Meet Gabee Rolla-Danley | Composer and Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabee Rolla-Danley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabee, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’m pursuing a career in the arts because I love, and have a need to create. I would be making music and art just for myself even if I wasn’t sharing it with other people because it has always been something that is part of me and can’t be separated. If it goes anywhere as a career, I will be happy, but the best part is using my talents in my career because it creates different opportunities and pathways for me to make art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a film composer that is mainly working in the Oklahoma market right now. I have composed for multiple short films and web series, and the feature film ‘Hailey’s Game’. I haven’t met many other composers so I’m not sure what makes me stand out, but I am very careful about crafting my songs to fit the scene or the project as a whole and work closely with the creators of the project to ensure that I am bringing an extra layer of emotion to draw the audience’s attention to details and themes that enhance the project overall. In addition to composing and film, I am also a musician and songwriter! I’m planning to release an EP this year and have been performing in Oklahoma for the last few months while gearing up to record.

I am most proud of the feature film ‘Hailey’s Game’ that I composed the score for. It is currently making it’s rounds in the festival circuit and my partner and friends all worked so hard on the project. You can truly feel the love and hard work that every single person brought to the film, and it makes it that much more special.

I don’t think that any artist’s journey has been free of struggle or challenges. I think some may have had easier paths than others, but we all share some of the same difficulties that come with the nature of the arts. It is such a vulnerable profession no matter where you fall in the industry. I know that I am privileged and grateful for having such an encouraging family and partner, but I’ve seen firsthand the disappointment of criticism, financial hardship, and the battles we fight just by pursuing our passions and dreams. To be an artist, you have to accept the struggles and vulnerability that come with it. It is unimaginably difficult to share the softest parts of your heart and your story and know that there will be people that don’t like what you’ve made, or don’t like you. It’s important to find people that you trust and will have your back. I am a non-binary, queer person living and creating art in Oklahoma, and I have found a beautiful community of other queer creatives that uplift each other and it has been invaluable for my success as a composer and as a person. It’s not an easy world that we live in, and it’s even harder when you don’t have people who show up for you. When faced with challenges, I try to realign myself with the work that fills my tank and speaks to my heart. That doesn’t always pay the bills though, so I am also grateful for having a 9-5 job that helps me have the financial freedom to pursue my dreams.

I’ve learned a lot of hard lessons along the way that usually come from being inexperienced at navigating the industry. There is a lot of trial and error along the way. I’ve learned that not every job is a good job, and that you don’t need to take every job if it disrupts your peace. It’s also important to know that just because a director or creative thinks that you will be a great fit for their project, doesn’t mean that their project will be a great fit for you. Unfortunately, being able to determine the qualities of what works and doesn’t work for you, or what your red flags are, usually comes from trial and error. But there are some lessons that can’t be learned the easy way. It’s also important to know your worth and have the confidence to set boundaries or know when to push through the obstacles. You will come out on the other side of it, but no one else can figure these out for you, and no one else can take away your drive to continue to create.

If there is anything I would want the world to know about my story is that I’ve had my fair share of hardships and mountains to climb, but sharing my music and art with the world is just an added bonus to creating. I need to create and be a creative to be fully living my life, so it would be happening either way, but there have been times where I wasn’t creating, and I wasn’t truly living, I was just existing. I feel myself come to life when I create and it is something unmatched to any feeling or experience I have had so far. There is nothing comparable to it, and I know that I’m alive when I can take in the gifts that the world has to offer me, and share mine in return no matter how vulnerable it can be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am not currently a resident of Los Angeles, but may be in the future and visit somewhat regularly! Some of my favorite spots are book stores like Skylight Books or The Last Bookstore! You can also never go wrong with ice cream from Saffron and Rose. I love spots that are good to relax or spend time with friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people in my life that have gotten me to where I am today. My partner Abby, my parents and grandparents, best friends, siblings, and teachers. Specifically, my stepdad Jon, who bought me my first guitar, and my grandpa Pat and uncle Mike who continued to encourage my love of music by helping me buy gear or getting me music lessons. Additionally, I would like to thank my friend and fellow creative Katie Hightower for taking a chance on me and asking me to compose for her when it was still just a dream that I had, but had no idea to how to achieve it. So many people in my life have never stopped showing up for me, and I will always be grateful for their love and support.

Website: https://gabeescoreandmusic.com

Instagram: @gabee-rolla-danley

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabee-rolla-danley/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GabeeScoreandMusic

Image Credits
Alexandria Perez