About this artist
It is impossible not to become infatuated with Gavin Turek. According to NPR, the LA native is a uniquely versatile entertainer. Whether through her live performances or her music - which seamlessly blends 70s funk inspired R&B with poignant, honest lyrics - Gavin will engage and inspire even the most casual and apathetic of listeners. It’s easy to draw comparisons anywhere from Tina Turner to Solange but really, Gavin is her own singular force. Performing always came natural: she grew up with a father who played piano and often tagged alongside her mother, who toured coffeeshops singing gospel. Growing up in Los Angeles, Gavin obsessively studied two things: music (the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Lauryn Hill, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson) and all forms of dance. Originally aspiring to be a professional dancer, Gavin spent years training and traveling abroad to India and Ghana, before eventually returning to singing and songwriting as her main medium of expression. Two special artists in particular became early champions for Gavin. Brainfeeder genius TOKiMONSTA is a longtime friend and collaborator. Early on in both their careers, she asked Gavin to contribute vocals to her productions, which lead to the fan favorite track “Darkest Dim" and a mini-album, "You're Invited." Mayer Hawthorne was next, not only inviting Gavin to open his sold out tours, but recruiting her as the female counterpart in his retro funk act Tuxedo with producer Jake Uno. In 2017, Gavin released her first solo EP titled “Good Look for You” via her own label Madame Gold Records. The EP garnered attention and praise from Stereogum, Nylon, Okayplayer, NPR, KCRW, and Billboard, all of which highlighted her undeniable songwriting chops and vertiginous sound - a dovetailing, harmonious union of retro and modern elements. She followed up with a string of captivating singles, including pop favorite "WHITNEY" and funk anthem “2AM,” which was paired with a stunning visual produced by Lena Waithe. Her music was subsequently stitched into the fabric of Netflix’s Dear White People and HBO’s High Maintenance, and she has since appeared as a musical guest on Conan and on-tour in Japan, UK, China, France and across the states supporting artists like Hayley Kiyoko and Tuxedo. Her highly anticipated debut album Madame Gold, produced by Childish Gambino collaborator Chris Hartz, drops this summer on her label, Madame Gold Records. After a tenuous, challenging writing process in 2019 that left her questioning her artistry and the project at large, Gavin took a step back to reevaluate the intentions for the material. She responded with a newfound vigor and commitment to round out the story she wanted to tell; a story “of a woman in flux, vulnerable and full of fear who found the courage to get back up and fight, ultimately saving herself.” Through sincere self-reflection amidst the seemingly endless complications of 2020, Gavin was able to reappraise her songwriting approach and rehabilitate the project, taking stock of her energy, her happiness, and her career with a prevailing feeling of personal conviction and responsibility.