In mid-June, Vola Guitars traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for a focused and collaborative visit with official artist Gabriel Levi. From June 11–14, our team loaded up a car with camera equipment, snacks (essentials), and an array of guitars to capture original content showcasing key upcoming models. Gabe is not your average guitarist. He’s a Southern California native turned Atlanta staple, whose musical prowess spans over two decades. A guitarist, vocalist, and producer, his journey is one marked by discipline, innovation, and mentorship. In 2016, he was awarded the Tosin Abasi Scholarship to the Atlanta Institute of Music, and has since built a thriving music career grounded in technical mastery and expressive playing. Gabe’s YouTube channel continues to grow, thanks to his deep dives into advanced guitar techniques—particularly his own approaches to thumping and selective picking. His playing even caught the ear of Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater, who reached out for direct instruction. That level of artistry, combined with a deep passion for teaching and creating, made Gabe the perfect creative partner for this Atlanta endeavor.

We kicked off our week in Atlanta with a full day of preparation. While not entirely glamorous, laying the groundwork for a productive shoot was essential. From checking the length of each video project to assigning the right guitar tones to the right musical styles, Thursday was all about intention. Continuity was key. We brought along a diverse lineup of instruments, including the OZ MC, the OZ MRM (Maycown Reichembach Signature), the Vasti MC, the OZ Keene Machine (Michael Keene Signature), the ZVA 5 Bass, the JZ FRO, the OZ RV TNC, the Vasti 7 PDM J1 (Pierre Danel Signature), and the OZ 7 QGM J1 (Quentin Godet Signature). With so many tonal possibilities, each composition was catered to highlight the instrument’s full voice. Some featured backing tracks, others stood alone, and each had its own unique flavor—ranging from aggressive and intricate to mellow and introspective. By the end of the day, we had laid a rock-solid foundation for a high-impact Friday.

Friday’s highlight was our visit to Parhelion Recording Studios, a standout facility in Atlanta known for blending vintage analog gear with modern digital tools. With multiple tracking rooms, top-tier audio equipment, and a relaxed but professional atmosphere, it provided the ideal setting for a full day of filming, recording, and creative exploration. In the main room of the studio, Gabe set the tone with a riveting performance of his track “Ripple Effect” on the JZ FRO. The moment was special—not just musically, but personally. This song was the initial spark that forged the relationship between Gabe and Gregory James of Vola Guitars, making its studio performance deeply meaningful. From hybrid picking to thumping and his now-signature selective picking, Gabe ran through a dynamic collection of compositions that showcased the expressive range of our guitars. No two songs were alike—some grooves were full of swagger, while others explored melancholy or dialed technicality.

The session was enriched further by two incredible guests. Christopher Dion, an elite-level bassist with a national reputation, stopped in to lay down soulful bass lines using the ZVA 5 Bass. Shortly after, Jarrod Conner—guitarist for the Atlanta-based post-hardcore band Chidori—joined the session with his own Vasti MC in Shell Pink. He ran through some of his favorite riffs from Chidori’s catalog, and even harmonized Gabe on a play through of his song "Disconnected". With the three interchanging and collaborating, we captured nearly 20 unique videos, each one highlighting the synergy between player and instrument. To round out an already packed day, we sat down with Gabe for an in-depth artist interview. He opened up about his upbringing, early musical influences, his journey from California to Atlanta, and his evolution as an artist. He also shared insights on where his music is headed and what inspires him in the current creative climate, including his new record that is in the works with Corey Bautista. We wrapped up the session with some lighthearted rapid-fire questions, covering topics like his desert island album, favorite cuisine, and even his take on the infamous Buc-ee’s hype (spoiler alert: it was tested and approved).

No creative trip would be complete without a proper dive into the local food scene—and Atlanta did not disappoint. From shrimp sliders at Sinful Slidrz to sushi burritos and neighborhood gems like Poor Hendrix, every meal felt like a highlight reel. We even made a pilgrimage to the favored Antico Pizza, where the pies set a higher standard instantly.  Huge thanks to Gabe, his partner Jina, and their sweet pup Gracie for welcoming us with open arms. From thoughtful musical conversations to technical nerdom and everything in between, the trip underscored the heart of what Vola Guitars stands for: giving our artists a voice. We’re beyond excited to share the footage and music we captured—stay tuned, there’s a lot of magic coming your way.