Just a few months after our last conversation with Firebrand, frontman Gabe is back with another step forward in the project’s evolution. Following the release of “Untethered,” the alternative rock artist is finding himself at a pivotal moment, one where personal growth, artistic confidence, and the transition from a solo project into a full band are all beginning to intersect.
While Firebrand’s previous releases introduced listeners to Gabe’s songwriting and emotional honesty, “Untethered” feels like a defining statement. The song explores the struggle of codependency, inspired by the aftermath of past relationships and the process of learning to stand on your own again. Although the track was written over a year before its release, Gabe explained that revisiting those emotions unexpectedly helped him navigate similar experiences in the present.
“It’s kind of come full circle,” he shared. “It’s helped me process my current situation through what I was feeling back then.”
That sense of reflection extends beyond the lyrics. Gabe believes “Untethered” is the strongest song Firebrand has released to date, praising its more dynamic structure and willingness to step outside the traditional radio-rock formula. Rather than relying on familiar patterns, the track embraces layered arrangements and a broader sonic palette, giving listeners a glimpse of where Firebrand is headed next.
One of the biggest changes since our previous interview has happened behind the microphone. When Firebrand first began, Gabe had little experience as a vocalist. Now, after months of vocal lessons and consistent practice, he’s beginning to hear, and feel, the difference.
“I think I’m developing my own voice, literally,” he told us.
That progress isn’t just happening in the studio. Gabe’s goal is to bring Firebrand to the stage by the end of the year, marking the project’s first live performances and the beginning of its transition into a full-band experience. While “Untethered” was still written entirely by Gabe, future material will increasingly feature contributions from the musicians joining Firebrand’s lineup.
The visual side of the project has become just as important as the music itself. Rather than treating artwork as an afterthought, Gabe approaches every release as part of a larger story. The artwork for “Untethered” serves as the centerpiece for the upcoming EP, Disconnect, depicting a figure connected by wires that symbolize emotional dependence. On the EP’s back cover, those same cables lie unplugged on the ground, a visual representation of breaking free and rediscovering yourself.
For Gabe, every song exists within a larger narrative. While streaming often prioritizes individual singles, he’s passionate about creating records that reward listeners who experience them from beginning to end.
As Firebrand continues to grow, Gabe admits that his definition of success has evolved as well. Instead of measuring accomplishments through streaming numbers alone, he’s learned to appreciate smaller victories, whether that’s creating visuals that perfectly capture his vision, improving as a vocalist, or simply knowing he gave a release everything he had.
“I’ve been trying to see the smaller successes in my art and in my life,” he explained. “Making my vision fully realized and being happy with it comes first.”
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the journey has been hearing from listeners who have found comfort in Firebrand’s music. Whether it’s a message asking when the band will visit a new city or someone sharing how a song helped them through a difficult time, those moments continue to fuel Gabe’s motivation.
“Support is strangely quiet,” he reflected. “But knowing there are people connecting with the music makes it worth it.”
Looking ahead, the next chapter for Firebrand is already taking shape. Gabe hopes to make the band’s live debut later this year before expanding into regular performances and embracing a more collaborative writing process with his growing lineup. At the same time, the upcoming EP will close the current chapter of Firebrand’s story, allowing future releases to explore entirely new themes and sounds.
If “Untethered” is any indication, Firebrand isn’t simply building momentum—it’s building an identity. One rooted in honest songwriting, thoughtful world-building, and the willingness to keep evolving with every release. It’s still early in the band’s journey, but the foundation being laid today suggests there’s much more waiting just over the horizon.
MISFIT MAGAZINE 
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