By Nicholas Jason Lopez
As evidenced by past powerhouse anthems like “Interstellar” and “Retrograde,” Montreal-based singer-songwriter Annabel Gutherz has already proven she can hold more than just a note.
At the pace she is currently on, it may not be long before it’s the attention of the entire music industry.
Unafraid to tackle deep topics like love and loss, Gutherz is currently at work on a concept EP, sure to go even further than her 2021 debut album ‘Loose Ends’ (co-produced by longtime Celine Dion band member Dominique Messier) did.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to chat with Gutherz about her forthcoming EP and more.
Music Bugle – What was the moment that solidified your creative pursuit of music?
Annabel Gutherz – The moment was when I committed to earning my undergraduate degree from Berklee College of Music in Interdisciplinary Music Studies. It was then that I decided to fortify and broaden my musical understanding and I am so grateful I did! I learned a wealth of knowledge and expanded the breadth of my craftsmanship exponentially and loved every second so much that I am now earning my Master’s Degree from Berklee in Songwriting!
Music Bugle – How would you compare your newest material to your oldest, like ‘Loose Ends’?
Annabel Gutherz – I have definitely been more intentional with my musical choices, including lyrics, melody and production and as a result, I’ve been able to incorporate more theatrical elements in my newest material. My newer music is more dramatic and the soundscapes are more contemporary than that of ‘Loose Ends,’ which was rooted in folk-rock paradigms and organic instrumentation.
Music Bugle – What do you enjoy the most about Montreal that you think other people might miss?
Annabel Gutherz – Montreal is ripe with diversity and has flavors from a wide array of cultures that help shape the city and make it so beautiful and vibrant, which is what I love most!
Music Bugle – What were some ideas you had in terms of how you wanted to put together your new EP?
Annabel Gutherz – My new music is thematic and orbits around a centralized concept, so in putting it together, I had to be cognizant and intentional about the sonic palette from which I was pulling and ensure there was cohesion from song to song!
Music Bugle – What do you feel is the biggest creative advantage of being a singer-songwriter?
Annabel Gutherz – One of the biggest creative advantages of being a singer-songwriter is getting to be immersed in the creative process from the rudimentary start to the polished finish and experiencing different facets of music creation in a tactile way. I’m passionate about writing songs, bringing them to fruition with collaborators and performing them in their respective finalized formats!
Music Bugle – What do you feel is the next big step for your career?
Annabel Gutherz – I’d love to write songs for other artists, as I am passionate about telling stories through music and helping people access their most authentic voices. I am also excited about releasing more of my music and developing my songs in different mediums.
Music Bugle – What’s a movie that you could watch over and over and never get tired of?
Annabel Gutherz – “Almost Famous” is a movie I could never tire of and watch over and over again! It’s a sweet, endearing, nostalgic, fun and moving piece of cinema, colored by trenchant observations, dimensional characters and incredible music! It could very well be one of my favorite movies of all time… I absolutely love it!
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Annabel Gutherz – I’m listening to a great variety of music right now, especially songs by JVKE, David Bowie, Conan Gray, Taylor Swift and The Beatles!
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a place to escape?
Annabel Gutherz – I’d love to say Italy, but alas! I think the desire to escape is more of a mentality and when I feel that way, I retreat into the pages of a good book, which invites readers into new and inspiring worlds! I’m currently reading “The Summer Book” by Tove Jansson for the first time and in the thick of winter, it’s certainly a welcome step into the idyllic whimsy of summer and nature!
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep going?
Annabel Gutherz – A quote that motivates me to keep going is by my dear friend, Dr. Tererai Trent. She says, “Tinogona,” which means, “It is achievable” when translated from Shona to English. Tererai is a testament to all that is possible and emblematic of all that can be accomplished when one commits to their purpose, community and dreams with courage, hard work, perseverance and resolve! She is proof that our greatest aspirations are, in fact, achievable. Her inspiration is immeasurable and I find great motivation in her words, her story and the example she sets!
