Conversations with Gabriel “GabeThatGuy” Russell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel “GabeThatGuy” Russell.

Hi Gabriel “GabeThatGuy”, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started making music in the 3rd grade when I first picked up the trumpet. In 7th grade my older brother got me a copy of Fruity Loops and have been making beats ever since. After graduating college, few of my friends decided to start a record label in Washington D.C. After 5 years of producing and developing various artists in the DMV, I decided to go back to school to obtain a degree in Audio Production. I eventually moved to Atlanta Georgia and began working at Street Execs Studios as an Audio Engineer. Here I had the chance to work with various major recording artists such as 2 Chainz, Young Dolph, Key Glock, Gucci Mane etc. In 2021 I ended getting hired by Mix Recording Studio, one of the biggest recording studios in Los Angeles, California. Here I have had the chance to enhance my skills, grow my catalog, and develop and manage a variety of artists.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to chasing your dreams is never a smooth road. I would say some of my personal struggles along the way were dealing with failure, self doubt, money issues, relationship issues etc. While I still struggle with some of these issues, I am able to deal with them by having faith in God, a strong support system of family and friends, and unshakeable belief in myself and chosen path.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a music producer, audio engineer and run an artist management and development business. My true passion is creating music. I want to be known for being a curator of exceptional music. I started off playing instruments and making beats at a young age. My thirst to be in a studio all day and get paid for it lead me to getting a degree that specialized in engineering. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with countless artists from independent to major and had some of the best experiences of my life. Through this journey I realized that I didn’t just like making music with artists, I liked getting those artists exposure. I started an independent record label and focused on developing artists and their brand. I would say I am most proud of being apart of the growth of some of the artists I was involved with over the years. I’ve had artists chart on iTunes, get their songs played on the radio, go on tour, get record deals etc. Knowing that I had an impact really is the best feeling. What sets me apart is my creative spirit and business savvy mind. I have a deep compassion for artistry and have spent years in both the music industry and corporate world.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am a huge risk taker, So I encourage it completely. The biggest risk I’ve taken was leaving my family to pursue my music dreams. My father has owned a business in Washington, D.C. since the 80’s and the plan was for me to take it over one day. After years of working for my father I decided I wanted to go back to school and get a degree in music. I continued to work while in school but about a year before I graduated I decided to not only leave the family business, but leave home all together and move to Atlanta. This was easily the hardest decision I’ve made up to that point and it certainly caused a rift between me and my family. No job, no money, just a hope and a dream. Luckily, after graduation I got an internship at one of the top recording studios and independent record labels in Atlanta. As time went on, it became clear that taking that huge risk to leave home was the best decision for my career and personal life.

Taking risks is not easy, not matter the magnitude of the situation. But it’s necessary to take risks if you want to accomplish certain things in life. It’s not for the weak of heart but I 100% encourage it. And plus, What’s Life Without Adventure?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @gabethatguy
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gabegotbeats6189?si=aiUnWw3BW5tPqe1R
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gabegotbeats