Latin pop's new "It Girl," GALE, is a driving force within the global music industry. GALE, a 3X Latin GRAMMY nominee, infuses a fresh, irresistible twist into the beloved 1998 classic from Shakira's iconic 'Dónde Están los Ladrones' album. GALE isn't just redefining covers; she's a force to be reckoned with in the songwriting arena, boasting chart-topping hits for the likes of Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Manuel Turizo, Anitta, Cardi B, and Juanes.
Last year, GALE made waves with notable live performances, including singing the US national anthem at the F1 Miami Grand Prix and showcasing her talent at the Latin Alternative Music Conference, where she also participated in a panel during Billboard Latin Week. In eager anticipation and in celebration of her Grammy nominations, GALE is gearing up for a thrilling tour. The launch of her debut album, Lo Que No Te Dije, was critically acclaimed as a "glowing collection of songs that puts [her] knack for pop melodies and confessional lyricism on display." GALE sat down with Intersect to discuss her upcoming tour, "Inevitable" release, and 3x Latin GRAMMY nominations.
Your approach aimed to infuse a modern touch into “Inevitable” while retaining its classic essence. Could you discuss the inspiration behind reinterpreting it in this manner and share your thoughts on how the execution unfolded?
100%. I am so happy that I got to do this version because this is, you know, one of the best songs of all time. And it's also from an artist that I respect, admire, and love so much. It's inspired me, Shakira, since I was just a little girl. I used to practice all my performances, and I used to dress up. Every Saturday morning, first thing in the morning, I practiced her songs with Christina, Selena Quintanilla, and Britney. But I always connected with this song. I remember I used to listen to it on the radio and was just blown away by it. And it's a wonderful and vulnerable yet very cool rock song. I love all the elements of this song, but I wanted to do it with a twist, make it more me in terms of more pop. So yeah, we worked on the production. I worked on this with Dallas K, an executive producer of my album, Lo Que No Te Dije. Also, there's a guitar solo by one of our friends at the end; his name is J.M., and he's so talented. And I'm so happy with this version that we did. And I'm so happy that people are also, you know, giving us so much love, and I'm getting all these beautiful messages, and it's cool. Also, Shakira reposted it; she supports it. She loved this version.
With the high pressure of reinterpreting the song to your making, was there an aspect of the original that you said we have to carry into this?
The vibe overall, although there's a part in the original at the end. which is more of a rock and roll part. They changed the chords, and it's very that in that era, which I love. But we decided that if we wanted it to make it more pop and more current or more sounding, you know, me, we would not do that part, add the guitar solo, but keep it in the same chords as the rest of the song instead of adding a whole new part. So the vibe in general, we kept, you know, that dramatic, vulnerable performance, but also cool sounding and big drums. In this case, there are more pop drums, but the vibe is there from the original.
With the diversity in your music, from punk anthems to dream odes, how do you approach blending different genres in your future songs, but also in this song specifically?
That's just who I am, you know, as a person. I grew up listening to pop, but also rock, boleros because of my dad, and 80s pop because of my mom. And then I was like this: I was Avril Lavigne growing up. And so I was also very inspired by that pop talk. So I am all these things. And I am so happy that now I get to do and work on the sound that I want to create and that it feels honest. And I am glad about that. That's just a wonderful thing. You listen to all these things when you're a kid and start absorbing from all these different genres and artists. And then, if you're lucky enough, you can work on your craft and create a sound for yourself. That's what we're doing.
Following the release of your debut album, how would you describe this listening journey that you have interpreted within the album?
Oh my God. So it's very pop, nostalgic. That album is very vulnerable because it's a breakup album. So, I wanted it to be precisely what it is. It is very nostalgic, vulnerable, and empowering. And it's about choosing yourself and putting yourself first and loving yourself and growing and taking all these experiences and taking everything in and letting yourself feel all these things and not judge, you know, the feelings. I am so happy about this transition from this album to this new music I'm working on right now, which is very; I can't wait to show you or release music because it's mighty, very sexy, independent, yet very pop. And I am just so happy about that transition. It's still in the same world, just a bit more grungy and edgy.
Do you feel any pressure to release new music following your 3X Latin Grammy nominations?
