Signing Story: Gayle

Ellen Woloshin // musicconnection.com

If there is any doubt that persistence, hard work and a certain singlemindedness are key ingredients to achieving your goals, Atlantic recording artist Gayle will tell you otherwise. Like many young girls, Gayle dreamt of becoming a singer since the age of seven, and like many, she didn’t have the slightest idea of how to get there. Inspired by Aretha Franklin, Gayle not only wanted to be a recording artist, but specifically wanted to be an Atlantic Records recording artist. Putting one foot in front of the other, she kept finding ways to sing anywhere she could; restaurants, malls and, being a native Texan, even rodeos.

A turning point for Gayle came when she got involved with the after-school program “Notes For Notes,” which offered access to quality instruments and a studio setting where young people could write songs and record themselves with the freedom to express whatever they felt with no creative barriers.

At 14, Gayle began making frequent trips from her home in Texas, to Nashville, participating in many writer- in-the-round events, striking up co-writer relationships. She also participated in pop-up performing opportunities in her genre.

Impressed with the authenticity in her songwriting and vocal chops, Gayle caught the eye of former American Idol judge and Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi, who eventually signed her to a publishing and artist development deal with her company, Arthouse Entertainment.

Unbeknownst to Gayle, DioGuardi was sending her songs to Atlantic over a two-year period. She was officially signed to the label in 2020.

As far as her deal goes, Gayle says she has a great team that supports her emotionally and financially with advance money as well as money for photo shoots and touring.

Gayle’s advice to those who are seeking record deals: “Do everything you can along the way toward that end goal. Break it down into smaller steps. What matters is moving forward.”

The artist is currently working on her Atlantic Records debut release at the ripe old age of 17. Her first single “abcdefu” has surpassed 1.1 billion streams globally.