“Snowbird,” 7 Million Followers & Finding Her Sound | Gabi Sklar
Gabi Sklar joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CMA Fest 2026 for a conversation about “Snowbird,” building an audience of more than 7 million followers, navigating social media success, and finally creating music that feels like home.
Blending pop, country and singer-songwriter storytelling, Gabi has spent years developing her sound while building a massive online audience. But behind the millions of followers is an artist still working through the same questions many musicians face: What kind of music feels authentic? When is a song actually finished? And how do you stop worrying about the algorithm long enough to create something meaningful?
Gabi Sklar opens up about “Snowbird,” finding her authentic sound, and preparing for the next chapter of her music during CMA Fest 2026.
Finding a Home With “Snowbird”
“Snowbird” represents an important moment in Gabi's evolution as an artist.
During her Heart of the Gulch interview, she explains how finding the right sound hasn't happened overnight. Her music has continued to evolve alongside her own experiences, influences and understanding of the kind of artist she wants to become.
Now, she's reaching a point where the music feels increasingly natural.
Rather than chasing a particular genre or expectation, Gabi is allowing elements of pop, country and singer-songwriter music to come together in a way that feels like her.
Seven Million Followers vs. Making Meaningful Music
Having more than 7 million followers across social media creates opportunities most emerging artists would dream about.
It can also create pressure.
Gabi opens up about navigating a career where algorithms, engagement and online performance can become impossible to ignore.
The challenge is learning how to use those platforms without allowing them to dictate the music.
For Gabi, social media may help people discover the songs—but creating something meaningful still has to come first.
Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza sits down with Gabi Sklar at CMA Fest 2026 to talk songwriting, social media success and life as an emerging artist.
Sometimes a Song Takes Five Versions
Songwriting isn't always a straight line.
Gabi shares how she works with trusted collaborators and why certain songs can take years—or several completely different versions—before finally becoming what they were supposed to be.
That willingness to keep revisiting an idea has become part of her creative process.
Sometimes the first version works.
Other times, you have to tear it apart and find the song hiding underneath.
Imposter Syndrome and Artist Development
Millions of followers don't automatically eliminate self-doubt.
Gabi gets candid about imposter syndrome, artist development and learning to trust herself as her career continues to grow.
Finding confidence has gone hand-in-hand with finding her sound.
It's also part of why this chapter feels different. Instead of simply figuring out how to reach more people, she's figuring out what she wants to say when they arrive.
Gabi Sklar reflects on building an audience of more than 7 million followers while learning to balance social media, creativity and meaningful music.
Gabi Sklar's First CMA Fest
CMA Fest 2026 marked another milestone: Gabi's first CMA Fest experience.
She brought her music to Nashville's Spotlight Stage while experiencing one of country music's biggest weekends from the artist side for the first time.
For an artist whose audience has grown globally through social media, performing face-to-face with country music fans offers a very different kind of connection.
And there's much more ahead.
The Debut Album Comes Next
Gabi is now looking toward her debut album and the next phase of her music.
“Snowbird” offers a glimpse at where she's heading, but the bigger story may be the confidence she's developing along the way.
The numbers are impressive. Seven million followers will get anyone's attention.
But Gabi Sklar's next chapter isn't simply about growing that number.
It's about making sure the music people discover when they find her finally sounds like Gabi Sklar.
Watch Gabi Sklar on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Gabi Sklar interview from CMA Fest 2026 as she joins Tony Mendoza to discuss “Snowbird,” reaching more than 7 million followers, songwriting, social media, imposter syndrome, her first CMA Fest, finding her authentic sound and preparing for her debut album.
Tony Mendoza and Gabi Sklar together following her Heart of the Gulch interview during her first CMA Fest in Nashville.
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations with country artists, songwriters and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
