Gabrielle Metz’s “Mixtape”
If you were to write an intro for “Mixtape” before it played on the radio, what would you want listeners to know about the song?
This next song is for everyone who loves music in any shape, form, or fashion! I’m Gabrielle Metz and this is my new song “Mixtape.”
6 Things You Don’t Know About Me:
What music did you grow up listening to in Gadsden, Alabama?
This new single “Mixtape” was really written as an ode to the music that I grew up with. My family listened to everything from classic rock to top 40, country to Christian, classical to Motown. I loved it all!
You saved up money to purchase your first guitar. Which model did you choose and why?
I chose a Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu Acoustic/Electric. It sounded great for a first guitar, the sound hole was shaped like a heart, and it was within my 13-year-old’s budget!
From your debut single, “Checkered Flag,” to your latest release, how would you say your music has evolved?
I feel like I’m finally settling into what my music is going to sound like and what I want to say!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
From the first time I visited Nashville when I was 13, I knew I wanted to live here. Nashville feels like home, I don’t have any plans for that to change. I would like to travel though! I have a really long list of places to visit.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
I love being creative. The parts of my career that are creative, i.e., writing, recording, video shoots, photoshoot, etc. They are my favorites!
What can fans look forward to hearing this fall from your new music releases?
I think with every song my songwriting is evolving and I am growing as an artist. This next round of music is really personal and there are a ton of songs that were written as I was just trying to figure life out!
Can you share 12 songs that have influenced your life and career?
I cheated just a little bit and included some albums!
“If I Ain’t Got You” Alicia Keys
This was one of the first songs I remember hearing and going “I want to write music.” I have always adored Alicia Keys as a musician and a writer.
Blown Away Album Carrie Underwood
This album made me not only want to write but be a performer. I have so much respect for Carrie as an artist.
“I Want Crazy” Hunter Hayes
I had never seen a young person be such an amazing instrumentalist on top of being a writer and an artist. It really helped shape my view on what was possible!
“Papa Was A Rolling Stone” The Temptations
This song was played so much throughout my childhood. My mom loved The Temptations. They were so creative in their artistry.
“Don’t Take The Girl” Tim McGraw
This is one of the first songs I remember seeing the music video on CMT, and the storytelling really got to me. The attention to detail really played a role in how I wanted to write songs once I started!
Tapestry Album Carole King
Carole King was another one of my first songwriting icons that I looked up too. I think you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who has heard this album that doesn’t respect how phenomenal it is.
“The Voice Within” Christina Aguilera
In the same realm as Carrie Underwood, Christina was such a performance and vocal icon as I was growing up and getting into music.
“Heart Of Life” John Mayer
This is just one of my all-time favorite songs (off one of my favorite albums). His musicianship is unmatched.
“Somebody Like You” Keith Urban
Much like Hunter Hayes, songs like this with amazing instrumentation really helped train my ear for how I wanted my music to sound and come together after the initial songwriting process.
“All Too Well” Taylor Swift
I think every songwriter who came up after Taylor’s success was influenced by her in some way, shape, or form. She introduced an entirely new way of storytelling.
“Livin’ The Dream” Drake White
Drake was from a town not too far from me and I got to see him sign to a major label, go on tour, release music, and it really can’t be stated enough that seeing someone else do it makes you think it’s possible for you.
firstborn Album Nicolle Galyon
This album just dropped a couple of weeks ago, but Nicolle Galyon is this era’s Carole King for me. Her songwriting ability is incredible and every single song on this record gives me chills. She has influenced my writing so much!