By: Lisa Steinberg
Photo By Carlos Raudales
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I would describe my sound as Norteño Tex-Me, a blend of both worlds. I was born and raised in Nuevo León, Mexico and later moved to South Texas. Those experiences shaped who I am as an artist. My music reflects both of my roots and everything I’ve experienced since I started making music.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Some of my biggest musical influences are Juan Gabriel, Joan Sebastian, Rocío Dúrcal, Selena, and Intocable.
Q) “La Gata Bajo La Lluvia” is a song originally by Rocío Dúrcal. What made you decide to cover it?
A) Honestly, “La Gata Bajo La Lluvia” is a heartbreaking song. It’s about loving someone even when they leave you behind and it’s become an anthem for so many Spanish-speaking people. Almost everyone knows it.
I wanted to bring it into my own world and reinterpret it in my Norteño Tex-Mex style. Of course, covering a song of that caliber is intimidating because you know people have high expectations, but I really wanted to do it. I honestly love the production we created and I hope people enjoy it as much as I do.
Q) In what ways did you go about making this track your own?
A) I made this song my own by infusing it with my essence. I brought in my roots, my Norteño Tex-Mex style, my interpretation, my personality, my attitude and my artistic vision. Those are the elements I wanted to add so that, even though it’s such an iconic song, it still carries my signature and feels authentically like a Gabby Tamez record.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think people connect with how vulnerable it is. It’s about loving someone so deeply that you’re willing to admit how much it hurts when they leave.
The song says, “Life is like that. You leave, and I stay behind.” It’s about heartbreak, missing someone, continuing to love them even after they’re gone and feeling like you’re dying from the pain. But at the same time, it’s about moving forward. Sometimes you sing so you don’t keep crying.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) The video is about bringing the emotion of the song to life through the performance. I wanted everything to feel elegant, powerful and timeless because that’s how I’ve always seen Rocío Dúrcal.
The wardrobe was designed by Ayub, a designer from Ensenada, Baja California, whom I really admire. We wanted something modern and elegant, so we combined that sophistication with a skirt and boots. We also went with elegant makeup and a confident attitude to create a look that felt true to both Rocío’s legacy and my own identity.
Q) Rafael Pérez-Botija originally wrote this song, but when it comes to your own music, what is your songwriting process?
A) When I write my own music, it always comes from real experiences. Sometimes I exaggerate a little argument or a small moment to make the story stronger, but the emotion always must be real.
It must come from something I lived, something I witnessed, something I felt or even something I can genuinely imagine happening. For me, songwriting starts with the magic of a real story.
Q) Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Not necessarily. Sometimes the melody and the lyrics come to me at the same time. Then I’ll pick up my guitar and start building the song from there.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I’m involved in absolutely every part of the production process. Every instrument, every arrangement, the dynamics, the volumes I pay attention to every detail.
Sometimes producers don’t necessarily love how involved I am, but over the years I’ve learned to set those boundaries and say, “This is my vision and I’d like to be part of bringing it to life.” I want to have the freedom to help shape every aspect of my music.
Q) With “Ya Pa’ Qué” and “La Gata Bajo La Lluvia” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) Yes! They’re part of an upcoming EP titled Corazón Norteño, which we’ll be announcing very soon.
I’m incredibly excited because these are songs I truly love. I’m releasing this project independently through my own record label and that makes me proud. Every project I’m putting out right now reflects exactly who I am as an artist. I’m very detail-oriented, so every part of the music and every decision represent my vision.
Q) What can fans expect from a live Gabby Tamez performance?
A) A lot of energy, dancing, passion, and connection.
I sing, I play instruments, I dance and I love creating an emotional journey for the audience. I want people to feel like they’re watching a movie or a telenovela. We might start with something intimate, then build into high-energy moments and then slow things down with an emotional song that might make you cry before bringing everyone back up to dance, laugh and celebrate together.
In the end, I always like to leave people with a motivational message by sharing my real story of how I’ve kept pushing forward despite every obstacle I’ve faced in my life and career.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform, and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I truly enjoy performing on every stage, but one of my favorite places is nursing homes.
They’re usually small venues, but seeing the smiles on the faces of older people means so much to me. Maybe I’m making someone’s day a little brighter. Maybe they’re dancing with me, singing along or simply feeling happy for a moment.
We never know what someone is going through. We don’t know if they’re battling an illness, if they feel lonely or if no one comes to visit them. I want them to have the best day possible. If they smile or dance with me, that makes me incredibly happy.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I’d love to collaborate with Shakira.
I admire her because she’s a complete artist. She sings, dances, writes, runs businesses and she’s also a mother. I identify with so many aspects of who she is.
Q) What artist or musician are you currently listening to, and why do you dig them?
A) I’ve been listening to Intocable a lot.
They always put out great songs. Not too long ago they released a track that makes me feel very nostalgic because I’m connected to Texas and it talks about Texas and Ramón Ayala. It reminds me of where I come from and I love music that can make you feel that kind of connection to your roots.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I just want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
They’ve been my biggest motivation throughout all these years. There have been many times when I’ve wanted to give up, but then I read their comments, I see how much they enjoy my music and I see them following my journey, recognizing my hard work and sacrifice. That gives me the strength to keep going.
I’m eternally grateful because I wouldn’t be here without them. Thank you for all the love, the positivity, your feedback and your support. I read your comments, I listen to your opinions and I truly appreciate every single one of you.