Gabe Stillman officially joins the Gulf Coast Records roster with What Happens Next?, a fearless sophomore album that captures the tension between uncertainty and resolve. Rooted in modern blues unafraid to stretch beyond tradition, the record crackles with grit, groove, and lived-in emotion — presenting an artist who isn’t waiting for answers, he’s moving forward without them.
Stillman has spent the last decade earning his reputation the hard way — on the road, on the bandstand and in the studio. A rising force in contemporary blues, he first turned heads after winning Gibson’s Best Guitarist Award at the International Blues Challenge 2019, quickly establishing himself as a prominent guitarist and as a songwriter with his first original album reaching top 10 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Since then, he’s toured extensively across the U.S, building a devoted following drawn to his soulful vocals, sharp guitar work, and honest storytelling.
Across What Happens Next?, Stillman digs deep into themes of self-reckoning, loss, pride, and renewal. Songs wrestle openly with identity, shame, and hard-earned perspective, balancing moments of vulnerability with sharp wit and raw confidence. Whether confronting inner demons or finding humour in heartbreak, the writing feels honest and unfiltered, anchored by muscular musicianship.
The album stands as a statement of growth through motion — accepting change, facing consequences, and choosing momentum over fear. High-energy yet emotionally grounded, What Happens Next? captures an artist fully stepping into his voice, embracing both the weight of experience and the freedom that comes with trusting it.
With this release, Gabe Stillman takes a defining step forward, and Gulf Coast Records proudly welcomes an artist who embodies the label’s ethos — music rooted in the blues, driven by truth, and unafraid to push ahead into the unknown.
What Happens Next? doesn’t offer easy answers — it dares the listener to keep moving anyway.
Credits
Gabe Stillman: Vocal & Guitar
Alice Spencer: Backing Vocal
Colin Beatty: Bass
Eric Roberts: Key’s
Ray Hangen: Drums
Mark “kaz” Kazanoff: Saxophone (Track 9)
Anson Funderburgh: Producer & Guitar (Track 5)
Executive Producers: Guy Hale, Mike Zito & Oliver Overton
Tracklisting
1. What Happens Next?
2. Yesterday’s Donuts
3. The Man I’m Supposed To Be
4. Someone In My Mirror
5. Shame Shame
6. Scremin’
7. I’ve Got To Use My Imagination
8. Living Your Life
9. Gentle On My Mind