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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Gabriel Gonzalez

We recently had the chance to connect with Gabriel Gonzalez and have shared our conversation below.

Gabriel, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Ive been doing this a very long time. Ive worked for many people, groups artist and organizations, I feel like at this stage of my career I am being called to be of service.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Gabriel Gonzalez, my friends call me “Gabrielito.” i consider myself a multifaceted artist, My professional endeavors include serving as a singer-songwriter, actor, organizer, and family man. Notably, I am the frontman for The Boogaloo Assassins and the band leader and lead vocalist for La Verdad Band, roles I have held for the past decade. Additionally, I have been the Minister of Music at two churches for the past 13 years, an instructor, event coordinator, advisor, curator, and sponsor. I am commited to social causes hope to earn the honor of a reputation as a fellow, fighter, and advocate for some marginalized communities. I have also appeared in a few commercials, collaborated with other bands as a guest artist, and participated in musical theater productions. Furthermore, I have facilitated songwriting workshops in men’s prison institutions throughout California for the past four years for the Alliance for California Traditional arts organizaltion, sharing residencies with fellow teaching artists and presenting at various art spaces, events, and community gatherings. I am passionate about my profession and the individuals I serve. Currently, I am working on several releases for La Verdad. Boogaloo Assassins is set to release a new CD, and I am collaborating on several projects for release next year. I aspire to reconnect with my acting roots and integrate both fields. Perhaps a musical theater tour? The possibilities are being explored.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A few years ago, I embarked on a transformative journey, revolutionizing the way I navigate life. I revamped everything – my professional circle, projects, habits, and routines. As I began living life on its own terms, I witnessed a profound shift. The most remarkable aspect was my own metamorphosis, fueled by a series of subtle hints that stirred a deep-seated desire for change. I came to realize that believing and having faith are two distinct concepts – believing is holding on, while faith is letting go. I chose to release outdated ideas that no longer served me, embracing faith in my own sufficiency and the power of something greater. Today, I seize each moment, unencumbered by past regrets or future anxieties. I focus on being of service, letting go of insecurities and outdated notions. I’ve grown to appreciate this version of myself, feeling grounded in the present. I’m grateful for my life and strive to live each day with intention, as if it were my last.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
I’ve come to realize that my passion and dedication can drive meaningful change, even if others don’t share the same level of enthusiasm. It’s fascinating to observe that many people navigate life without a clear direction, and I believe this presents an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I’ve found that creativity can be a powerful catalyst for innovation, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by talented individuals from various fields. This proximity has made me ponder the significance of being in the right environment. Every morning, I wake up with a sense of purpose, driven by my vision for the future and my desire to become the best version of myself.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m always striving to be the best version of myself. When I’m on stage, teaching, or working, I feel fully immersed and alive. I tap into my inner strength to deliver my absolute best, unfiltered and authentic. While I rarely revisit past performances or recordings, I’m proud of the energy and passion I bring to every experience.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Life is a precious gift. Pursue your passions with unbridled enthusiasm and cultivate authenticity in all your interactions. Communicate your thoughts and intentions with clarity and compassion. Parents, patience is a superpower. Recognize that all experiences, whether challenging or triumphant, are opportunities for growth. Nurture meaningful friendships and cherish your most valuable resource: time. Invest it wisely, as every moment counts. Treat others with kindness and respect, and remember Maya Angelou’s wise words,
” I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Amen

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Image Credits
David Lopez

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