MTV Meets Gallant, A Very Different R&B Artist

Gallant is a very different type of R&B artist. Unlike some of his peers (that will remain unnamed here), Gallant is introverted, thoughtful and intelligent, not aggressive or trying to feign a sense of 'edginess'. The Zane Lowe-premiered; Spotify hit ‘Weight In Gold’ is an example of this. Gallant’s powerful falsetto vocals and the track’s bright production are juxtaposed against lyrics describing vulnerability, shutting off, and the feeling of being dangerously weighed down.

“I think I’m still learning a lot from Ology,” Gallant said of his Grammy-nominated debut album, which gets its name from the informal suffix referring to the study of something. “The process of writing the album, and saying things that I wouldn’t say out loud, but [instead] putting [those things] into music, has really contributed to me getting over whatever mental ailment I’m dealing with.

“As I see myself getting better, and more open, and connecting with more people, both inside and outside of music in a human level, that signifies enough success for me.”

Gallant also spoke to MTV about his old jobs (including Starbucks and the accounting department of a homeowners’ association), his name, his voice and more.

WATCH MTV MEETS: GALLANT BELOW: