Meet Gabi Grella | Founder/Mastering Engineer at Gabi Grella Mastering

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabi Grella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabi, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
It isn’t so much an affirmation but it’s something that I do to ground myself that I think everyone can benefit from. I, along with so many other people, experience imposter syndrome. If you don’t know what that is, it is “feelings that result in people feeling like “a fraud” or “a phony” and doubting their abilities”. These negative thoughts can suffocate you and hamper your creativity – sometimes you can’t help but doubt/compare yourself to others. To combat these moments, I have a folder on my computer called “When In Doubt”. It’s a collection of screenshots of positive things that I’ve been told relating to my mastering. You do not need the validation of others to know your worth but it can definitely be a pick me up in times of uncertainty. It’s helpful in reminding yourself that you are good at what you do, no matter what your brain tries to tell you. There’s nothing like a folder full of affirmations to combat negativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Gabi Grella and I am a 24 year old mastering engineer from Morristown, New Jersey. I attended New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, where I was taught a very holistic music curriculum. I applied to the program as a songwriting major but during my freshman year I discovered my love of engineering with the guidance and mentorship of industry legends like Bob Power and Jim Anderson. The specialty that I decided to pursue is called mastering – it is the last step in the creation of a song before it is distributed to radio stations and streaming platforms. One of the most important aspects of our job is to make sure that the songs we work on are competitive with other releases – specifically in terms of level. We are a fresh pair of ears that come in and make any final adjustments; we don’t change any of the fundamental elements or foundation of the song, we just enhance what is already there. Throughout college I interned at Sterling Sound, where I was able to see the ins and outs of a professional mastering business. With my education and work experience, I found myself in a position to be able to distinguish myself from other engineers. I understand the perspective of making a song from both the artistic and engineering perspective because I have been both the artist and the engineer. Engineering in general is a very male dominated sector in the music industry, but I am extremely proud to be a woman in engineering and to be able to shed light on what mastering is. Running my own business for the past 3 years, Gabi Grella Mastering, has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. I am in control of my destiny and am writing a narrative that I am extremely proud of; I want to make every future woman’s engineering path easier and more accessible than mine was. I am so lucky to be able to work with so many amazing artists and teams, many of which I now call my friends.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m picturing myself in college at NYU when I’m planning this itinerary. I would make sure they pack their sneakers to make the treacherous trek that is my apartment’s seven story walkup. I would absolutely take them to Washington Square Park; it’s great for people watching and I love sitting by/in the dog park. If you’re ever wondering where I am, the dog park is always a safe bet. There is this fun bar called “Break Bar” where you can order drinks and then can smash your glasses against a wall; it’s extremely therapeutic and after a long week of work, we could all smash a few bottles. A dinner moment could be at Cuba on Thompson Street or maybe Catch NYC to ~treat ourselves~. Another classic Gabi spot is the Dave & Busters in Times Square. Having a little drink while playing some arcade games?! Name a better night out; you can’t (you can but shh). I’d always defer to my guest and what their interest are but these are some spots that I like to go to. As long as we are together it doesn’t matter what we’re doing, we can make anything fun!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is probably a ~basic~ answer but my parents’ unwavering support has really made a huge impact in my journey in the music industry as well as in life. They not only supported, but encouraged me to attend music school, pursue my dreams, and start my own business. All they have ever wanted is for me to be happy; for them, I will always be more grateful than I could ever put into words.

Website: https://www.gabigrellamastering.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabigrella/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabigrella/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabigrella

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabiGrellaMastering