In the music industry, the drive for success frequently collides with various hurdles.
Guitar Gabby shares her experience of launching an extraordinary band, comprised of 35 gifted musicians from five different countries, and how this innovative venture has reshaped her artistic path.
Building a Diverse Community
Have you ever had to cancel a gig because band members couldn’t align their schedules? Or missed out on an incredible opportunity because someone was unavailable? These are challenges I faced, and they fueled my ambition to establish something extraordinary—an international band named TxLips (pronounced ‘tulips’).
This ensemble is not just a musical group; it’s a vibrant community that aims to inspire the next wave of rock musicians.
As a self-taught guitarist, I always felt a deep connection to rock music, but I craved representation in a field that often sidelined Black female musicians.
This realization spurred my desire to amplify diverse voices within the genre, leading to the inception of TxLips—a platform dedicated to ensuring that all musicians are heard.
Building a collective of 35 musicians allows me to approach performance opportunities with a fresh perspective.
When curating my team, I consider the type of project—be it live shows, studio sessions, film work, or educational outreach—while also taking into account factors like style, timing, and geographical location.
A New Direction in Music
The adventure began in 2016 when I joined forces with former Crime Mob artist Diamond ATL on her all-female project, which included music videos and a tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
It was a fantastic opportunity to craft something meaningful, especially for a girl like me, who once scoured magazines longing to see women who resembled me achieving their dreams.
I started reaching out to talented musicians in Atlanta, focusing on fostering a sense of community.
The band was initially dubbed Gurl Code, but its potential felt uncertain.
My previous experiences in music groups often left me feeling isolated as the sole female member.
Determined to create a collaborative atmosphere, I envisioned TxLips as a nurturing haven for women with shared aspirations.
As we embarked on filming music videos and touring alongside Diamond, I recognized that successful management was vital to our growth.
When logistical needs like tour schedules and setups went unmet, I stepped in, assuming the role of manager.
This newfound responsibility taught me essential organizational skills and prompted me to approach our band operation with a business mindset, ultimately leading us to transition from Gurl Code to The TxLips Band.
Today, our band thrives through three distinct branches:
- TxLips Gang: Dedicated to live performances, film projects, and studio recordings.
- TxLips Academy: Committed to educating musicians in music strategy, legal knowledge, and sustainability, while partnering with camps and universities to nurture future talents.
- TxLips Consulting Group: Providing strategic and legal support to musicians and creative organizations.
Embracing the Future
During our early independent tour, I had the exhilarating chance to open for the Indigo Girls.
Although we had several shows lined up, scheduling conflicts prevented us from performing more than four or five.
The chaos of arranging last-minute rehearsals and teaching setlists was overwhelming.
It became clear that a significant shift in direction was necessary.
Transforming Guitar Gabby & The TxLips Band into an international collective has unlocked a world of possibilities.
Now, we can showcase our unique perspectives on stage and in the studio without the constraints we previously faced.
Our visibility has soared, catching the attention of Netflix for *The Harder They Fall*, and leading to collaborations with artists like Young Thug, Calvin Harris, and Dua Lipa, along with various television appearances.
This dynamic model has allowed TxLips Academy to expand its reach beyond a single city, fostering relationships with educational institutions worldwide.
Meanwhile, our Consulting Group has evolved, supporting musicians and offering strategic advice to organizations focused on sustainability.
Although this structure deviates from the traditional band framework, it captures the true spirit of music—connection.
It has given me fresh insights into collaboration and creativity.
While venturing into this unfamiliar territory required a bold leap of faith, the rewards have been immeasurable.
This journey has encouraged me to embrace diverse influences and explore new genres, expanding my musical horizons beyond what I once thought possible.
It has also highlighted the importance of recognizing and honoring those who push boundaries in the industry, such as celebrating guitar innovators at the Grammys.
By honoring these trailblazers, we not only acknowledge their contributions but also inspire future generations of musicians to think outside the box and redefine the art of collaboration.
I urge fellow musicians to assess their long-term goals.
Are your current strategies enhancing your connection with your audience, or are they creating barriers?
The joy that washes over me when I look into the crowd and see faces reflecting our music is beyond words.
By making thoughtful changes, we can grab every opportunity that comes our way.
Life is about taking meaningful risks, and I’m thrilled to witness the transformative effects of doing so within TxLips.