Check out our interview with singer-songwriter Annabel Gutherz who just released her new single “Eclipse,” today!
Branching out from the more theatrical sound of her debut album, Loose Ends, Annabel debuts a more mature sound on “Eclipse,” seamlessly marrying classic rock influences with modern pop elements.
Over the past year, the Montreal-based singer and songwriter has been diligently honing her sound by working with an array of impressive producers like Mikal Blue (OneRepublic), Bleu McAuley (Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers), and Bonnie Hayes (Cher, Bonnie Raitt).
Follow Annabel @annabelgutherz
Hi Annabel! Please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi hi! I’m Annabel Gutherz, and I’m a singer-songwriter from Montreal, Canada! A few facts about me are that I love to learn just as I love creating music and performing, I have been studying Italian on Duolingo for over three years (ciao, piacere), bringing joy to and connecting with others makes my heart happy, and I’m always hungry… And by always, I mean always!
How would you describe your sound in three words?
In three words, I would describe my sound as warm, nostalgic, and textured.
Who influenced you to start making music? Why did you choose to make music?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember and stumbled into making music quite organically. One night in high school, I was writing in my diary when I heard my words as lyrics and phrases as melodies. I committed to the ideas swirling through my mind by bringing them together in the form of a song. I’ve been making music ever since. In college, my mom encouraged me to pursue my happiness, and I enrolled at Berklee College of Music as a result, earning a baccalaureate in Interdisciplinary Music Studies and a master’s in Songwriting, all the while creating and releasing original songs. Songwriting and performing are at the cross-section of my passions, including storytelling and music, and I welcome the opportunity to entertain, unite, and connect with people about our shared humanity, and bring them a sense of comfort in community as well as joy! My favorite artists and musical influences emblematize this so well, including Stevie Nicks, Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, Carole King, Reneé Rapp, and so many more!
Do you play any instruments?
I do! I’m most proficient vocally, but I continue to learn how to play alto saxophone, guitar, and piano.
Do you ever get nervous (before performing or before releasing a new song)?
I am perpetually nervous! I’m nervous before, during, or after anything I do… So basically always! My nerves are definitely heightened before a performance or a song release, though, as those moments are more pivotal and thus carry a greater weight! I am learning how to channel that energy positively for a more enjoyable experience.
Tell us about your new single, “Eclipse.”
“Eclipse” is the first song I wrote for my forthcoming body of work. I was influenced by Fleetwood Mac’s song “Dreams” for the chord progression, and knowing what I wanted the song to be about, began writing it at the keyboard in my bedroom in Montreal. I continued writing it whilst flying in a plane over the Colorado Rocky Mountains and finished writing it on Christine McVie’s piano in a studio tucked between the rolling hills of Thousand Oaks, California. It was a surreal and humbling experience bringing this song to fruition alongside Mikal Blue and Bret “Epic” Mazur, such proficient artists and producers who helped me to hone in on my sonic identity and further explore my artistry.
What’s the story behind the song?
I recognized my tendency to compare myself to others, especially given the prevalence of social media, and the impact that was having on my self-esteem. I began eclipsing myself with the success and accomplishments of others and knew I needed to realign my focus with meaning and purpose. Songwriting has long helped me distill my feelings and gain clarity in many situations, and this song was no exception!
What is the most rewarding thing about being an artist?
Some of the most rewarding things about being an artist are to be able to create something with love, honesty, and melody, to be shared with others that can help those who receive it feel seen and understood! The ability to express genuine emotions through art and connect with others on a deep, emotional level is indeed a rewarding aspect of being an artist. It can truly create meaningful connections and resonance.
What advice would you give to your younger self? And why?
I feel like my younger self would have more advice to give me now than the other way around. Much like in Taylor Swift’s song “Nothing New” featuring Phoebe Bridgers, where they question how a person can know everything at eighteen, but nothing at twenty-two, I believe the more we learn the less we realize we know. As I get older, I find myself either dwelling on the past or attempting to envision the future and possible scenarios that may actualize over time. I was much more present when I was younger, leaning into the experience of just being. I yearn to anchor myself in the present moment, much like I did in my youth, and fully embrace the serendipitous occurrences unfolding now!
How would your best friend describe you?
I asked my sister, who also happens to be my best friend, and she said she would describe me as “the most beautiful ray of sunshine!” Sheesh… Gotta love her! I hold a mirror to her words and reflect them back at her because she is truly that and then some!
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I were a book, the title would be “Galloping Hoarse” as I have long struggled with vocal polyps and nodules, yet choose to forge forward in a field that’s contingent on my voice!
What’s next for Annabel Gutherz in 2024?
Much more music can be expected in 2024 as I’m honored to be working toward my sophomore album alongside brilliant collaborators and friends! I’m preparing for my first concert, too, which I couldn’t be more excited about!
What is your favorite healthy food?
