East Anglian based grunge-pop riser Gabby Rivers shares the title track from her anticipated upcoming EP What is the problem?, due 5th feb 2026.
Crunching, distorted bass, fuzzy guitar lines, and gritty production create a driving blend of garage-rock and grunge under Gabby’s catchy melodies and angsty, honest lyricism. Displaying the alt-rock meets indie-pop approach which stylises her upcoming 7-track EP, the new single builds tension through its verses before delivering an anthemic, earworm chorus. At the midpoint, an explosive breakdown gives way to a dense, swelling guitar section, culminating in a triumphant chant that closes the track with full-force energy.
Speaking about the single Gabby explains: “What is the problem?’ is about the emotional weight of being close to someone who always seems to have an issue with everything, and makes those issues everyone else’s responsibility. It’s about the frustration of constantly picking up the pieces they leave behind, feeling like you’re expected to fix things that were never yours to begin with, and realizing how impossible that can be.
We wrote this track in the middle of the recording process for the EP, and it felt like the EP came together as a whole afterwards. It started out as a slow sad song on the acoustic guitar, but I told the band I wanted it to be angsty and angry. My guitarist came up with the lead part you hear in the middle, and we instantly connected with it. From there, the song took on a new life and I felt like our alternative rock sound really developed. We had so much fun in the recording process, lots of experimenting and recording so many group vocals.”
Gabby Rivers has been making waves on her local music scene while steadily building a national presence. She has sold out shows across the South East of the UK and performed at major festivals such as Reading and Leeds, Latitude, Wild Fields, Secret Garden Party, and Wildpaths Music Festival, showcasing her growing appeal and influence in live music.
Backed by a talented five-piece band, Gabby has gained recognition from prominent media outlets including BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 1, New Noise, Earmilk, 1883 Magazine, Atwood Magazine, Dork, Ones To Watch, and Notion. Her music has also earned spots on editorial playlists on Spotify and Apple Music. She has supported acts like Congratulations, Vistas, Coach Party, Tiny Umbrellas, Courteeners and Ellie Dixon, further solidifying her reputation as an exciting emerging artist.
Continuing her upward trajectory, Gabby Rivers continues to grow as an artist, cementing her place as an exciting up and comer.
Artwork by Ellenbphotography
Vocals – Gabby Rivers
Nik Booty – Drums
Stanley Horseman – Bass and Guitar
Nic Keeble – Lead guitar
Jason Rampling – Rhythm Guitar
Upcoming Live Dates:
Tuesday 28th October – London, New Cross Inn
Saturday 15th November – Headline, Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom
Saturday 29th November – HMV, Norwich
Thursday 5th Feb – Norwich Arts Centre, Headline
Gabby Rivers – What is the problem?
For music submission, click here