Oh my god. I won't lie; there's always a little pressure, but I take it best. I feel more like I have a responsibility. but I don't let that stop me or be the complete guide of my creative reasons. So it's very inspiring, and it's hard not to do that, by the way, I'm saying it here, but it's hard not to be like, oh my God, I now have like people are expecting, people are looking, people are listening, but I always try to take it down to like, okay. What do I want to say? How do I want to say it? How do I stay honest and try to connect with people that way rather than create something expected from me? It's always how I return to my heart, roots, and soul, like putting that in words or a song.
What type of songwriter are you?
I love this question because I am very creative, but also it's different every time. So, in my craft, I call it my comfort zone. I start like just me and the guitar, very intimate, but more technically and productively; it's me in the studio. If I'm working on collaborating with a producer, we start searching for some chords and some music. And then I start; my brain thinks of melodies first. So I start building the song with melodies, and I go in the mic and do some melodies freestyle, maybe three takes of that. we start Frankenstining the song. This feels like a verse, boom. This feels like a pre-chorus, and this is the chorus, boom. And then we start writing the lyrics to that. Inmadura, for example. It was my first single ever. I wanted to write a song with my idea, which was like, "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" I wanted to write a song that makes me wanna let go and go to the bar and just. dance my heart out and cry simultaneously because it's what I'm feeling, and that's how I'm madura. So you know what I'm saying? So it's different every time and just a magical, amazing process. Also, if you get to collaborate with me, I write songs with my friends. Songs They are written by myself with the producer, but if I write songs with my friends, it's very intimate. It's a fragile process, but it's awesome.
You've experienced some incredible live shows. How does the transition feel from recording in the studio to delivering these songs onstage?
That is the best thing in the world, honestly. I love performing live with my heart. Sometimes I'm like if I have to choose. I don't have to, but I love being on stage. That is like... feeling, energy, and connection with the people and just, you know, just performing the songs that once were born is so intimate, and they're so personal, but somehow people love and connect and go crazy, and they know the lyrics. That to me is like, I cannot explain how that feels. I love performing my songs on stage. And I'm also so excited about the shows I have coming up this year. I'm like, I cannot believe this. I'm here for Grammy week, doing sessions and working, but I need to return to Miami and rehearse. My first show is on February 10th in Costa Rica. And from there, Vibra Urbana, Miami, February 18th. Then, there is Lola Palooza, Chile, and Lola Palooza, Argentina. I'm so nervous and happy. There's a lot I need to do.
What aspects are you most excited about as you anticipate your upcoming show and tour? Are there any plans to adapt certain songs by performing them acoustically or featuring special guest appearances during some shows?
I love this because it's a new show. We're building a new show. I was just in Bogotá recording and working on the visuals, what we'll be playing on the screens. It's very dynamic. It's very personal, beautiful. I'm with a band, which is also amazing. I'm so into those things, and I'm also learning so much. But yes, there will be moments. There will be a beat, let's go, energy, everything, crazy moments, guitar playing. There will also be acoustic internet, just me, the crowd, and the guitar. So I'm very excited for the people to experience this new show with me. Yeah.
You've talked about your collaborations just in a visual sense. How involved are you in the visual sense of your music with that creativity coming to life on film and music videos?
A hundred gazillion percent involved. I love that part of the process. I'm writing based on that, but it inspires me and is essential to my process. Usually, I get right away into the music video ideas. I'm very visual, and I can't just, and I just opened my note, and I have this long ass note with this song, the idea for the music video. And then I worked this with my music, no, my music, my creative director, his name is Teo Graph. Teo Graph is like his brand, but his name is Teo. He's in Medellin, Colombia, and we get each other. He is so fun cause he's also very relaxed in his aesthetic, like a 90s vibe, which I love. So we like bringing our worlds together and making some magic. But I am very involved; I have concrete ideas and am not an expert. So I just let him be like, how about we do this? which is that? but you know, this is what we can do.
What do you want to tell your fans? Ones that are coming to the upcoming shows or are watching your journey from afar?
I just want to tell them that I'm so grateful that we get to share this experience and that we can connect through something so personal that is my songs, and that I cannot wait to see them there with me and meet them and just sing together and I can't wait to live this moment with them.