTHENTIC is a force to be reckoned with. ‘REVOLUTION’ is only the beginning, as it is the second single to his album ‘ANTIBODIES,’ that has yet to be unveiled. This upcoming album is an interactive commercial pop album about overcoming trauma through creativity and art.
In collaborating with diverse communities, ‘REVOLUTION’ has become a work of art he is most proud of. This new single is a three-minute-long fusion between Bolivian traditional instruments, accompanied by a cumbia-reggaeton rhythm; co-produced in collaboration with Chilean Producer, Ckody.
‘REVOLUTION’ was written out of the financial rejection GABO AUTHENTIC faced and continues to face as a young artist. In reading this you are supporting not only the artist, but you are a part of the movement. A piece to the puzzle; oil to the machine.
RECOGNIZING CONTRBUITING ARTISTS & TALENT —
‘REVOLUTION’ — by GABO AUTHENTIC.
Sound Engineer: Miguel Omiste (Bolivia).
English Coach: Armando Ferrufino (Bolivia — U.S.A).
Writer & Editor of Press Release: Isobel Mae Erny
CHORAL ELEMENTS —
‘Vamos —
This is our REVOLUTION.
Esto es a lo que llamo (This is what I call)
Some great fusion
SOCIAL ART.
SI ES MUY POPULAR (Yes, it is very popular).’
LYRICAL INSPIRATION: EXPLAINED
As GABO AUTHENTIC’S first Spanglish release — ‘REVOLUTION’ works to highlight the harmonious pairing of English and Spanish in music. In priori of making room in the music-oriented space, he believes Spanglish as a genre is gaining popularity, as it reaches more and more listeners across the globe.
‘REVOLUTION’ is a highly accessible song, in that, it is relatable to many. By recognizing the daily struggles of not only South Americans and Bolivians, but of all people. GABO AUTHENTIC and his project ‘ANTIBODIES’ is an all-encompassing social movement, built on inclusivity, social collaboration, and acceptance. Everyone is welcome and belongs in the space that the social artist is trying so hard to foster.
Furthermore, with ‘REVOLUTION’ focusing on the lack of motivation within people in a contemporary capitalistic society; this song works to shine a light on the beauty of opportunity that exists in that space. In challenging conformity and starting the tough conversation, creativity is sparked.
“‘REVOLUTION’ challenges conformity, questioning the ongoing promises that numerous positions of power withhold over the heads of individuals. With that said, this single and the project of ‘ANTIBODIES’ suggests that inspiration can be found amongst creativity, a revolutionary alternative to traditional social movements. Now this — this is what we call social art” (GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
CONTEXTUALIZING THE MUSICAL ELEMENTS —
The Spanglish record ‘REVOLUTION,’ is polished by harmonious background vocals, recorded in collaboration with Bolivian Singer; Mimi Arakaki.
Another artist, Kaypi Rap, contributed this this piece. Known as a Bolivian social-rapper, Kaypi Rap’s work is always grounded in his sense of passion, versatility in his skills, and his adaptability in tailoring them to any project he’s working on. Gabo states,
‘It was a pleasure working with another passionate artist, you can feel it in the music, just listen, you’ll feel it’ (GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
Furthermore, one of Kaypi Raps’ verses highlights the social protestation against corruption, injustice, and inequality. In doing so, this verse works to challenge hierarchal thinking in the political realm, giving listeners a breath of fresh air, making room for new possibilities within this movement.
The Chorus is one of the parts GABO AUTHENTIC is most proud of. He tried to keep his audience in mind when creating ‘REVOLUTION,’ while staying true to his Bolivian roots and passion for social change. The Chorus includes Bolivian instruments like Zampoña — an Andean panpipe — played by Ecuadorian musician Manuel Alejandro Regalado and Charango.
In addition to the panpipe, a small Andean guitar is played by Bolivian musician, Saul Callejas.
The instruments that make up this song can be found in pop-throwbacks released in the early 2000s. ‘Whenever, Wherever’ by Colombian popstar, Shakira is one of many.
