Meet Raguel Gabriel | Tenor, Actor, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raguel Gabriel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raguel, how do you think about risk?
There is simply no growth or forward movement without some type of risk, big or small. I’ve had to make some very crucial decisions over the last decade and in my meditations, studies and pursuit of inspiration if you will, every story or person of interest that I read up on always took a huge risk before they were either led to success or at least to the path that aligned with their heart’s true desires. Faith, hope and courage-the lethal combo that I hold onto. Of course, there is always the fear factor and the concern about failure and what would happen if it doesn’t work out. But what if it does? And it’s that latter question that always gives me the utmost strength and the intense relentlessness to attack my goals and dreams with zero fear. You have to embrace risk to find out who you really are meant to be in this life. This one life. This life that is way shorter than people realize. To me, the thought of getting to the end and having tons of ‘what ifs’ and regrets in my head is the scariest thing-not the trials and challenges that I go through. By all means, I love challenges and welcome them because I know they will make me grow. In that way I am ever growing and becoming stronger. In the gym I lift weights progressively, every week adding more and more poundage as it’s the only way your muscles will grow-it’s the same in life. The greater your growth will be if you take on tougher risks and challenges. I can recall emptying my bank account and flying from the Caribbean to the US to audition for a drama school. I got in. Then deciding to stay after graduation and risking everything to stay. I’m still here. Producing my first classical German recital in Manhattan when people thought I was crazy. It was a success. Producing my follow up last year even when facing financial woes. I am still yielding its success. Even with matters of the heart, risking it all and recently opening my heart to fall in love and say ‘I love you’ first. I am also on the brink of taking another risk in the coming weeks with an artistic endeavor in New York City. Today is the day-write that script, enter that competition, start a new job. Whatever it is for you, you can do it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I still call myself a singing actor. I’ve added the title of producer a few years ago, not because I had the aspiration to at the time, but because I wanted to make my own way. I am a classically trained tenor, and professionally trained actor currently based in New York City, originating from the Caribbean. With all those things that I am, I am afforded the flexibility to move in several different areas. I can do an opera or recital, a classy musical, a Shakespearean play, or be on stage as a vocalist of any genre if I want to-and I have. For me it is simply about being on stage, where I come alive and in my purpose and element. The artistic life is not easy. I wanted to be trained well so I trained for years as a tenor and then spent three years at a conservatory acting in NYC and I still coach my voice. It’s a lot of work and people don’t see all those hours, days and years you put in, but that’s okay because when I show up on stage the work is evident and all the time and pressure is worth it in that moment. One of the greatest challenges is finding the balance in life, working to support yourself, finding a way to still be an artist in the midst of that and then of course somehow giving time to your personal life. I’ve been enjoying making that challenge work and I believe it is because of my determination, desire and the way I am simply wired to never give up when there’s something I want. A huge lesson learned though is to take time to rest. I always have to keep an eye on that as it is not uncommon for me to sleep as little as one hour a night sometimes! Other lessons-or reminders- would be to remember that things in life don’t happen to you, but for you. Everything is for a reason and when it is time-it is time. My story and who I am are living proof of that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Welcome to New York City! Where do I begin. It truly is the greatest city when it comes to always having something going on and something to appeal to every type of visitor. My taste is more left field so that means not doing the obvious choices haha. I’d take them to Jackson Heights, Queens to experience the food there. The diversity is mind blowing! From Filipino, Thai and Indian food to countless street vendors selling unique treats, you can do more than one food trip to this area. For a sit down and dine situation I would go to The Queensboro which is a really lovely restaurant. A food day trip to Flushing where the Asian food choices will blow your mind. We’d have to go to Ali’s Trinidad Roti Shop in Crown Heights, Brooklyn where I go to get my favorite food of them all. Chicken roti and doubles. Brooklyn is where you get a lot of authentic Caribbean food. Definitely grabbing chocolate cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery. Who’s playing at Madison Square Garden? It could be anyone from comedian Dave Chapelle to the iconic Janet Jackson. It’s a must do to visit the world famous Garden when you’re here. We’d see an opera at the Met, as there is nothing comparable to hearing unamplified voices at its dramatic best and a play at Roundabout Theatre or Perelman Performing Arts Center. Some mind-blowing up close magic at Speakeasy Magick in the Flatiron District. Late night drinks and hangout at literally anywhere in the West Village. Dancing all night into morning in Hell’s Kitchen. Escape from the noise a day or two to Upstate where you can get lost in nature or take a train to Montauk, the very tip end of Long Island. And that’s just a few things. I mean, it’s New York City!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to Jeffrey Middleton-my voice coach, a mentor, a friend and fellow Scorpion. Jeff has played a huge part in my development as a singer and a young man facing my specific challenges especially living in New York City. He has known my voice and I since I sang in my very first opera years ago, coached and accompanied me through leading roles, supported me when I was a student at drama school. Nowadays he is my coach and a collaborator and we work continuously on classical music together. He understands me and knows my artistic soul and what would appeal to it and work with my voice. For a singer that means the world. When we perform together (after the endless hours of practice and technicalities) there seems to be an invisible connector in between us and it is such a joy to work with him. I have to thank Jeff for his time, patience and willingness to impart his knowledge. For being tough on me and insisting on making sure every single detail is paid attention to. Thank you Jeff for helping making me the artist and singer I am!

Website: https://www.raguelgabriel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragueltgabriel/

Image Credits
Andres Hernandez

RTG Productions