GAWVI has redefined himself from a DJ and hip-hop producer to electronic creator in his own right, and now steps out to cement the title of artist with his upcoming full-length debut, We Belong.

Working with other artists in the past has provided GAWVI with the opportunity to go in his own direction. In 2016 he evolved from producing to release EPs Lost in Hue and Holding Hue, with Lost in Hue reaching #2 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic chart. These EPs introduced, among others, a chart topping single “In the Water”. They have also helped him rack up a following on YouTube and Spotify.

Born in the Bronx and raised in Fort Lauderdale by a Dominican mother and El Salvadoran father, Gabriel Alberto Azucena embraces his roots, faith, and love for experimentation in this new album.

The album is a upbeat exploration of various themes, with a heavy emphasis on his Christian faith and relationship with God, as well as several critiques on cultural obsession from fame to social media.

“I’m trying to bring a great positive message every single time I release music,” said GAWVI. “Whenever people listen to my music I really hope they can leave with hope.”

“Rock N Roll”, the first song on the album and released as a single, bursts out the gate as a high energy look at the rock industry and fake glamour of Hollywood.

Another single and track on the album is “God Speed”, which GAWVI says is “a fun song that gives a new meaning to the word God Speed.” It is a fast paced blend of EDM and hip hop, combining GAWVI’s many interests.

“Closer”, also released as a single, is what GAWVI describes as an “anthem” to sing about one’s desire for closeness with God. This theme permeates the album as it permeates his life.

Female voices benefit the album, which might otherwise become repetitive with certain tracks. “The Sickness” is sung by Jordan Powers who has previously partnered with GAWVI, and stands out on the album as a high powered, catchy look at social media.

“En La Calle” and “Cumbia” bring in clear Latin roots and mix their beats with those of electronic pop and other genres. These songs more strongly highlight a ‘worldwide sound’ GAWVI is trying to introduce, cultivated from his broad musical backgrounds.

“Something Bout U” and “Giana” are directed at his wife and daughter respectively, and highlight the emphasis he places on his family.

A meditation of staying with God, “Hold On” finishes off the album with a slightly more meditative pace, allowing the listener to come down from previous tracks and fully hear GAWVI’s message. The 6 minute track rounds out the album.

“I always say I want to be part of a… shift in culture that’s happening with a lot of great artists that are just wanting to see change in music, sonically and also with their message,” says GAWVI.

His emphasis musically is one of innovation in combining sounds uniquely, and one of more positive lyrics. We Belong exemplifies this direction, and is worth a listen for many different genres of music fans.

We Belong will be released on March 31.