Meet Gabe Shaddow

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabe Shaddow. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabe below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Gabe with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

HARD WORK BEATS TALENT.. AND RUNS ALL OVER IT..

My work ethic comes from a mix of my upbringing and my relentless drive to innovate—it feels like a constant itch that keeps me moving forward. Growing up, I watched my grandparents work incredibly hard to achieve the ‘American Dream,’ which instilled in me a deep respect for dedication and perseverance. It taught me the value of never giving up, knowing that eventually, hard work pays off.

I like to think of success as a VIP line. The person at the front has the spotlight and the chance to succeed. Everyone else in line is working hard, waiting for their turn, but they never give up or leave the line. When you reach the front, you’re given the opportunity—the spotlight—and it’s up to you to seize it. If you don’t, you step back in line and start again. You can quit and leave the line entirely, but doing so shows what you were really made of. That perspective reminds me that the hardest times, when quitting feels easiest, are the moments that define you.

I’ve also realized that passion drives discipline. I wake up every day excited to push creative boundaries, and that excitement fuels my commitment to learning more, improving my craft, and working harder. To me, work ethic isn’t just about achieving success—it’s about earning it.

This journey isn’t over. I wouldn’t say I’ve achieved everything I ultimately want, but I’m on the path, and as long as I stay in line, there’s no way to fail. Every ‘L’ is a lesson, and optimism is my greatest coach.”

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

“I specialize in everything art—I thrive on challenges and finding creative solutions. My work spans music production, creative direction, and photography, and these are the areas I’m best known for. I love pushing boundaries and exploring innovative ways to connect with audiences through visuals, sound, and storytelling.

Right now, I’m especially excited about the potential of AI. I’ve been using and studying it for almost four years, and it’s become a core part of my creative toolkit. With AI, I’ve created songs, voice models, videos, and graphics, and I truly believe it’s the future. As it continues to evolve, it will reshape industries, and those who embrace it will thrive while others may be left behind.

My journey feels limitless at this point. I’ve worked hard to build a foundation that allows me the freedom to pursue and conquer whatever’s meant for me. I trust life’s course, knowing that my hard work and passion will lead me to the right opportunities.

This year, I’ve had the privilege of working on groundbreaking projects, including Don Toliver’s ‘Hardstone Psycho’—which featured the National Anthem track created with one of my close friends, Matty Spatola. It was an incredibly exciting moment. Another highlight has been bringing AI vocals into the mainstream. Collaborating with artists like Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign to create high-end AI voice models has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. This work allows me to blend innovation with artistry, setting a new standard in music production and showcasing an entirely new creative frontier.

I often draw inspiration from Virgil Abloh, whose philosophy of embracing limitless creativity resonates deeply with me. He always encouraged pushing boundaries, breaking rules, and challenging norms. I naturally live by that mindset. Taking a route that’s never been done before can feel intimidating, but even at my lowest points, I feel empowered—like an army charging forward on horses, staying focused and driven. Virgil’s words remind me to nurture all my ideas, even if they take longer. I bet on myself every time.

I compare my creative journey to watering plants. Each idea and project requires care, patience, and dedication to grow. It may take time to tend to all my plants, but soon, I’ll have a thriving nursery. One plant alone isn’t enough—I’d rather cultivate a garden of possibilities than look back and regret not trying.

Ultimately, my goal is to keep growing, learning, and creating. Whether it’s through art, technology, or storytelling, I aim to leave a lasting impact and inspire others to embrace creativity without limits.”

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Adaptability
The ability to adapt to new trends, tools, and challenges has been crucial. In an industry that’s constantly evolving—whether it’s new technology like AI or shifts in creative demands—staying flexible has allowed me to grow and stay relevant. For those starting out, my advice is to stay curious and open to change. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore new techniques or fields. The willingness to learn is a superpower in any creative field.

Discipline
Passion can get you started, but discipline is what keeps you moving forward, especially when things get tough. There were countless late nights, tight deadlines, and moments of doubt, but having the discipline to stay focused on my goals kept me on track. My advice is to build strong habits early. Treat your craft like a job—set daily goals, manage your time wisely, and always follow through. The small, consistent efforts add up to big results over time.

Creative Problem-Solving
Every project comes with its own set of challenges, whether it’s finding the right sound, creating something visually striking, or navigating technical limitations. Creative problem-solving has been my way of turning obstacles into opportunities. For those early in their journey, I’d say embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate. Push yourself to find solutions, even if they’re unconventional. The more problems you solve, the more confident you’ll become in your abilities.

My overarching advice is to stay patient and trust the process. Growth takes time, and the journey isn’t always linear. Stay hungry for knowledge, be resilient when things get hard, and remember that every step—no matter how small—is progress.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always open to collaborations and partnerships, especially with individuals or organizations that share a vision for innovation and creativity. Currently, I’m looking for a partner to establish an AI department at a major music label. The vision is to develop a set number of AI-produced collaborative albums each year, showcasing how this groundbreaking technology can reshape the music industry and redefine the creative process.
In addition to this, I want to plan a gallery exhibit to celebrate the last 10 years of my photography career. This retrospective will highlight my journey, growth, and the stories behind my work. I’m seeking to collaborate with curators, event planners, or brands who are passionate about supporting this kind of artistic showcase.
I’m always excited to explore new ideas and projects. If you’re passionate about pushing boundaries in art, music, or technology, let’s connect and see how we can create something extraordinary together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gabeshaddow.com
• Instagram: @gabeshaddow
• Linkedin: Gabe Shaddow