El Paso has no shortage of talented musicians, but every so often, an artist comes along whose story feels just as powerful as their sound. Christopher Gabriel is one of those artists. With a guitar in hand, a soulful voice, and an honest songwriting style, Christopher is carving out a space in the local folk scene that feels grounded, sincere, and deeply human.
A Musician With an Unlikely Path
Before fully stepping into his music career, Christopher Gabriel lived many lives. He is a military veteran and a former Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition winner, an achievement made even more remarkable by the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger himself was present when Christopher took home the win. It is the kind of résumé that turns heads, but music has always been the constant thread running through his life.
Christopher’s musical journey began back in high school, where he quickly showed himself to be a natural. He excelled in jazz studies and explored a wide range of instruments and styles, building a strong foundation that now supports his stripped-down, songwriter-driven sound.
Folk Songwriting Rooted in Soul and Honesty
Today, Christopher’s music lives in the folk and singer-songwriter space, carried by a soulful voice and an emotional sincerity that connects instantly with listeners. His songs are not just performances, they are conversations. He uses music as a way to process his experiences in the military and to work through the challenges he continues to face in everyday life.
That honesty is what makes his sound resonate. It feels lived-in, thoughtful, and real, the kind of music that invites people to slow down and actually listen.
Recording New Music and Showing Up for the Scene
Courtesy of Christopher Gabriel
Courtesy of Christopher Gabriel
Christopher is currently working with Hush Hush Studios to record his first full album, a major milestone in a journey that has been building for years. At the same time, he remains committed to growth, regularly stepping onto the stage at the Barbed Wire Open Mic to test new material, sharpen his performance, and connect with the local creative community.
That willingness to show up, to practice in public, and to keep learning is part of what makes him such a strong presence in the El Paso music scene.
READ MORE: THE BARBED WIRE OPEN MIC IS THE BIGGEST IN EL PASO
Why Artists Like Christopher Matter
Local music thrives when artists are supported, seen, and encouraged to grow. Christopher Gabriel represents the kind of creative spirit that keeps El Paso’s arts community alive, musicians who bring their full selves into their work and invite others to do the same. Go find and support Christopher Gabriel so you can follow his journey as he grows!
By supporting local artists like Christopher, we are not just uplifting individual musicians. We are strengthening the cultural heartbeat of our city, one song, one stage, and one honest story at a time.
El Paso’s Premier Open Mic Night
The Barbed Wire Open Mic Series is El Paso’s biggest open mic! Recognized with an official day by the city of El Paso, BWOMS travels to venues all over the city offering opportunities for musicians, writers, and performers of all kinds to find a home on stage.
Gallery Credit: Grizz
El Paso’s Jazz+Poetry Night At International Bar
Every Thursday night at International Bar down by the Plaza, some of the best Jazz Musicians come out to shake the place up! And on rare nights, the poets come out to play too!!
Gallery Credit: Grizz
El Paso, TX Musician at The 2022 Grammys
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Roger Argenis