What’s new, right now: ‘Masks’ by rising Nashville singer songwriter Gabrielle Metz.

Nashville-based singer songwriter Gabrielle Metz has released Masks, a charming track that merges pop balladry with contemporary country. Masks explores a desire to bring forward issues around missed connections. Intrigued by the idea of a song that touches on a social issue affecting most of us, I reached out to Gabrielle to discover a little more about her new song and career. Here is some of what we talked about.

It’s interesting how much social media often haunts our every move. Gabrielle, your new single is about missed connections. What was the inspiration behind writing this song?

Social media was in part an inspiration for this song. I had the title for a few months before I really decided how I wanted to write it. I was analyzing myself and how I interact with people, specifically how hard I find it to let someone in when it comes to dating, but as the song developed it really became a song that encompasses how hard it is to find people to be yourself with. That can be in any sense. I really feel like this social media era we are living in has made it much harder to be real and authentic with people and that makes it difficult to have deep meaningful connections and relationships.

I understand you are based in Nashville. How have you found it being a musician during these strange times?

I thankfully was in Nashville a few years before the shutdown started, so I had my feet under me a little bit. I like to find the best in situations, so I really embraced the circumstances. I got to spend a lot of time with my family, and I also got to take a moment to really assess my career and see what parts I was neglecting. I was able to spend time really learning the business side and marketing which has definitely helped in the long run!

During the early months of the pandemic in 2020, I believe you said, “Take this time to decide if all the things that kept you in a rush, are worth rushing back to when this is over.” It’s a lovely way of looking at life. What are some of the things that still keep you in a rush two years later?

The music business is always crazy busy, but I feel like every once in a while it is good to take stock of what you’re doing and how you’re spending your time. Is it beneficial? Is it helping you now or setting you up for success later? Sometimes it’s easy to get trapped in the “mouse wheel.” I like to take a moment to breathe every once in a while and make sure I am working with a purpose, not just working to work.

Music and nostalgia are often attached to our fondest memories. What song(s) triggers the deepest emotional response for you?

Nostalgic or sad songs always hit me deepest. Don’t get me wrong I love my road trip and summer jam playlist just as much as the next person, but songs like “More Hearts Than Mine,” “Humble and Kind,” etc always make the biggest impact on me.

In an attempt to discover a little more about your musical influences. Who do you most listen to? And why?

Anything and everything. It depends on my mood, but my playlists range from Motown to Classic Rock, R&B and Soul, to Country and Top 40. I just love music.

Gabrielle, I understand you play both the piano and guitar. What is it about these two different instruments that compliment your musical style? 

Piano and guitar are my main instruments out of the ones I play. They always seem to be the base of my songs, but I also love to explore with bass, mandolin, and a couple other instruments.

Finally, what does the rest of 2022 have in store for you?

I am already planning the next single and hopefully scheduling some tour dates in the fall!