We recently had the chance to connect with Gaby (7 Octoberz) Moreno and have shared our conversation below.
Gaby (7 Octoberz), we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that made me feel proud is having my poem Jaguar Warrior be selected to be published in the Somos Xicanas Anthology that released in Dec 2024. I’ve done poetry readings for the book tour and it has been amazing meeting other poets and new people! This moment also was one of the reasons that inspired me and motivated me to release my first self published poetry book, The Anxious Poeta! Which I am very proud of as well!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Gaby, I’m an independent creative, who goes by the artistic name 7 Octoberz to honor my abuelita’s legacy. I’m a poet, music artist, painter, writer and podcaster. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. I’m always representing my love for my city. I’ve dropped two Hip Hop EP’s. I’ve self published my first poetry this year that is titled, The Anxious Poeta. I’m also featured in the Somos Xicanas Anthology. I’m proud of my Mexican and Chicana roots and always try to incorporate it into my art. I don’t like being boxed in and I’m a jack of all trades!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped how I see the world was when I started listening to independent Hip Hop. I learned more about history and knowledge of self, when I immersed myself into what back in the day was called underground Hip Hop. I credit Hip Hop for opening my mind, more than any history book ever did! It was around 2004, I began listening to KRS- One, Immortal Technique, Jedi Mind Tricks, Killah Priest, Common, Jean Grae and Black Star to name a few. Their music set me on a path of self discovery, introspection and rewiring my brain from everything I was taught to believe.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that I am proud of them! If it wasn’t for their resilience we wouldn’t have accomplished all that we have. Even through every anxious thought, struggle or obstacle we still managed to make it out! I would also say to my younger self you are amazing! Thanks to your perseverance, passion and heart we succeeded!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would say what really matters to me is inspiring, encouraging and motivating others to follow their dreams or passions. As well as the importance about taking care of our mental health. Also making a positive impact with my art and creativity!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me when I’m gone is that I always showed love, was supportive and encouraged others to live out their dreams! I hope my friends say that I was a good friend who was there through the good and dark times. I just hope people say I created art that inspired and left a positive impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.7octoberz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7octoberz
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@7octoberz
Image Credits
Gaby Moreno for all photos, except for the one of me reading my Somos Xicanas poem it is credited to Jorge Piñeda.
