To Dry a Tear: Part II

Khamari

with Gabriel Jacoby

About Khamari

Khamari is a Boston-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his soulful blend of R&B, old soul, and alt-rock influences. A classically trained musician who picked up the violin at age four, Khamari honed his sound with a deeply personal, self-taught approach that led to the acclaimed release of his debut EP Eldorado in 2020, followed by his major label debut A Brief Nirvana in 2023, which earned nearly 50 million Spotify streams across standout tracks like “Doctor, My Eyes” and “These Four Walls.” His latest work, including the introspective single “Head in a Jar,” reflects his continued evolution as a storyteller and producer, drawing inspiration from icons like D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Buckley, Mazzy Star, and even director Christopher Nolan. Rooted in vulnerability and cinematic emotion, Khamari’s music captures the universal pursuit of connection and meaning, cementing his place as one of R&B’s most compelling new voices.

About Gabriel Jacoby

With just a few releases under his belt, Gabriel Jacoby has quickly energized a passionate fan base that have declared him as their successor to the likes of Prince, D’Angelo, Maxwell, and more. Needless to say, he is in good company with such comparisons which were inspired by Gabriel’s latest string of singles such as the gently melodic “forever”, the reflective “be careful”, and “the one” which was described by Billboard as “a spunky and funky ode to an undeniable love” and “a breath of fresh air that picks up on the undercurrent of funk that’s coursed through contemporary R&B all year.”

Jacoby was born in rural Anderson, South Carolina, the oldest of seven children. His mother worked as a photographer and editor, while his father, also an artist, balanced a series of day jobs. Following in their creative footsteps, Jacoby began playing piano at a young age. During his formative years, the family relocated to Tampa, Florida, where he added bass, drums, guitar, and production to his repertoire. By his teens, Jacoby was recording in a home studio and sharing music on SoundCloud, with early Rap-driven tracks like 2016’s “Mr. Poet” earning six-figure streams. Just as momentum began to build, Gabriel spent more than half a year behind bars, an experience he describes as formative, though harrowing. “I’d never wish that on anybody. Meeting people there—people who may never leave that place—gave me perspective.” Years later, that ordeal fuels his commitment to living on the straight and narrow and using his voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. By his twenties, Jacoby’s sound had evolved beyond Rap into a broader fusion of influences. “My main thing always was, I don’t want anything to be boxed in,” Gabriel says. After three years of impactful singles and 2025’s debut project, Gabriel Jacoby is on a path, but it is part of a deeper calling. “I want to help people. There’s not enough love in the world. While I’m alive, I know some people who need that sustenance.”

After three years of impactful singles and 2025’s debut project, Gabriel Jacoby is on a path, but it is part of a deeper calling. “I want to help people. There’s not enough love in the world. While I’m alive, I know some people who need that sustenance. I know people that need attention and they need someone to look up to so they could get up out of whatever they’re going through.” Calling gutta child his “most colorful” music to date, Gabriel Jacoby is eager to perform these songs and build bridges. As with their lyrics and production, authenticity and connection are his calling cards. “I want the crowd to feel like they’re there with me, whether they’re listening at home or they’re at a show. I see them. There’s no wall in between us; I’m here with you.”