Gabriel’s Seoul Sojourn: From Grammy Recognition to R&B’s Rising Tide
English producer and singer-songwriter Gabriel is making waves in Seoul’s music scene, fresh off a Grammy nomination for his perform with British trio FLO. He is set to perform at Alive Hall near Hongik University this Friday, February 13, 2026, alongside SM Entertainment artist Min Jiwoon as part of his showcase, “One Night in Limbo.”
A Collaborative Journey
Gabriel’s recent success stems from his contributions to FLO’s album “All Access Areas,” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B album in 2024. He has likewise collaborated with prominent artists such as Dijon, Kehlani, Crush, and SUMIN.
Finding a Home in Seoul
Despite only moving to Seoul six months ago, Gabriel has found the transition surprisingly smooth. He secured a publishing deal with Salpot Music Group, which he describes as a “fruitful partnership.” His initial connection to the Korean music industry began in 2025 when he submitted demos to SM Entertainment and later connected with Crush through Instagram.
Embracing the Korean Music Industry
Gabriel appreciates the dedication and collaborative spirit within the Korean entertainment industry, noting a level of sincerity in project completion that he found less consistent in Western music scenes. He particularly enjoyed working on Crush’s “UP ALL NITE,” recalling a productive studio session with CUBE and Devin Morrison where they completed 80% of the song in just three hours. The experience of witnessing a packed venue in Itaewon singing along to their creation was a highlight.
Solo Focus and Musical Influences
While Gabriel values collaboration, he intends to prioritize his solo work this year, allowing his personal songs to “take its own shape.” His musical influences are rooted in classical music, jazz, and artists like Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, and D’Angelo. He also draws inspiration from personal experiences, particularly those found in nature, and often visits Seoul Forest for creative rejuvenation.
A Heart-on-Sleeve Approach
Gabriel describes his music as “heart-on-sleeve,” characterized by simple, warm production, minimally processed vocals, and direct lyrics. He believes in conveying his message clearly, avoiding ambiguity and metaphor. He acknowledges learning from past challenges, which have instilled resilience and a more lighthearted approach to his work.
Exploring New Sonic Territories
As he becomes more established in Seoul, Gabriel is eager to experiment with new sounds, expressing a current fascination with hyperpop and pluggnb. He seeks to create music that challenges and inspires him, constantly asking, “How did they arrive up with that?”
Event Details
Gabriel’s showcase, “One Night in Limbo,” will be held on February 13, 2026, at Alive Hall. Tickets can be booked at srphm.co. More information is available on Instagram at @notquitemytempura.