Frankie Reyes

Electronic musician Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker, based in Los Angeles and recording as Frankie Reyes, incorporates influences from Latin American musical traditions alongside those of contemporary composers. The 2016 album Boleros Valses y Más featured Puerto Rican standards rendered via Oberheim synthesizer, MIDI sequencer, and effects unit, whereas Originalitos from 2020 presented original material by Reyes using identical equipment.

Reyes-Whittaker first gained recognition through abstract house recordings issued as GB (Gifted & Blessed), alongside releases under the names the Abstract Eye and Julian Abelar, and through the duo the Steoples alongside Yeofi Andoh. The Frankie Reyes alias surfaced initially on the 2014 EP Technoindigenous Studies EP No. 1, released via his Gifted & Blessed imprint, where atmospheric synth pads and light beats merged with echo-heavy samples of indigenous chanting. Boleros Valses y Más marked his first full-length under the Reyes name when it appeared on Stones Throw in 2016; there he honored his Puerto Rican roots by interpreting traditional Latin American pieces on an Oberheim synthesizer. Originalitos followed a comparable sonic approach in 2020 yet consisted entirely of original compositions by Reyes.