SOCIAL ART AS ACCESSIBLE —
‘It is not necessary to be an artist to experience liberation through art. I think we can all greatly influence our own lives through acknowledging our own sense of creativity’ (GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
PAYING TRIBUTE TO IVAN BARRIENTOS: A LOVING FATHER AND TALENTED ARTIST
As stated previously, ‘REVOLUTION’ was ultimately birthed out of the rejection GABO AUTHENTIC faced emotionally and financially, but what has not been highlighted is the degree to which this situation arose.
GABO AUTHENTIC’S father — IVAN BARRIENTOS — passed away last year due to a heart condition. As a chronic condition, IVAN learned to live alongside his illness. The only solution would be to receive an open-heart surgery, costing the BARRIENTOS family more than they could realistically put forth.
IVAN BARRIENTOS was a talented Bolivian musician and sound engineer, passionate not only about his work, but about people. He was a kind soul, with a big heart — too big for this world. He was a giver, constantly helping those in need, even though he was the one in the most need.
‘My Dad was so selfless, giving money to those who desperately needed it, even though he should’ve kept it for himself, to save his own life’ (GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
In gratifying the degree of IVAN’S selflessness, it’s safe to say that he is missed and in the thoughts of many — especially GABO AUTHENTIC’S.
‘Sometimes I feel like giving up, but I know that this is what I’m meant to be doing and I know that my dad is watching over me every step of the way, and for that I am grateful. I miss him all the time, but I feel him. He’s up there watching over me.’
(GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
PAIN AS MOTIVATION TOWARD CHANGE —
‘As a social artist my works were turned away many times. Funding was out of the question as soon as I mentioned the social practices around my project. It’s disheartening really, not just for me, but for us — the revolutionaries’ (GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
GABO AUTHENTIC’S single, ‘HELEN KELLER’ — a commercial techno-pop track — was the first to be denied financial help. As the first single to ‘ANTIBODIES,’ GABO AUTHENTIC ensured he did his best to promote the song and get the word out.
With the single being a tribute to blind and deaf activist Helen Keller, it was only fitting to ensure the deaf and blind community were included at every level of the project. With that said, Joan Joel, a deaf artist from ‘Broadway Signs,’ New York was the main man behind this song — alongside Chilean producer Ckody.
This release was not just about the music, GABO AUTHENTIC described this piece as an ‘art form,’ not just a song.
The social artist worked hard to create a visual piece alongside the song itself. Including an innovative mix of both visuals, dancing, and sign language — GABO AUTHENTIC felt as if the beauty of the deaf and blind community were to come alive.
After months and months of hard work, promotion, and putting oneself out there on the ‘frontlines,’ GABO AUTHENTIC received little to no positive feedback or help from different national and international organizations in Bolivia.
‘It was suggested that I change my objectives regarding the direction of my art’ (GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
GABO AUTHENTIC was told that his revolutionary thinking and the social context that ‘REVOLUTION’ is grounded in, was nothing but a ‘fairytale’ or ‘wishful thinking.’ He was told to change the genre of his music to Cumbia or Reggaeton to ‘follow the crowd’ and mimic what has been done well or what has become mainstream. But these kinds of ‘popular’ tracks within these music genres lack meaningfulness and are without a message. GABO AUTHENTIC will not sacrifice the purpose and meaning that provides the foundation to his art. He predicates his character on authenticity, to put this at risk for a simple ‘one-hit-wonder’ of a single, is not something he’s interested in doing.
All this in mind, it becomes apparent as to why GABO AUTHENTIC is so passionate about social art — and continues to keep his heart in the game; a tough game it is. There is no ‘winning’ here, only growing, there is no end-goal because revolution and social change are indefinite.
‘In every no, there is a yes’ (GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
‘REVOLUTION’ was first performed — prior to its release — in Aarhus, Denmark on the 12th of August, 2023. This live experience was received well by audience members; exactly what GABO AUTHENTIC had hoped for.
