Gabriel Coffing

Gabriel Coffing's musical journey began before he even realized it. "I don't have a specific memory or inspiration because I have been playing music for, quite literally, as long as I can remember," he reflects. Growing up, Gabriel was constantly surrounded by music, making it an integral part of his life from the start. The rhythms and melodies were as natural to him as breathing, setting the foundation for his future as a musician.

Gabriel's approach to drumming has been significantly shaped by bands that push the boundaries of conventional time signatures and musical complexity. "Genesis, Tool, Karnivool, and Animals as Leaders have all shaped how I approach the drums and how I can place them within a song so that they help support other instruments," he explains. These influences have taught him the importance of creating a cohesive sound, where each instrument plays a crucial role in the overall composition. "Plus, they don't play in 4/4 much, which is terrific," he adds with a grin.

For many years, Gabriel thought his feelings of being out of place in social situations were just part of his quirky personality. "Turns out, I am actually on the spectrum. It's high functioning, but it does explain some things," he reveals. This self-discovery has allowed him to better understand himself and navigate his interactions with others.

Drums were Gabriel's first instrument and remain his primary passion. "I am entirely self-taught on these instruments, although I have to give a shoutout to YouTube and Wikipedia for helping me out along the way," he says. His journey with music began with the drums, but he also enjoys playing the piano and bass guitar. The self-taught nature of his learning process has instilled in him a deep sense of independence and creativity.

Gabriel's songwriting process is rooted in rhythm. "I can't write lyrics at all, so I stay away from them. I usually start with some kind of rhythmic idea and start building around that first," he explains. This method allows him to create a solid foundation for his compositions, ensuring that the rhythmic elements are strong and cohesive.

One of Gabriel's most memorable performances took place at the Newport in Columbus, OH. "I remember getting on stage to play, and then getting off stage after playing. I have no memory of actually playing because I was trying not to mess up," he recounts. The adrenaline and excitement of performing to a packed house made the experience both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

In a world without music, Gabriel envisions himself in the fields of finance or computer science. "It would make up for all of the money I would NOT be making as a musician," he jokes. Outside of music, his interests include video games and movies. "When I was a young man, I was a Dark Souls fiend, but now my patience isn't what it used to be to play those kinds of games," he admits.

One of Gabriel's favorite songs to perform live is "Tooth and Claw" by Animals as Leaders. "The sheer power of that song makes it tremendously fun to play, assuming you can do it correctly," he says. The breakdown in the song resonates deeply with him, making every performance an exhilarating experience.

Gabriel considers himself fortunate to have faced relatively few obstacles in his music career. However, the physical demands of playing the drums have been a constant challenge. "The only real obstacle I have had to face is the never-ending desire to NOT play drums anymore because my bones hurt, and I am tired of lugging drums around everywhere," he shares. Despite this, his passion for music keeps him going.

Looking ahead, Gabriel is excited about the future with Crossing the Rubicon. "Hopefully I won't get kicked out," he jokes. "Besides that, I am excited to create more technical sounding music that is as accessible to as many people as possible." He is particularly enthusiastic about incorporating more jazz influences into the band's music, aiming to blend technical proficiency with broad appeal.

As a member of the LGBT+ community, Gabriel is passionate about issues affecting this group. "I believe it shouldn't be that hard for people to just mind their own business when it comes to someone's preferred identity and preference for relationships," he asserts. His advocacy is driven by a desire for greater acceptance and understanding in society.

To relax and unwind, Gabriel enjoys playing slightly stressful video games with friends. "Slightly stressful games with the boys, of course," he says with a smile. One of his favorite movies is "Magnolia" by P.T. Anderson. "Don't let its 3-hour runtime deter you from witnessing perfection," he advises, highlighting his appreciation for complex and emotionally rich storytelling.

Gabriel dreams of visiting Switzerland or the Nordic countries. "I yearn for the cold and mountains, and if I actually visited those countries, I don't think I would come back," he confesses. The allure of these landscapes, with their serene beauty and majestic mountains, captivates his imagination.

Gabriel Coffing's memoir is a testament to his lifelong dedication to music, his unique approach to drumming, and his unwavering passion for creating meaningful art. His journey reflects the power of self-discovery, the joy of musical exploration, and the importance of advocating for acceptance and understanding in the world.