The time has finally come for singer/songwriter Chrissy Gurrola to make her declaration of independence by releasing her very first and long awaited EP—Dawn Medley. The talented folk/rock singer has written a gripping, 6-song set.
Throughout the album, Gurrola effortlessly switches from English to Spanish vocals, seamlessly soars to a lilting falsetto. Accompanied by a combination of acoustic and electric guitar, moody synths, bass and drums, Gurrola’s talent really shines, proving she has come into her own; her singing is at once upbeat and brooding, and has evidence of her origins as a jazz vocalist. Sultry, smoky intonations coincide brilliantly with the riveting hooks she’s written.
On the song “Battery Park” she captivates with beautifully executed vocals that are a celestial combination of Cat Powers and Cowboy Junkies. “Charly” is a charming sweet number, and is a slight departure with smooth, robust jazz riffs.
Throughout the EP, Gurrola proves her songwriting chops: themes like love, heartbreak and beauty in the mundane are the matrix of her songs.
The debut was nearly 3 years in the making. Gurrola began working on it in 2012. That same year she was also chosen as a finalist on American Idol’s Mexican counterpart Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento.
Gurrola took some time to talk to us about her inspirations, the creative process and her musical roots. Dawn Medley is available to listen to at www.christinagurrola.com.
Can you tell me a little about your song writing process? What was inspiring you?
My song writing process is subconsciously driven. I tend to shut off the thinking that directs planning, logic and organization where I dive into the zoned out space allowing melody and words to pour out. In live gigs, this occurs often. Unless recorded, it’s a fleeting moment of sound. In writing, I tend to grab onto a melodic idea after a writing session. If it’s still in my head a few hours/days/months later, I know it was something special that I should keep polishing.
This EP is a medley of work recorded sporadically over the past 2 years. Each song has its own inspiration. For example, “Indita” is a political song expressing the battle of accepting the beauty of Mexico’s indigenous culture, versus continuously burying it under an unhealthy colonialist mentality, that still dominates the country. On the other hand, “Battery Park” is a completely broken hearted love song—a reflection on regret and loss.
I did not write “Gaviota” or “Hombre de Papel” (Mark Saenz), but was given space to stretch and bend phrases. These songs were originally performed by an early 2000 spanish pop group, LIK.
Did anyone else contribute to your EP?
I’d like to make a shout out to Cynthia Lopez for making it possible to get this EP executed. I’d like to thank Manny Calderon for reaching out—that it was time to get back together in the studio and make this happen. I’d like to thank David Garza for gracing me with some incredible wisdom and productions.
Who did you collaborate with?
Manny Calderon and David Garza produced the songs on this EP. David graced his productions alongside playing the instruments, the man is a wizard! Manny really brought “Battery Park” to life with his creative ear, the best collaboration possible for that song.
What is your first memory of music?
My first audible memory of music was listening to tapes of Julio Iglesias with my Mom, hearing cumbia beats randomly resonating in the air (like any kid from El Paso) and the classical pieces from Peter and the Wolf. I took piano for a year at age 5 through one of the great programs at the YWCA and played viola from fifth grade to freshmen year in college.
What are your plans after you release the EP? Do you plan on touring? Continue recording?
Honestly, for those that know me, I’ve been gigging and performing for about 5 years now with no official body of work. This is kinda a great push into the deep end—gotta keep swimming from here on out.
Text: @Jam_Bi | Photos: Courtesy of Christina Gurrola
