Signals From Mars – Episode 352 – Mychael Gabriel

The narrative of Mychael Gabriel is both fascinating and singular. His tale originates from the time his parents crossed paths during the monumental Purple Rain World Tour by Prince. Gilbert Davison, Mychael’s father, was a pivotal member of Prince’s security team during the Purple Rain era and later ascended to the roles of Security Director, Manager for Prince, and the President of Paisley Park. Meanwhile, his mother, Connie, held the position of road manager and co-lyricist for Sheila E. Mychael himself has worn multiple hats in his association with Sheila E., serving as her co-producer, lead guitarist, studio engineer, and creative partner.

Emerging from the city of Minneapolis, Mychael Gabriel is a singer and songwriter with an unquenchable thirst to traverse the infinite landscape of musical sounds. He’s an artist with multiple facets, relentlessly working to shatter the pre-existing norms of music. His creativity is always in flux, constantly innovating, ensuring each fresh composition offers a one-of-a-kind auditory journey. Mychael’s melodies echo traces of the Minneapolis sound, incorporating a guitar technique reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix and a vocal style that mirrors Lenny Kravitz.

Assuming varied roles including writer, producer, arranger, sound engineer, mixer, and musician, Mychael Gabriel has had the privilege of collaborating with a pantheon of illustrious talents. This list includes Sheila E., Stevie Wonder, Ringo Starr, Hans Zimmer, Usher, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Beck, Common, Gary Clark Jr., St. Vincent, Miguel, H.E.R., Earth Wind and Fire, Gloria Estefan, the Escovedo Family, George Duke, George Clinton, Freddie Stone (of Sly and the Family Stone), and the list continues. His contributions have graced platforms like MasterClass, DreamWorks Animation, ABC Network, the 2007 and 2012 Latin Grammy Awards, 2016 BET Awards, Super Bowl XXVI, the 2020 Grammy Awards, and the 2020 Grammy Salute to Prince. Mychael’s consistent excellence on the grandest stages, beside legendary musical figures, speaks volumes about his extraordinary caliber.

Fuelled by his zeal to fabricate awe-inspiring auditory journeys, Mychael Gabriel has penned, crafted, and performed a multitude of tracks that engage your senses and transport you to a different realm. His pop-infused 2018 track, “Ghost In Midnight”, exhibits a vibrant imagination with a touch of nostalgia. His 2019 offering, “Honesty”, delves into the raw realities of relationships with a slow-burning groove. In 2020, as society grappled with inertia, police violence, and political brutality, Mychael’s “Fury” and “Invictus” served as a lyrical clarion call for unity. In 2021, “Sights And Sounds” evokes the ambiance of a nocturnal drive with its rich textures of swishing winds, luminous signage, and pulsating rhythms. “Celebrate”, from his newly released album Genesis, delves into Mychael’s funky MPLS roots. “Let There Be Light”, another composition by the versatile Minneapolis artist, is a rock-centric, 1970s-inspired track with high-octane guitars and a compelling rhythm, guaranteed to elevate the mood. A climactic guitar solo serves as a testament to Mychael’s exceptional skill and potency, solidifying his reputation as a force to be contended with.