Gisela Mabel is an Angolan Portuguese pianist, composer, producer and artist, based in Lisbon. Influenced by classical, neoclassical, jazz and contemporary genres, but also by afro-Brazilian culture and rhythms, her music is marked by a heavy contrast between overly delicate melodies and chaotic harmonies, creating a deeply cinematic atmosphere that invites her listeners to an emotional moment of introspection and intimacy. Don't miss our conversation with Gisela Mabel, covering topics such as influences, new album Álbum de Retratos, upcoming projects, and life.
Could you tell us about the beginning of your musical journey? What first drew you to music, and specifically to the piano? Who were some of the first musicians or composers that inspired you? How did they influence your own compositions?
I remember when me and my family moved to this new house in Olhão and when I first realized that it was more than just a place to live; it would be the setting for our next adventures and memories. Amidst all the chaos of moving, between exploring every corner of the house and imagining all the games we could play, there in the corner of a room was a piano—a worn, out-of-tune piano.
It was at the age of 13 that I decided to explore the piano we had at home and enrolled in the Olhão Conservatory of Music, where I began the basic course in Classical Piano. During my studies, I was introduced to a composer who would become a major reference for me and undoubtedly my greatest inspiration: Frédéric Chopin. The first compositions of his that I played were Nocturne No. 20 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. Posth. and Prelude No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 28. I am absolutely in love with his music. It was through this deeply expressive language, marked by unique elegance, sophistication, and sensitivity, that I fell in love with music and realized I had found a new way to express myself.
In addition to Chopin, other artists who inspired me in my development at that time included Franz Schubert, Franz Liszt, Claude Debussy, Beethoven, Mozart, Robert Schumann, Bach, and Astor Piazzolla. These composers were, without a doubt, my first real contact with classical music, which still serves as the foundation of my musical creation today. I recognize common threads in these composers’ works that I believe have stayed with me ever since. They often told stories or explored unique emotional states, creating a distinctive atmosphere and conveying complex feelings like suffering or triumph, sometimes in a simple and direct way.
Finally, it was Astor Piazzolla who made me want to explore different musical worlds. His fusion of tango with elements of jazz and classical music inspired me to seek new forms of musical language and expand my knowledge at the time.
Growing up with influences from Angola and Portugal, how did your cultural background shape your approach to music?
Without a doubt, my cultural background influences not only my music but also how I see the world. It’s challenging to put into words the layers of these influences, as it’s something I feel and carry into my musical creation in a very natural way. This cultural heritage goes beyond sound; I see it as a form of physical manifestation, reflected, for example, in my movements on the piano keys. It is in these movements that I find a unique energy that characterizes me musically, in a certain way. There is an invisible flow that results from a blend of cultures. The cultural energy inherent in my influences forms the foundation of my artistic expression, and through it, I find my voice as an artist.
How does your creative process typically start when you sit down to write a new piece? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into the creative mindset when you compose?
There’s a time of day when I love to be alone with the piano: nighttime. At that hour, everything feels calmer, with a surrounding quiet that allows me to disconnect from daily worries that seem irrelevant in the moment. I usually keep the lighting low, always a warm glow, creating an atmosphere that feels pleasant to me. Sometimes, I turn off all lights to eliminate any visual stimuli, allowing my emotions to flow freely. My ritual involves setting up the space to inspire me and awaken my creativity. I always seek an intimate setting, as it helps me open my heart and express myself through the piano. The atmosphere is, without a doubt, fundamental to my creative process.
Your music has been described as cinematic, inviting listeners to moments of introspection. Are there any films or visual art forms that inspire you when you compose?
Yes, I can definitely say that film is a strong presence as a form of visual art in my composition process. For me, composing isn’t just about creating melodies and harmonies; it’s also a visual and narrative experience. I often picture scenic spaces that reflect specific emotions, or even the interaction between characters or objects. When I think of cinema, I’m drawn to scripts that evoke a sense of hope and leave me with a positive feeling. But I believe the most impactful inspiration for me comes from a film’s visual aesthetic: the choice of shots, images, and lighting. This kind of aesthetic care, which goes beyond narrative, really inspires me. One Portuguese film I could mention is A Metamorfose dos Pássaros, which, in my opinion, beautifully combines visual poetry.
Álbum de Retratos has such a poetic title. What inspired the concept behind this album?
This is my first major work as a composer, and from the start, I felt it needed to be something intimate and genuine. For me, the creative process has always been a path of self-discovery, and composing this album opened not only a space for music but also a window into my personal journey. The title reflects a careful and artistic intention to gather the experiences and influences that have shaped me along the way. Just as a photo album holds memories, this work is a collection of meaningful moments, emotions, and reflections that have left their mark on me. Each track in the album is like a moving, sonic photograph, capturing a unique moment that, when viewed closely, reveals a story, an emotion, and a lesson.
Through this project, I explored the emotions that I’ve encountered, creating a portrait of my interpretations of people, moments, generations, and culture. This title also represents the idea of capturing and preserving these significant moments. The piano throughout the album speaks as a narrator, telling these stories. The inspiration for this project is, undoubtedly, a celebration of life and a tribute to the adventures that shape who we are. It is my invitation to reflect on our own journeys.
What do you hope listeners will take away from Álbum de Retratos, and how do you envision your music impacting them on a personal level?
Firstly, the idea of flipping through a photo album serves as a metaphor that suggests an introspective journey. I hope that listeners feel encouraged to embark on this emotional trip, reflecting on their own memories and stories as they create their own album of portraits. I also hope that listeners can feel inspired and motivated, able to dream and find some comfort. I believe that on a personal level, listeners may be confronted with some inner questions and may be transported to specific situations from their lives.
Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
I am very excited about everything that is to come and the possibilities that may arise in future projects. For now, there is nothing concrete that I can share, but I know there is a strong desire to explore musical diversity, and that is what motivates me the most. I have a whole world ahead of me!
Are there any genres or musical styles that you haven’t yet explored but would like to in future works?
Music offers an abundance of possibilities, and there is so much I want to explore. I consider myself a curious person with diverse musical interests and a fascination for sonic variety. First and foremost, I would like to continue uncovering the capabilities of the piano, an instrument of incomparable richness and depth. I feel that its complexity is so vast that I may not have enough years in my life to absorb everything it has to offer. I also have a strong desire to compose for orchestra, which is one of my great dreams. Additionally, there are musical styles that resonate with me and that are not evident in the Álbum de Retratos, such as soul, R&B, and electronic music, which I would love to incorporate into my future projects, always creating a crossover with my guiding thread, which is classical music. And of course, I want to continue exploring African music, Brazilian music, and jazz.
Finally, from your perspective, what is the meaning of life?
For me, life means being alive, and being alive means feeling. Life invites us to experience every emotion, every moment, and every experience. I believe it opens up and reveals itself in its fullness when we allow ourselves to discover both ourselves and the world around us. I think that allowing ourselves to feel is an act of courage; it is embracing the vulnerability that can come with the various situations we experience. It is about exploring possibilities, discovering what inspires and liberates us, allowing our essence to manifest without constraints.
When I try to position myself and reflect on this question, I think that life is made up of simple moments, and it is in the details of a simple smile, a sincere conversation, or a loving glance that I find my answers. Everything revolves around a single word: LOVE. To love and to be loved is, in my opinion, what truly gives life meaning. When we love, we give something of great value from ourselves, and by receiving love, we are embraced in a safe space where we can flourish.