Today we’d like to introduce you to Gaby Moreno.
Hi Gaby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey as a creative/Artist started at a young age when I fell in love with music and movies/tv! I would say my journey really started to take off in 2019 when I decided to combine my two favorite genres, Hip Hop and Horror and started a blog called Nightmare on Sedgwick Avenue.
I originally started this blog to review my favorite horror movies and rap albums. At the time, I was slowly being introduced to the San Diego Hip Hop scene and started to go to more local shows such as Hip Hop Weds at the AC lounge. From there, I met a lot of dope independent artists and wanted to showcase their work. So, I started reviewing local Rap albums. From there, I got inspired to tell these artists’ stories and started doing written interviews on the blog. I then noticed I wanted to move on to converting the blog to an audio podcast since, nowadays, people are more likely to consume media thru audio and visual. Then in Oct of 2020, I decided to upgrade from an audio to a visual podcast. This is when it took off, and I interviewed creatives in both the Hip Hop and Horror community. Currently, I am on Season 5 and have had amazing local creatives to bigger names like Chino XL, RJ Payne, and more!
Besides the podcast, I am also an Artist; I go by the name 7 Octoberz. The name has a special meaning to me since it is my favorite number and month, but it is also the day my grandma Rafaela passed away. I wanted to pay homage to her since she is one of the main reasons I fell in love with music and movies as a kid.
I dropped my first EP in June of 2020, titled God of My Destiny, where I spoke about my life journey and more! Then the same year in Nov, I dropped my second EP titled, From Xibalba to Aztlan inspired by my Mexican roots and From Dusk Til Dawn movie. I have dropped singles throughout the years. Music is my passion and one of my favorite forms of expression, and even if I don’t pursue it as my main creative career, I will always continue making music!
I also started pursuing other creative outlets such as vlogging, painting, photography, and filmmaking! My goal is to continue growing my podcast, sharing my journey thru my vlog: The Book of 7, and going into Directing/Writing film/tv.
Lastly, I am also part of a creative artist collective called Platform Collection; our entire team does a bit of everything from music, podcasting to filmmaking. We are a DIY type of collective. Thru this platform, I also host a second podcast with my little sister Melly called, The Heartful Truth. In this podcast, we get to know creatives on a deeper level and talk about topics like mental health, love, loss, and more!
This brings us to date; as you can see, I do a bit of everything, a jack of all trades you might say. I just consider myself an overall creative and do not like to be boxed in! It has been a bumpy and beautiful journey, and I have more to do!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. When you take the road less traveled, there are always obstacles, but I pride myself in my perseverance and grit! Being a women and indigenous in two male-dominated industries (Hip Hop and Horror) has its struggles. But luckily, I have worked hard to earn my respect and have had to navigate this world strategically and professionally.
I would say the main struggle was being taken seriously as an artist/creative. But everything I have accomplished has made haters into believers! Also, I learned to keep a small circle and that not everyone will like you or your art, but it is about focusing on the art and those that do support you and believe in you! I am blessed to have supportive and positive family and friends around me that remind me why I do this. As well as gained confidence in myself and trusting my gut and instincts.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
As I mentioned in my long intro lol, I do a bit of everything; I am a podcaster, vlogger, artist, journalist, writer, poet, creative, and filmmaker! I am proud of all that I have accomplished in such little time, from holding down my two podcasts: Nightmare on Sedgwick Avenue and The Heartful Truth (w/the help of my lil sis Melly). To also starting my first vlog about my life: The Book of 7, back in 2021 and staying consistent on dropping episodes. Also, to releasing music that I would never think would be on streaming for people all over the world to hear, to starting to hone my craft in painting/digital art to selling it! Now moving on to photography and filmmaking.
One of the things I can definitely say I am most proud of is being an independent artist who does it herself and self-taught! I used to be the quiet shy girl, so to be able to do things that take me out of my comfort zone has been a challenge but very rewarding, and I am proud that I have grown into a more confident human being!
I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that I am not afraid to take on new challenges, I have a strong work ethic, and the fact that I can juggle many creative endeavors and excel in all of them!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Yes, most definitely, I am always trying to learn and motivate myself in honing all my crafts. Here are a few:
Apps: InShot, CapCut, PicsArt
Books: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin, Rebel Without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez, It’s All in Your Head Russ, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Podcasts: Jay Shetty Podcast, Idea Generation Podcast, Angie Martinez Podcast, Hot Ones to name a few
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/7_Octoberz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7octoberz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/7octoberz
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/7Octoberz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@7octoberz
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/glyric07/albums
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/03l9mfFK8IDnvw7a2LLVpK?si=CX12w0tJQLa4rw7-Ly7jeQ
Image Credits
ODM Productions
Bailey Brothaz
Rob Rockly
MR Arash
