For GABBY BLACK, changing languages is not an aesthetic decision, but a way of existing. Raised in Puerto Rico and trained in an environment where Spanish and English coexist daily, the artist begins 2026 with “Holding Me Back”, a single that turns code-switching into an emotional and narrative tool. In the song, Spanish functions as an intimate space for reflection, while English appears as a firm and liberating statement, amplifying the message of letting go, healing and regaining self-love.
That back and forth between languages—between introspection and affirmation—defines not only the sound of “Holding Me Back,” but also the new artistic era that Gabby Black begins to build this year. Written with Danimac and produced by Pipe Bernal, the song fuses ethereal alt-pop with urban energy and dark pop, and reflects a bicultural identity that refuses to be pigeonholed. In this interview, Gabby delves into how expressing yourself in two languages allows you to say more, feel more, and go further. We invite you to read the full interview and discover how that duality becomes a creative force.
“Holding Me Back” opens 2026 as a declaration of liberation. At what moment did you know that this song was not just a single, but the beginning of a new artistic era?
For me it represented the beginning of a new way of making music: honest, free and aligned with myself. From there, everything that comes is born with that clarity. I felt like this song had to come out first because it marks a stage in which my music and my artistic identity move forward together and sparks curiosity about what will come next.
In the song you consciously play with code-switching: Spanish as an introspective space and English as a direct statement. How does that contrast reflect your emotional process and your bicultural identity?
The language change is very intentional because that’s how my inner world works; This is how I think and speak. I grew up speaking both languages, and in Spanish I feel like I can express deeper emotions, while English allows me to be more direct. When the song switches to English, the emotion has already been processed and becomes a statement. That contrast reflects my bicultural identity: I constantly move between reflection and affirmation. It’s not a stylistic choice, it’s my truth.
Although the song starts from a love breakup, the message transcends the romantic. What do you hope anyone who listens to it takes away?
Although it was born from a breakup, the message goes much further. I hope that those who feel trapped understand that it is okay to let go of what is no longer aligned with who they are. This song is about choosing yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable, and trusting that letting go can also be a way to heal. The video is now available on YouTube and visually represents that process.
The song was born in a single session with Danimac and Pipe Bernal. What made everything flow so clearly?
We took the time to get to know each other, talk about my vision and share references. The focus was clear from the start: tell a happy-sad story that others could identify with. The collaboration was organic, nothing felt forced. My process usually starts with melodies, letting emotion guide the theme. Creative differences became a strength and from there “Holding Me Back” was born.
Your music lives between the vulnerable and the dark. How do you avoid getting pigeonholed?
I don’t identify with just one gender. I like to experiment, take on creative challenges and get out of my comfort zone. Each song is different, but they all maintain a recognizable essence. I want whoever is listening to say, “that’s Gabby Black.” My intention is to build my own language, without labels.
What did you have to let go of to enter this new stage?
I had to let go of insecurities and parts of the past where I put others before myself. I got to a point where I didn’t feel like myself, but my dreams have always been bigger than settling. This song saved me and reminded me that accepting also means knowing how to let go, and that many times limitations do not come from you.
If this topic is the starting point, what can we expect from your 2026?
“Holding Me Back” begins a storyline that will develop throughout the year. There will be songs to heal, let go, feel nostalgia, dance and collaborate. You can expect a lot of new music and a clear evolution. Everything that comes will be in my releases and on my networks: @gabbyyblack.
