Gal Pal is a band based out of LA.
We recently had the chance to talk to Gal Pal about their latest release, imposter syndrome, and ambiguity.
When and how did you get started with music? What made you come together to form Gal Pal?
We all had backgrounds with music individually growing up. We all met in college where we lived on the same floor in the dorms. Though we weren’t close our freshman year, we spent the later half of our sophomore year playing music together. Super casual at first. Shay even said she would never perform in front of anyone! Then we played our first house show and we were hooked.
What inspired the name Gal Pal?
We liked the meaning of the phrase. It’s an ambiguous term for people (femmes) who are maybe kissing. Identity is ambiguous and always changing and it just felt right to be named after something that we can all connect to.
Tell us a little about your latest release Unrest/Unfeeling. What did the creative process look like? What was the inspiration behind the music and cover art?
We spent 9 months writing and recording these songs. We started most of the songs while still living in Santa Cruz. Then after moving to LA, the songs were able to develop much further. We met Franklin Newby, a local musician who helped us record and work through these songs. Writing always begins with one of us who introduces a chord progression or a riff and then we each add what we can. Overall the process is very democratic and equally collaborative. Individual life transitions molded the feelings and themes behind the EP. The art represents the uncertainty we have had moving froward since moving home from college.
If you were to give any advice to up and coming musicians, what would it be?
Ask for favors, take up space, set up the show, you deserve it. Prioritize yourself and your passions.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve overcome as musicians/artists?
For Shayna: Finding balance between music and other life passions. For Emelia: comparing self to others and having imposter syndrome. Nico feels both
What can we expect for the future from Gal Pal?
More music, more shows. That’s all we know for now :)
You can keep up with Gal Pal on instagram @galpalmusic and find their music here: