Meet Gabriel Shaddow | Music Producer, Creative Director

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

Hi Gabriel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work-life balance is a concept that has definitely shifted for me over time. In the early days, it was all about the hustle—late nights, back-to-back projects, and a relentless drive to create. I was obsessed with the grind, and I thrived on it, but as time went on, I realized that burning out doesn’t get you closer to your goals.

Now, I see balance as something much more fluid. It’s not about a perfect split between work and life; it’s about staying in tune with your own rhythm. Some phases demand that all-in focus, while others allow you to step back and recharge. I don’t think in terms of strict boundaries because, in my world, creativity and life are intertwined.

It’s about knowing when to push hard and when to pull back. You have to listen to your gut, recognize when you’re running on empty, and be okay with taking a break. At the end of the day, balance for me is about making sure I’m not just surviving the grind, but actually thriving in it—keeping my passion alive without losing myself in the process.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a reflection of my journey, a blend of music production, creative direction, photography and design. What sets me apart is my approach—I’m not just capturing moments, I’m creating experiences. I don’t chase trends; I focus on building relationships and letting the work speak for itself.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. It took a lot of late nights, countless hours of work, and a willingness to take risks, even when the outcome was uncertain. I faced my share of challenges—self-doubt, financial struggles (paycheck to paycheck), and the pressure to conform—but I overcame them by staying true to my vision and trusting the process.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that persistence is everything. You have to be relentless in pursuing your goals, even when the road gets tough. Another lesson is the importance of environment—being around the right people and in the right places can create opportunities you never imagined. The best is advice is taking no advice and just never stopping.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s all about authenticity. I’m here to create, to inspire, and to leave a mark—not by following the crowd, but by staying true to myself and my art. My story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep belief that if you give everything you’ve got, life will reward you.

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?
my best friend was visiting, I’d want to give them a taste of the real LA—the places that might not always make the tourist lists but are full of life and energy. Here’s how we’d spend the week:

Day 1:

Walk Around Silver Lake: Hit up some local shops and take a stroll around the Silver Lake Reservoir.
Dinner at Bestia: Italian food at its finest. The vibe here is unbeatable.

Day 2:

The Broad Museum: Check out some contemporary art.
Lunch at Grand Central Market: So many food options—whatever you’re craving, it’s here.
Afternoon in the Arts District: Explore street art and cool galleries.
Hit up Dover Street Market and Bodega

Day 3:

Venice Beach: Rent bikes and cruise along the boardwalk.
Lunch at Gjelina: This spot is a must for some laid-back California cuisine.
Sunset at Griffith Observatory: The view of the city at sunset is unreal.

Day 4:

Touring Studios in Hollywood: Check out some of the legendary music studios where hits are made.
Dinner at EPLP
Live Music at The Echo: Catch a show at one of my favorite local venues.

Day 5:

Brunch at Republique: You can’t beat the vibe and the food here.
Explore West Hollywood: Hit up some shops, and check out the scene.
Dinner at Catch LA: The rooftop views here are killer, and the seafood is on point.

Day 6:

Hike at Runyon Canyon: Get some exercise in with views of the entire city.
Lunch at Malibu Farm: Fresh, organic food right on the pier.
Chill on the Beach in Malibu: Wrap up the day with some relaxation.

Day 7:

Farmers Market at The Grove: Grab breakfast and enjoy the laid-back LA vibe.
Shopping on Melrose: Hit up some unique boutiques and vintage shops.
Dinner at Nobu Malibu: End the trip with an unforgettable meal right by the ocean.

This is LA through my eyes, the perfect mix of art, food, music, and just good vibes.

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?
I always say that no one succeeds alone, and my story is no different. First and foremost, my shoutout goes to my mom and grandparents. My mom, a single parent and full-time painter, did everything she could to support my creative journey, trading her art for my education and showing me that pursuing your passion is worth every sacrifice. My grandparents were my foundation—they taught me the value of hard work, manners, and being a good person. Without them, none of this would be possible.

I also have to give credit to my day-one friends who believed in me before anyone else did. Drew, from Homme+Femme LA, took me under his wing and showed me the ropes in the fashion world, while Ty Dolla $ign, who I consider my big brother, opened doors for me that changed my life. These people are more than just colleagues or collaborators they’re family.

Website: https://www.gabeshaddow.com

Instagram: @gabeshaddow

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/gabe-s-76a26488

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GabeShaddow?app=desktop