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Rising singer-songwriter Gabri Panlilio explores the struggle of overcoming anxiety and self-doubt in her new single "Calm." Its accompanying music video not only highlighted this message but also capture her distinct style that blends classical and contemporary vocal techniques.
Earlier this month, Gabri unveiled the music video gave her friends, family, and the media a preview of the video ahead of its public release in an intimate event at Spritz Studios in Makati. The venue exuded a chic and relaxed ambiance, complemented by food from Kahuna Pizza and drinks from Loon Coffee.
The video's poignant storytelling instantly captivated the attendees — Gabri and her team delivered a timely portrayal of mental health challenges, touching on themes such as body image issues and societal pressures.
After the screening, Gabri shared her thoughts on the creative process.
The artist’s work reflects a generation that openly discusses mental health while blending genres to deliver sincere storytelling. PHOTO COURTESY OF GABRI PANLILIO
"It made me realize that music, or any type of artistry, can be colorful and dark, but again, there are no rules when it comes to art; this is how I express myself," she said. The song, she explained, started with a mellow instrumental and gradually took on emotional layers that gave it a more honest tone.
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"I wanted it to be calming for me. But at the same time, the lyrics are filled with anxiety, a few breakdowns, and all emotions." She added that although people often mask anxiety behind a composed facade, feeling a range of emotions is natural.
The song's roots are personal. Gabri revealed that her experiences growing up heavily influenced the piece.
"I've dealt with a lot of depression and anxiety, especially when I was younger." Despite these early struggles, she continues to take steps toward healing for personal growth and not to meet others' expectations.
She finds hope in how today's generation is more open about mental health, a shift she finds both empowering and comforting.
Despite its emotional weight, Gabri found the project fulfilling. "I managed to express myself and my artistry, and that's the best feeling as an artist," also noting that singing is her way of uplifting others.
Looking back, Gabri's love for music began early. She grew up on Disney classics, naming "A Whole New World" her favorite. "It feels like you're flying in the air," she remarked.
"As a child, I wanted to be like the magic carpet — try new things, venture out, and see the world."
She also mentioned "A Part of Your World" as another early influence, along with rock songs she would sing depending on her mood.
As a music student, Gabri admitted that she initially only looked forward to singing. She found music theory and note-reading challenging, but eventually recognized their value in shaping her musical foundation. Having performed internationally from a young age, she observed that Europe tends to hold a deeper appreciation for classical music and opera, whereas the Philippine audience currently leans toward pop.
These experiences motivated her to advocate for classical music locally.
"I want opera to be more appreciated here because once you hear about the training and attend masterclasses, you'll appreciate it more."
For individuals wondering where to start in classical music, she recommended starting with Mozart and comic operas such as "Gianni Schicchi."
When asked about her musical inspirations, Gabri named Lea Salonga one of her earliest influences. "Lea Salonga inspired me to sing at a young age. I grew up with Disney music all my life," she shared. She also admired local artists like Rivermaya, Ben&Ben, and Moira, noting that she would love to collaborate with them. Additionally, the singer emphasized her openness to work with fellow musicians across genres in the future.
Gabri's work reflects a generation that embraces vulnerability, openly discussing mental health while blending genres to deliver sincere storytelling and creative depth.
Ultimately, she hopes to continue creating music that reflects her passion while resonating with others, emphasizing that music exists to bring people happiness.
