Genre-bending has been a realm primarily explored by music artists in recent years, affording them a level of freedom seldom seen before. However, Gaby Moreno, the Guatemalan singer-songwriter, has always carved her own unique musical path, seamlessly blending genres without ever seeming to violate any rules. Her journey began over a decade ago, dabbling in a diverse array of musical styles including pop, rock, folk, jazz, and blues, both in English and Spanish, at a time when such experimentation was rare among her peers.
In the past year, Moreno has revisited and reimagined all these genres in her various projects, once again pushing the boundaries of conventional music. Earlier this month, she released "El Saber," a Spanish-language track she composed for Eugenio Derbez's recent film "Radical." While it might initially seem like a significant departure from the bluesy and folk-inflected English single "Solid Ground" she released on September 14, Moreno's unique musical fingerprint is unmistakable in both tracks.
Moreno's songs have always been a beautiful blend of complex emotional narratives and breezy, free-flowing melodies. "Solid Ground" is a prime example of this, tackling themes of human vulnerability with raw honesty. The artist shares that she wrote the song during a period of "confusion, exhaustion, and a whole lot of frustration," reflecting the shared emotional experiences of many during and after the pandemic.
"These are all feelings I think a lot of us felt during and after the pandemic," Moreno tells POPSUGAR. "I wanted to purge all that out, and somehow it ended up materializing into this song." Her ability to translate such profound emotions into captivating music is a testament to her artistry and her unwavering commitment to creating music on her own terms.
The song begins with profound lines that resonate deeply: "So tired of this flowing, Never knowing where we're going, where we're bound." She acknowledges the universal sentiment we all share, the desperation for a change, the longing for something new.
"At the end of each day, amidst the uncertainties and challenges that life throws at us, we all seek a sense of stability and meaning," she explains. "I want to inspire listeners to persist in their search for that 'solid ground,' whatever it may be, even when faced with turmoil and adversity in their lives."
Known for her passionate advocacy of Latine culture as an integral part of American culture, and Spanish music as a vital strand of American music, this singer has remained steadfast to her roots over the decade. Her career took a leap forward in 2012 when she released her rendition of the iconic bolero "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás." Her collaboration with Van Dyke Parks on the 2019 album "¡Spangled!," was nominated for the 21st Latin Grammy in the category of Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Earlier this year, she honored both her musical heritage and her Guatemalan roots in a duet with fellow Guatemalan and close friend Oscar Isaac. The collaborative track, titled "Luna de Xelaju," is a captivating rendition of a timeless Guatemalan song originally composed by Paco Pérez in the 1940s.
"This song is considered a second anthem in Guatemala. Ask anyone there, and they will instantly recognize the melody, know the lyrics, and be able to sing it," Moreno remarks. "It's that kind of song, one that truly represents the spirit and identity of many of us in Guatemala." The song holds a deeply personal place in the artist's heart, as she shares that she has been singing and listening to it since her teenage years.
"This song holds a special place in my heart, it's truly among my all-time favorites. Even now, I find myself singing it during my concerts, often as the grand finale," she shares. "After wrapping up my performance, I step out onto the stage and return to deliver a solo, accompanied only by my guitar. And more often than not, it's that song. People have approached me, curious if I've ever recorded it, and I've always had to admit, 'No, actually, I haven't.' So, it was a natural, albeit long-awaited, decision to finally record it last year."
When Moreno approached Isaac with the idea of recording the song as a duet, he not only eagerly agreed but suggested capturing the magic live. Moreno's desire to collaborate with her dear friend stemmed not only from her admiration for his musical prowess but also from a deeper desire to shine a light on Guatemalan identity in the mainstream music scene.
"I believe we're grossly underrepresented in music," she laments. "Guatemala is home to countless incredible artists, yet sadly, many of them lack the resources to break into the international scene. It's a challenging journey, one I'm acutely aware of because my sister is an artist, a truly remarkable one, who remains in Guatemala. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to leave my country when I was 18 and pursue a music education in the States. Since then, I've been blessed with incredible opportunities, but I'm keenly aware of the privilege — and indeed, the luck — that has been mine."
It's been a year of non-stop activity for Moreno, who has once again delighted fans with her latest offering, "X Mi (Vol. 1)." This album is a captivating collection of her best tracks, reimagined in acoustic versions, including the stunning "Fronteras." These are songs that have been cherished by listeners over the years, now presented in a new, stripped-down light.
Moreno reveals that the acoustic album has been a long-held dream come true. "I've always wanted to create an album that showcases my music in its most intimate form—just me and my acoustic guitar," she says. "While my previous recordings have been full of energy and a live band's vibrancy, now was the perfect time to present this different facet of my artistry."
She adds, "There's something about this album that I needed to get out of my system. I'm currently in a transitional phase, without going into too much detail, and releasing 'X Mi (Vol. 1)' felt like the right thing to do at this moment."
But Moreno's creativity hasn't stopped there. She's been busy penning and recording fresh tracks for her upcoming album, "Dusk," slated for release on February 16, 2024. Last Friday, she treated fans to a preview of the album's sound with the release of "Dance The Night Away."
The artist shares that "Dusk" is a reflection of the profound transitions and emotions she's been experiencing lately. "The album explores themes of loneliness, disappointment, and heartbreak, but it also holds a candle to the never-ending search for belonging, hope, and love," she says. "It's a journey that mirrors the highs and lows we all encounter in this unpredictable journey of life."
Expect "Dusk" to embody everything Moreno has become renowned for—poetic, raw, and honest songs that remind us of the bittersweet realities of life.
