Annabel Gutherz Shines in New Single ‘Showtime, Baby!’: A Soulful Exploration of Validation and Authenticity
Canadian singer and songwriter Annabel Gutherz reveals her new single, “Showtime, Baby!,” out now.
Combining classic rock sounds with modern pop melodies, “Showtime, Baby!” glistens with a sun-soaked sentimentality as Annabel delves into the duality between her desire for validation and her need for genuine connection.
In a statement about the new single, Annabel elaborates:
“If life is a stage, am I always performing? This is a central question in ‘Showtime, Baby!,’ where I explore the tension between living authentically for myself and living to meet others’ expectations. It addresses the fray of seeking approval and belonging while striving to be truly seen and understood for who I am. Ultimately, I’ve learned that prioritizing my own feelings and experiences is essential, as it’s the only way to lead my every day with purpose and meaning and foster deep happiness.”
Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Annabel Gutherz creates timeless music that speaks to the soul of what it means to be human. Characterized by her compelling storytelling, honeyed melodies, distinct vocals, and keen musical intuition, her songs take listeners on a heartfelt journey packed with raw honesty and emotional conviction.
Since the release of her 2021 album, Loose Ends, Annabel has continued to develop her sound by working with an array of esteemed collaborators, including Bleu McAuley (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers) and Bonnie Hayes (Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, David Crosby). Fiercely committed to her craft, Annabel graduated with a baccalaureate and master’s degree from Berklee College of Music. With her undeniable talent and more music in the works this year, Annabel is certainly an artist to keep on your radar.
Hi Annabel! Good to see you again! What have you been up to since we last spoke?
Hi hi! Thank you so much for having me again… It’s always a pleasure, and great to reconnect! I’ve been creating new music, working on some corresponding visual projects, and preparing and rehearsing for my first live performances, which I am so excited about. Of course, “Showtime, Baby!” has been a major focus recently, and I’ve been diving deep into the creative process to bring this song to the forefront. I can’t wait to share more with you soon!
“Showtime, Baby!” explores the tension between seeking validation and living authentically. Can you share a personal experience that inspired this theme?
For sure! While “Showtime, Baby!” isn’t rooted in just one experience, the sentiment behind it is something I’ve encountered repeatedly throughout my life. I’ve always had a deep passion for entertaining and connecting with people, but there have been times when I’ve questioned whether I’m living to fully experience my own stories or to share them with others. This push-and-pull between being present at the moment and performing profoundly shaped the theme of the song. I drew on multiple moments in my life when I wrestled with this idea, and that exploration is at the heart of “Showtime, Baby!”
How did you blend classic rock sounds with modern pop melodies in “Showtime, Baby!”? What influences shaped this musical direction?
Blending classic rock with modern pop was a really exciting challenge. I wanted to capture the energy and authenticity of classic rock, with its raw, organic feel, and combine it with the catchy hooks and polished production that define modern pop. Artists like Fleetwood Mac have always inspired me with their timeless sound, and I wanted to bring that same kind of warmth and depth to “Showtime, Baby!” while also incorporating sleek contemporary elements that reflect the music I love today, influenced by artists like Miley Cyrus and Chappell Roan. I was committed to creating a sound that felt both nostalgic and fresh, that could hopefully resonate across generations, and I was able to pursue this sonic goal alongside such incredible collaborators. My producers, Mikal Blue and Bret “Epic” Mazur, combined their respective talents alongside the help of some of the most proficient musicians, including Laurence Juber, Victor Indrizzo, Dalton Cyr, and Alex Lebowitz to bring our unified vision to fruition!
You mentioned that the song addresses the idea of life as a stage. How do you balance your public persona with your private self in your everyday life?
Balancing my public persona with my private self is an ongoing journey. I think we all, to some extent, perform in different aspects of our lives, whether it’s on stage or in our day-to-day interactions. For me, it’s about staying grounded in who I am and making sure that my public persona reflects my true self as closely as possible!
Graduating from Berklee College of Music with both a baccalaureate and master’s degree is quite an achievement. How has your formal education influenced your approach to songwriting and music production?
Thank you so much! My education at Berklee has been incredibly influential in shaping my approach to creating music. The rigorous training in theory, composition, and production gave me a strong foundation to build upon, which the professors complimented by sharing further, personal insight and gave me encouragement to experiment and find my unique voice as an artist. Having a deeper understanding of music theory and production techniques allows me to be more intentional and precise in my songwriting, while also giving me the freedom to challenge certain paradigms and explore new ideas. The experience has made me more confident in my abilities and has given me the tools to fully realize my artistic vision, which is the greatest gift!
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