Singer-songwriter Annabel Gutherz shares her new single and lyric video, “Remnant,” from her upcoming debut album ‘Loose Ends.’
“Remnant” is an emotionally poignant coming of age track. Atop Americana-influenced guitar and understated percussion, Annabel’s soothing vocals croon about lost friendship: “You were someone that I used to know / But where oh where did that girl go / Now you’re just a remnant of that dear old friend / Stuck in the body of Miss Pretend.”
An ardent and perspective storyteller, Annabel’s diaristic lyricism, honeyed melodies and full-bodied vocals take listeners on a journey as she writes from the heart with raw honesty and emotional conviction. On “Remnant,” she uses the personal as a vehicle into the universal, capturing the complex mutability of friendships as we move from adolescence into adulthood.“It’s a song about the evolution of a friendship from childhood to adolescence, and how the dynamic between two people can change as they grow… And sometimes grow apart,” Annabel says..
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
The genesis of my album was very organic. The one-and-only Dominique Messier produced my first song and philanthropic musical endeavor “Legends” years ago. When discussing my love of songwriting with Dominique, he was eager to hear my original music. The rest is history, as I found myself embarking on a new musical journey, one that ultimately resulted in the creation of my album, ‘Loose Ends.’
What does music and being an artist mean to you?
Creating music and being an artist means the world to me. I love having the ability to communicate the human condition and be a vessel of connection. I also enjoy turning the inward, outward, and making fleeting moments timeless through song.
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
Some sources of inspiration for my lyrics and storytelling include experiences from my life and those close to me. During the pandemic however and being in isolation, I found myself drawing much inspiration for my songs from television shows, movies, songs , and books. There is a story in everything!
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
I look up to so many artists today! One artist in particular whom I admire is Taylor Swift. I believe she has really changed the landscape of the industry, especially for young artists and women in music. Beyond being a songwriting savant, she has spoken truth to power in ensuring younger generations of artists are valued for their work, as opposed to commodified for it. I also admire a plethora of artists who use their platforms for good.
All-time favorite record?
Goodness, I don’t think I have just one all-time favorite record! Some of my favorite records of all-time include Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours,’ Taylor Swift’s ‘Speak Now,’ the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack, and Bruno Mars’ ‘Unorthodox Jukebox.’ When listening to songs from these iconic bodies of work, I’m immediately transported to the memories attached to them… I think that’s part of the beautiful power of music!
Tell us about your latest release “Remnant” and how it came about.
I wrote “Remnant” when I was in high school. In fact, it was the second song I ever wrote! A once dear friend and I had grown apart, and I felt compelled to write about it. The friend who inspired the song and I had long joked that we were antithetical to campers. I was apt on capturing that inside joke sonically by making the song arrangement intimate and folksy.
You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?
More than anything, I feel as though the stories of which I’m writing inspire the sound and style of my music. Every song is like its own unique person, with characteristics and traits that don’t necessarily fit into one box.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
When dealing with creative blocks, I look to other creative works to get inspired. Whether it be film, television, songs, or books, inspiration can always be drawn from another perspective and story. To cope with creative anxiety, I try to remind myself that I have all the necessary tools and knowledge at my disposal and that I’ve done it all before. If I did it before, I can do it again!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
While I try to live in the present as best I can, in five years from now, I hope to be writing music professionally both for myself and for other artists. Songwriting is at the cross-section of my interests, which include storytelling and music. If I could continue to do what I love every day, that would be such a gift and a blessing! In five years from now, in addition to my music career, I hope that my brand, Annie’s Pajammies, will be an established social enterprise that continuously impacts children and students in communities across the globe.
Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you come up with your aesthetic?
I wanted the album aesthetic to be reminiscent of my music. Since my songs pull predominantly from an acoustic sonic palette, I wanted the corresponding artwork and lyric videos to feel “natural” and “homemade”. I also feel as though my style of music is a little reminiscent of sounds from the past. As such, I opted to give the aesthetic a retro flair!
What has been the most daunting moment in your career so far?
I think one of the most daunting parts of my career thus far has been launching it from home during COVID. Not being able to leave the house or perform live has definitely posed challenges. However, these hindrances have also enabled me to explore different creative mediums and exercise my artistic liberties, which has been lots of fun and quite fulfilling!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A Maya Angelou quote my mom shared with me years ago are words I try to live by, “People won’t remember what you said, people won’t remember what you did, but people will always remember how you made them feel.” There is nothing that nourishes the soul more than treating people with kindness. As such, this is some of the best pieces of advice I have ever received.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
I think the next game changer in the music industry and entertainment scene will be a social platform similar to TikTok that’s designed specifically and solely for music. Much like music streaming, social media is ubiquitous in our lives. I believe the convergence of these two types of platforms will be instrumental (pun intended) for these industries!
