In this 2023 interview, Gabby B discussed her multilingual background, music, songwriting, bullying, and the role social media played in expanding her audience.
She also talked about growing up between different countries and languages, then using those experiences in her music.
How Did Gabby B Learn Multiple Languages?
Maria Spanadoris: You’re multilingual. How did you learn your languages?
Gabby B: Actually, I was born in Brazil, and all of my family are Brazilian, so Portuguese was taught to me since I was a baby. Then when I moved to France as a child, I learned French in school and by living in the country.
She said French and Portuguese were both spoken at home. Before moving to the United States, she became focused on learning English and watched Disney shows, including Hannah Montana, online.
Gabby B also said she learned to sing in Spanish through her Portuguese background and exposure to Latin culture.
How Bullying Shaped Her Experience
Maria Spanadoris: You have spoken about being bullied. When did things begin to change?
Gabby B: Growing up, it was extremely difficult for me to fit in. I attended many different schools, and at each one I was bullied in some type of way, whether it was physical bullying, mental bullying, or even racism.
She said the experience eventually contributed to her move from Boston to Florida. After finishing school, she began pursuing music more seriously and said that was when she started embracing herself more fully.
Gabby B also said some people who had bullied her or spread rumors about her later followed her on social media and tried to contact her.
What Languages Does Gabby B Like to Sing and Write In?
Maria Spanadoris: Which is your favorite language to sing in?
Gabby B: I don’t necessarily have a favorite language to sing in. For me, it’s all about the beat, the rhythm, and the feeling of the song.
Maria Spanadoris: Which is your favorite to write in?
Gabby B: I like writing in Portuguese and French the best. I feel most confident when writing in those two, since they’re two of my initial languages.
What She Said About Helping Kids Who Are Bullied
Maria Spanadoris: Can bullying ever be stopped, or is it a matter of helping the victims learn to deal with it?
Gabby B: I’m not sure if bullying is something that will 100% ever go away, but I believe it’s gotten better over the years. I do think everyone should be more educated about bullying and the impacts it leaves on a child or an adult.
She said parents can help by talking openly with their children, being supportive, and making sure children know they can discuss problems at school.
Gabby B also connected that idea to her martial-arts training. She said she was taught not to fight outside class unless she was being attacked and in danger, and she emphasized learning to defend yourself in a smart way.
Gabby B: Let them know you love them and believe in them. The more they know this, the more they’ll grow up feeling stronger and know that they have somebody on their side.
How TikTok Helped Expand Her Audience
Maria Spanadoris: You have a large following across your platforms. How did you build it?
Gabby B: I always had somewhat of a presence on social media since I began using it for fun at a young age. Once I began my music career, I started to take my socials a lot more seriously.
She said TikTok became an important source of discovery. At first, she posted trends, dances, and other short videos. She then began adapting popular dance trends to her own style.
In the 2023 interview, Gabby B said one video filmed in Chicago reached six million views overnight and had later surpassed 41 million views. She credited that exposure with helping people find her on Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.
She said consistency and direct engagement were important after that initial growth, including regular posting, live streams, and conversations with supporters.
Where Gabby B Was Active in 2023
At the time of our interview, Gabby B had profiles on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, and Twitter.
For another musician discussing work and family life, read our Jill Barber interview.
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