Life & Work with Gabriella Lin of Currently Boston based

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Lin.

Hi Gabriella, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began writing songs at 17, discovering a deep passion for storytelling through music. Growing up in a musical household, I developed a love for singing early on—my mother, a vocal coach and music educator, was my first and greatest mentor. She exposed me to a vast spectrum of music, from symphonies, concertos, operas, and musicals to 80s R&B, heartfelt ballads, and traditional Chinese music. Her encouragement led me to explore multiple instruments, beginning with piano, then flute, and eventually guitar.

I spent my school years between China and New Zealand, an experience that broadened my cultural perspective and deepened my appreciation for diversity in music and art. While studying in New Zealand, I picked up the bassoon to perform in the school orchestra, an experience that sharpened my musicianship and introduced me to the collaborative side of classical performance.

My early years were steeped in musical theatre and classical vocal training, both of which shaped the tone, range, and color of my voice. While I now sing mostly pop, I credit that classical foundation for the versatility I bring to my music today.

Thanks to the education I’ve received and the inspiring, talented people I’ve met at Berklee College of Music, I’ve been able to release five original songs across all platforms. My three years at Berklee have taught me not only invaluable skills, but also how to navigate the ever-changing world of music with authenticity and purpose.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my first two years at Berklee College of Music, releasing music felt like an impossible hurdle. I was constantly writing—pages of lyrics, dozens of melodies—but I never took the next step to have those songs co-produced, mixed, or mastered for release. My biggest goal in coming to Berklee was to grow as a songwriter and share my music with the world, yet perfectionism kept me silent. If a song wasn’t flawless in my eyes, it didn’t deserve to see the light of day.

That mindset quickly became my biggest obstacle. The longer I waited for “perfect,” the further I drifted from actually building an audience. Progress was stalled, and I realized that my standards were setting me back rather than pushing me forward. Slowly, I began to understand that progress mattered far more than perfection.

When I finally committed to releasing music consistently—without waiting for it to reach some unattainable standard—everything changed. Streams on Spotify started to grow steadily, and my listener base expanded in ways I hadn’t seen before. The shift also spilled over into my approach to social media. For years, I second-guessed every post, worried about oversharing, and deleted videos that didn’t meet 100% of my expectations.

One of my biggest breakthroughs came from a video I almost didn’t post because I thought it was only “good enough” at best—maybe 60 to 70 percent of what I wanted it to be. That clip ended up going viral, bringing my music to thousands of new listeners. It taught me a powerful truth: the way I judge my work is often very different from how others experience it. People connect with authenticity, not flawless execution.

Breaking free from the all-or-nothing mindset has been transformative. It’s taught me to take risks, embrace imperfection, and focus on consistent creation rather than waiting for the stars to align. Now, my creative and professional choices are guided by the belief that growth comes through action—and that imperfect work, shared with honesty, can still make a meaningful impact.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What makes me different as an artist is the diverse tapestry of influences that have shaped me since childhood. My earliest introduction to music came through the cinematic worlds of film and television soundtracks. They taught me that music isn’t just sound—it’s emotion, color, and storytelling all woven together. That early exposure gave me an instinct for connecting music with narrative.

Soon after, I fell deeply in love with musicals. Watching countless productions in theatres and performing in some myself showed me how to carry a story through song—how every lyric, every phrase, and every movement can serve the narrative. That storytelling mindset is now the essence of everything I create.

My cultural roots are another defining part of my voice. Growing up in Asia, I was surrounded by music rich in emotion, melody, and lyrical craft. Eastern culture’s reverence for composition shaped my approach to songwriting: deliberate, intentional, and full of care. Later, moving to New Zealand for school and then to the United States to study at Berklee College of Music immersed me in an entirely different musical realm. I discovered new genres, new creative freedoms, and the rhythmic diversity of Western styles. These contrasting influences taught me the beauty of balance—honoring the emotional depth of Eastern music while embracing the innovation and openness of Western artistry.

I was also fortunate to grow up in a home where music wasn’t just appreciated, it was a way of life. My mother—a vocal coach and music educator—was my first mentor. Under her guidance, I learned piano, flute, and bassoon, each instrument shaping the way I now hear and write music.

Of course, this journey hasn’t been without challenges. Choosing music as a career came with moments of doubt, both from others and from myself. There were times when the only belief I had to lean on was my own. Over the years, I’ve learned to be my own anchor—to trust my vision, even when the path feels uncertain.

If there’s one lesson I carry forward, it’s this: create for your future self, not for the fleeting approval of the moment. My music is a reflection of where I’ve been—my cultures, my upbringing, my struggles, and my growth. Through it, I aim to tell honest stories and build a space where emotion, imagination, and identity meet.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always excited to connect with people who share a love and passion for songwriting. Collaboration can look like co-writing songs, working together on production, performing live, or even content creating for social media. Support can also mean something as simple as sharing my music, coming to a show, or spreading the word. I truly believe the best projects happen when creative people come together, and I’d love to hear from anyone who feels inspired to work with me. The easiest way to reach me is through my Instagram or website—I’m always open to a conversation about creating something meaningful together.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_gabriellalin?igsh=MWlvcHhucjE1c2d3cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gabriellalinnn?si=YYVQaFi1B_gSUPWi