The very first time I listened to Annabel Gutherz’s new single, “Showtime, Baby!, Kacey Musgraves’ “Golden Hour” album came straight to mind. It may have been something about her strong vocals, infectious pop-country-esque melodies, or how she could truly bridge classic rock with modern sounds, but everything about it screamed fresh and full of life.
After digging into the lyrics, though, I realised that the track covered much deeper emotional territory than your average radio hit. The Montreal singer-songwriter really laid it all out there, wrestling with desires that oppose each other: getting the validation and approval of others, but at the same time, staying true to herself.
In her own words, ‘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 prioritising my own feelings and experiences is essential, as it is the only way to lead my every day with purpose and meaning and foster deep happiness.”
There is an obvious vulnerability to the song’s lyrics, and it’s felt at different points throughout the record. However, the chorus is where she really lays her feelings bare and gets that duality across, with lines like, “To think of all the time I wasted ’cause you couldn’t care, oh! I’ve been desperate for your attention, your applause, your approval, your affection. “Do I live for you or do I live for me?“ It’s a simple yet profound inquiry into whether we’re living authentically or just trying to please others, and how chasing that approval can sometimes feel like a never-ending performance.
The rhythm of the track, however, does not factor in that inward struggle. On the contrary, it has a quite upbeat and sun-drenched energy that keeps it light, making it easy to get swept up in the beats with her honeyed vocals gliding easily over lush instrumentation.
Since Gutherz’s 2021 album Loose Ends, she has been honing her sound with notable collaborators like Bleu McAuley, known for his work with Selena Gomez and the Jonas Brothers, and Bonnie Hayes, who has worked with artists like Bette Midler. These collabs have infused her music with different styles, allowing her to express her emotions in new and exciting ways.
Although her 35,000 monthly Spotify listeners are already familiar with her storytelling and emotional depth through previous singles like “Interstellar,” “Eclipse,” “Shame,” and “Not The Girl.” With “Showtime, Baby!,” Annabel truly explores self-discovery and authenticity, inviting listeners to join her in reflecting on their own lives.
Listen to Showtime, Baby!
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Photography by Joanie Fortin @jofortin
Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
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