Annelise Gonzalez - “Feel Something”
The saying goes that nothing worth having comes easily. In the case of romance, vulnerability is an inevitable obstacle that can lead to something priceless – a truth that Nashville-based vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Annelise Gonzalez captures in her single “Feel Something”.
As the trance-tinged synth-pop track whirrs to life, listeners are suddenly transported to an idyllic world where repressed feelings can flow without judgment, if only for a little while. In this sonic landscape of fearless self-discovery, Gonzalez sets the example as she blooms delicately into a new version of herself: one who embraces vulnerability and is unafraid to vocalize her feelings. “When I feel affection for someone, I become anxious and literally don’t speak,” she explains, “This song was really just me telling myself that, if the person I want tells me how they feel, I won't repress myself anymore. I’ll feel something – everything.”
Listeners follow as the singer boldly confesses her feelings for another, unwilling to subdue her passion any longer. “I could be it for you,” she sings alluringly, “I could be someone who / Talks sweet, feels right, holds you in the dead of night.” Gritty drums and swirling synths give way to a hypnotic, percussion-filled groove that builds with excitement, crashing into an intense chorus that erupts with all the power and passion Gonzalez had repressed: “I feel something baby / I’ll go and take it like I should / If you want me to.” The Latin and disco-inspired groove is joined by super-charged techno drums, a massive-sounding synth bass, lush pads and entrancing arpeggiators as Gonzalez’s bewitching vocals soar into the stratosphere. In the bridge, listeners are suddenly enveloped in an enrapturing soundscape that blends warm, organic acoustic guitar with blooming synths and synthetic-sounding vocal chops.
The middle child of a music-loving family, Gonzalez says, “Singing and dancing at the dinner table was never unheard of.” The now 23-year-old Puerto Rican artist gravitated toward records by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire early on, developing an interest in R&B, dance and electronic music. This “foundational, ever-revolving” musical influence, she says, now serves as the basis for much of her work and inspired her to pick up the bass guitar at age 15 – an instrument she describes as her “first love." Nowadays, Gonzalez is also inspired by the music and image of artists like Lianne La Havas, Haley Blais, and Amber Mark. “I’ve learned to love not only their music but also their aesthetic genius,” she says, “Music is so much more than the MP3 that plays – it’s a journey through visual and physical representation.”
“My first love was, and is, the bass guitar … ”
For Gonzalez, “Feel Something” marks new sonic territory and a refined creative process. The full-tilt, futuristic pop rhythms of this release contrast the previous single “I Got High” – a raw, powerful and slow-burning acoustic chronicle about outgrowing a relationship; however, both capture the artist’s journey toward vulnerability and self-discovery. This time, Gonzalez collaborated with composer and guitarist Joe Cadrecha (of Parrotfish). “[Cadrecha] revolutionized the process for me,” Gonzalez says, “I’ve never created music in such a warm and safe space, and Joe brought out a long-dormant side of music I’ve loved since I was a child.”
Living in Nashville, Gonzalez’s love for learning and eager mindset have taken flight in Music City. “I’m an introvert living as a double agent in the ever-bustling music scene, constantly pulling inspiration from my desires to be alone, my experiences with grief, and the overwhelming urge to find beauty in all of it,” she says. In addition to recording her music, Gonzalez plays bass for other artists. On-stage, she has performed with Sarah Beth Taite, Gabrielle Grace, Sid Dorey, Kelly McTigue, Sofia Perez, Eliza Harrison Smith, Willow Zhu, and Ellie Grace Harrold. She also supported The New Respects, Jordy Searcy, Jake Scott, and Josh Garrells as an opening act. Gonzalez's bass playing can be heard on Jo Corso’s records “Rocket Paint” and “Kiss the Ground,” as well as “Missin’ You” by Rarish. Gonzalez aims to make music that "brings people to life," examines the human condition with all its passions and sorrows, and encourages listeners to have fun. “I think of all the ways music has impacted my life, and it’s always for the better,” she says, “If my music can do that for even one person, I'd feel grateful!”
Listen/share: “Feel Something”
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