San Gabriel releases new single & video "Close 2 U"

San Gabriel releases new single & video "Close 2 U"

New Album Nights and Weekends out August 15 on Share It Music

Stream: "Close 2 U" on All Digital Platforms

Watch: "Play With Fire" video on YouTube

Stream: "Play With Fire" on All Digital Platforms

San Gabriel is excited to release their new single “Close 2 U” along with its accompanying live music video. The track debuted today at Under The Radar and is on all digital platforms for playlist shares. It marks the final preview of their debut album Nights and Weekends out August 15 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

“Close 2 U” reflects the transitional moment in San Gabriel's James Bookert’s life when it was written  after stepping away from the chaotic touring life of his previous band, Whiskey Shivers, and finding creative refuge during off-hours at an East Austin liquor store.

Vocalist and songwriter James Bookert on the single: 

“Close 2 U” is a song about the emotional aftermath of losing someone who once felt close. It’s about the quiet heartbreak that comes when a relationship slowly fades, and you're left clinging to what used to be.

At its core, the song explores the tension between memory and reality. There’s a deep sense of longing, of wanting to turn back time or reconnect with a version of the past that felt safe and real.

As the song unfolds, it moves from raw devotion to a more reflective tone. The final refrain — “Time turns all things to memories” — speaks to that universal truth: eventually, even the most vivid relationships settle into the past, becoming something we carry rather than something we live.

This track is about that space between holding on and letting go — something most people, in one form or another, can relate to.

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.

"Close 2 U" follows the band's acclaimed singles "Play With Fire," "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