My top two preferred healthy foods are Granny Smith apples and steamed peas!
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite foods of the less healthy variety would likely be decadent and delicious chocolate cake with buttercream frosting made by an extraordinary baker and friend of mine, Bunny! I also adore Charbonnel and Walker salted chocolate truffles with caramel filling! I would love to qualify these as “cheat foods,” but alas, I eat them far too frequently to give them that attribution!
How would you explain your fashion style?
One word: pajamas! In all seriousness, outside of pajamas, which I love and wear every chance I get, I think I’m still defining my fashion style… Maybe it’s strong and simple with a slight rock n’ roll flare and vibrant color blocking!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is family and friends; it’s laughter, love, singing, dancing, and music. It’s warm socks, an enrapturing book, the starlit sky, the crescent moon, the scent of fresh flowers, and a sunny day. Happiness is the taste of chocolate and salt sea air; it’s autumn, the first snowfall of winter, learning something new, a heartfelt conversation, the pursuit of a dream, and the opportunity of a new day. Like all feelings, I believe happiness is transient — a series of moments to savor that bring smiles to our hearts as much as our faces!
If you could meet someone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet someone, living or dead, it would be my mom’s dad. He passed away when my mom was seven years old, and I never had the opportunity to get to know him, share experiences with him, and uncover the amazing qualities about him I’ve heard so much about! In a hypothetical universe where we would have the opportunity to speak, I’d love to reacquaint him with my mom, uncle, and grandmother, and introduce myself and my whole family to him!
What would be your dream vacation, and who would you go with?
My dream vacation is right now toggling between Iceland, Paris, or Spain, and I would go with my sister! I’d love to immerse myself in the culture, history, scenery, and culinary worlds of each of these locations. Traveling to these countries would undoubtedly create unforgettable memories that my sister and I would cherish forever!
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to dream big because one can only fly as high as their biggest dreams.
Do you do any charity or philanthropy work?
I do! I’m the author and founder of Annie’s Pajammies, a social enterprise that strives to build intercultural competence and facilitate access to quality education across the globe through the sale of a didactic children’s picture book series in conjunction with a corresponding line of pajamas. The series follows young protagonist, Annie, as she achieves her dream of discovering, learning about, and traveling the world in the comfort of her magical pajamas. While the stories are steeped in fiction and fantasy, facts pertaining to each location Annie visits are included to teach the young reader, and simultaneously provide a richer reading and learning experience. A portion of the proceeds from each unit sold are donated to an education-based charity in the country Annie visits.
I’m also an ambassador to my dear friend Dr. Tererai Trent’s foundation, the TTI Foundation, which improves education quality, gender parity in education, innovation and technology, and health and nutrition, in Zimbabwe, Africa.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
I can’t really say! There are certain personal and career milestones I’d love to see to fruition but hope above all, to be fulfilled, loved, purposeful, healthy, and happy in all that I’m doing and with who I am becoming.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or sing at karaoke?
My favorite karaoke song to perform is “Benny And The Jets” by Elton John.
What do you think about social media?
I think social media can be an incredible space to connect with people and exercise our individuality and creativity. Social media has served as a remarkable opportunity for me to share my music with prospective listeners and connect with fans, which has been such a special and meaningful experience. Social media, however, needs to be used mindfully and in moderation as it can be as kind as it can be cruel, and encouraging as it can be depleting, depicting the best that life has to offer, and at times, the worst in us. As such, I believe social media needs to be navigated with care, but can ultimately be a vehicle for information and knowledge, expression, cultivating communities, and fostering friendships!
Where can we follow you?
Instagram / YouTube / TikTok / Twitter / Facebook / Spotify / Apple Music
Favorite Book: My favorite book right now is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It’s a book that’s ripe with wisdom and valuable life lessons entwined in a scintillating and vivid story that I would recommend to anyone looking to uncover the hidden treasures within ourselves!
Favorite Quote: My favorite quote is by Maya Angelou, “People won’t remember what you said, people won’t remember what you did, but people will always remember how you made them feel.” These are words I have adopted and try to live by every day, as there is no better legacy than that of kindness.
Favorite Movie: My favorite movie is Almost Famous (directed by Cameron Crowe).
Favorite TV Series: I don’t have a favorite TV Series, but rather a collection of favorites, including Daisy Jones & the Six, 24, The Buccaneers, Queen’s Gambit, Only Murders in the Building, and The Morning Show.
Favorite Food: I honestly can’t pick a singular favorite food, but if chocolate is considered a food, then…
Favorite Travel Destination: Of the places I’ve been, my favorite travel destination is Italy! Between the rich culture, breathtaking scenery, poetic language, architecture, and delicious food, Italy holds indelible experiences and adventures had, and some yet written.
Favorite Sports Team: My favorite sports team are British Ice Dance Champions Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson! I’m also a huge Habs fan!
