What Happens Next? Gabe Stillman

• 1 What Happens Next? 03:24
• 2 Yesterday’s Donuts 03:54
• 3 The Man I’m Supposed To Be 07:16
• 4 Someone In My Mirror 04:24
• 5 Shame Shame 04:37
• 6 Screamin’ 04:24
• 7 I’ve Got To Use My Imagination 05:19
• 8 Living Your Life 03:49
• 9 Gentle On My Mind 04:29
• Total Runtime 41:36

Info for What Happens Next?

Gabe Stillman makes his Gulf Coast Records debut with What Happens Next?, a fearless sophomore album that captures the tension between uncertainty and resolve. Rooted in modern blues but 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.

Across the album, 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 humor in heartbreak, the writing feels honest and unfiltered, anchored by soulful vocals and muscular musicianship.

What Happens Next? is an album about growth through motion--accepting change, facing consequences, and choosing momentum over fear. High-energy, emotionally grounded, and deeply human, it marks a defining step forward for Gabe Stillman, capturing an artist fully stepping into his voice and daring the listener to do the same.

"With all the talent surfacing in today’s blues music world, it is hard, sometimes, to keep up with all the names. However, I, and I bet many of you after listening to this album, will find it difficult to forget the name Gabe Stillman. He possesses all the tools and talents needed to become a name recognized and remembered. As I always do, I recommend trying to catch him live if you’re able. Gabe Stillman will be touring in the U.S. from May through August of this year. So, if possible, catch a show, and if not (or even if you are able), buy some of his music, especially What Happens Next. It’s great! And lastly, write Gabe Stillman’s name down somewhere, because you’re going to be hearing a lot more about him." (Moe Moore, bluesrockreview.com)

Gabe Stillman, vocals, guitar
Colin Beatty, bass
Eric Roberts, keyboards, organ
Ray Hangen, drums
Alice Spencer, backing vocals
Guest musicians:
Anson Funderburgh, guitar on "Shame Shame"
Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff, saxophone on "Gentle On My Mind"

Gabe Stillman
“One of the most promising young blues talents on the scene today. He’s a fine songwriter, excellent guitarist and strong singer, plus he puts on an exciting, energized show. His talent has grown by leaps and bounds over the last couple years. Don’t miss him!” - Bruce Iglauer, Founder and President, Alligator Records.

“Gabe is somebody who has it all. His songs move me, he has a way with words. He is an amazing singer, a great songwriter and a wonderful musician.” - Anson Funderburgh, Producer

The Gabe Stillman Band hits the stage in high gear and only goes higher as they embrace all corners of American Roots Music with their impromptu selection of original gems and carefully chosen covers.

Since landing in the final 8 of the 35th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, and further honored as the recipient of the esteemed Gibson Guitar Award, Gabe and his band have been focused on expanding their footprint on a national and international level.

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.

This album contains no booklet.