Travelling so far from home, GABO AUTHENTIC put much at risk with many unknowns. In choosing to represent his country, Bolivia, in this festival — ‘Connections Festival’ — he took the first leap of faith toward the fiery passion that runs deep in his veins and true to his heart; something worth fighting for. Heck, something to witness. You won’t want to miss out on this, on GABO AUTHENTIC. It’s here. It’s now. Change is upon us. Come join us. Where there is pain there is room for healing, room for change, room for art. Be the art, fall in love with it, let it harness you in ways that make you feel new, free, loved, hopeful.
CAPTURING MOMENTS —
GABO AUTHENTIC LIVE AT CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL
(Aarhus, Denmark — August 12th, 2023).
FROM THE AUDIENCE —
‘Gabo’s performance moved me deeply. While the music and the performance were wonderous, it was the message that truly touched me. He addressed themes of love, community, and sorrow. With this said, I was not only able to witness a beautiful performance but also had the opportunity to reflect on my own experiences. I felt as if GABO AUTHENTIC proposed a musical invitation to dig deeper, to look deeper. To investigate what is within me and to connect with other participants. I felt nothing but alive, nothing but present, nothing but the beat of my own heart. Exhilarating.
It was truly a memorable experience that I will never forget.
Gabo demonstrated the power of social art and its impact. He showed me that having the courage to speak truthfully from the heart can be deeply healing, both for oneself and for the community.’
Caterina Pomari — Italy (Attendant at Connection Festival 2023).
‘The show was a blast of many impressions, deep rooted in Gabo’s life and culture. A pure artistic show that pushed the boundaries of many elements. Very enjoyable.’
Malou Fugl — Denmark (Attendant at Connection Festival 2023).
LINKS, URLS —
REVOLUTION LYRIC VIDEO –
HELEN KELLER –
INSTAGRAM–
https://www.instagram.com/gaboauthentic
FACEBOOK–
https://www.facebook.com/gaboauthentic
YOUTUBE —
https://www.youtube.com/@gaboauthentic
CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL 2023–
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/TiF5NtjBM6pEeNGQ
MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST —
GABO AUTHENTIC FOR X-BODIES
(Picture by ITU Photography)
“Now that you’ve heard my story, my side of things, the reasoning behind why I continue to make social art and fight for social change…I hope you sit with it and try to understand how this applies to you and to your life. In sharing and spreading the word of this project you are an active agent of change; your impact is not small and means more than you’ll ever know.
Change is not achieved through monumental shifts but is achieved through the small changes that individuals consciously make as they continue to live their own stories, build their own lives, experience their own realities. With the purpose to keep inspiration afloat in a world that prays on its dissolvement — I challenge you to expose your vulnerable and empathetic energy today.
“VAMOS! Let’s be positive. Let’s fight fear with faith and let us sing: ‘Social Art, Si es muy popular!’” (GABO AUTHENTIC, 2024).
HOW YOU CAN HELP —
In travelling outside his country for 10 months now, GABO AUTHENTIC has been volunteering in hostels in exchange for free accommodation. He is looking to find a proper space where he can create, get in the zone to share his music with other creative minds alike himself, and find some support to develop the project he has been working so hard on for the last year, despite all difficulties.
If you feel touched by GABO AUTHENTIC’S story and his objectives, please do not hesitate to support the artist by recommending him for any music related opportunities like cultural programs, performances, and songwriting sessions. Unfortunately, it is not possible to create a crowdfunding campaign for the artist due to Bolivian regulations. Any form of help is appreciated and witnessed with gratitude. Find GABO AUTHENTIC’s socials listed above; pg. 11.
Thank you for taking the time to hear GABO AUTHENTIC’s story. We see you; we hear you, and we hope you come join us on this path toward social change.
CONTACT INFORMATION —
INSTAGRAM / @gaboauthentic
FACEBOOK / @GABOAuthentic
WHAT’S APP / +44 7495 184239
EMAIL / [email protected]
X BODIES PROJECT
GABO AUTHENTIC
FOUNDER
