San Gabriel releases new single & video "Play With Fire"
San Gabriel releases new single & video "Play With Fire"
New Album Nights and Weekends out August 15 on Share It Music
Stream: "Play With Fire" on All Digital Platforms
Watch: "Alone In My Room" video on YouTube
Stream: "Alone In My Room" on All Digital Platforms
San Gabriel is excited to release their new single "Play With Fire" along with its accompanying music video. The track debuted today at Glide Magazine and is on all digital platforms for playlist shares. The song is the latest pre-release single from their debut album Nights and Weekends on Seattle-based non-profit label Share It Music (pre-order). In support of Share It Music’s mission, a portion of proceeds from the album will be donated to San Gabriel’s chosen charity, HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians), a nonprofit providing access to affordable healthcare for Austin's working musicians.
For more information visit: https://www.myhaam.org
“Play With Fire” explores themes of independence, emotional clarity, and the personal growth that comes from setting healthy boundaries. Vocalist and songwriter James Bookert reflects on its inspiration:
“'Play With Fire’ is about a relationship coming to an end. It was written when I was still touring with my ex-band Whiskey Shivers. By this point in our band, our tours had devolved into over-the-top partying, and general shenanigans that I no longer wanted to be a part of. And while the shows were growing in size, it was no longer a safe or healthy environment.
To make ends meet, I took a job in an East Austin liquor store, where I was able to write and record music during my shift, as long as the shelves were stocked. My boss was really cool, and he’d let me come in on Sundays when the shop was closed and work on music, or record guitars or vocals.
“Play With Fire” delves into themes of independence, self-awareness, and emotional boundaries. As I was writing the song, I was gaining a new-found sense of self-confidence, while learning to stand on my own both personally and professionally.
In short, “Play With Fire” is a reflection on growth, independence and setting boundaries that serves both as a warning and declaration. Sort of a reminder to myself to be mindful of my boundaries and energy that I put into relationships that may or may not be healthy or beneficial.
"Play With Fire" follows the band's acclaimed singles "Running Out Of Time" and "Alone In My Room" which are out now on all streaming services.
In addition to the upcoming album on Share It Music, San Gabriel is proud to announce their signing with Sub Pop Publishing, marking a new chapter in their artistic journey.
San Gabriel is the solo project of James Bookert, known for his past work with Whiskey Shivers, and collaborations with artists like Harvey Mason Jr., Ester Dean, Trinidad James, DJ Khaled, and Anna Kendrick on the Pitch Perfect 3 soundtrack. After stepping away from Whiskey Shivers and enduring personal health challenges, Bookert began recording the deeply personal debut album —written and produced entirely during off-hours while working at a liquor store in East Austin.
Affectionately named after his shifts in the liquor store, San Gabriel’s debut record, Nights and Weekends, is a collection of synth forward optimistically melancholic songs, chronicling Bookert’s tackling of lost love, grief, and grappling with an uncertain future both musically and professionally.
After a chance meeting with Griff Washburn of Goth Babe at Austin City Limits, Bookert was offered a position in Goth Babe’s touring band as a keyboardist, singer and guitarist which he still holds.
In 2024 he was selected as winner of Hyundai’s ‘Your Journey, Your Track’ contest and was most recently awarded 2024’s ‘PNW Music Awards’ ‘Best Synth Pop Song’ for his song "Over My Shoulder."
Photo credit: Kassy Balli
