We recently connected with Gaby Cotter and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gaby thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is undoubtedly my debut studio album, “Cantora,” which was released on April 5th. This project holds immense significance to me for many reasons. As an independent artist, “Cantora” gave me a unique opportunity to exercise absolute control over every aspect of the creative process. From selecting the songs to choosing the musicians, studio, and engineer, I was involved in every decision-making step. This level of autonomy allowed me to build an album that truly resonated with my artistic vision and personal values.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this project was the chance to collaborate with talented individuals whom I not only admire as musicians but also deeply respect as people. For me this is priceless.

This album is a dream I’ve been cultivating since I was 20 years old, and it took me 15 more years to finally achieve it. Regardless of whether it gets thousands of streams or just a few, “Cantora” is the album I will keep close to my heart forever. It represents both the end of a long road and the beginning of many mores. This albums represents years of hard work and getting past tough times.

On top of all, the idea that people from all around the world can hear it blows my mind!!!

Making “Cantora” taught me a lot about not giving up and staying true to myself. It’s a big deal for me and a reminder of why I love making music.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi folks, my name is Gaby Cotter and this is a little part of my story.

I’m originally from Panama, I come from a very musical family; my mom sings and plays guitar, and my dad has an extensive collection of music from all over the world. So, from a very young age, I was surrounded by melodies and rhythms that sparked my curiosity for music. Additionally, my grandfather was a writer, and his creative spirit inspired me to explore storytelling and poetry. It was at fourteen that I picked up the guitar and began transforming my poetry into songs. From there, my love for singing only grew stronger. It was a combination of these influences that laid the foundation for my artistic journey.

I began my formal music education in my hometown, at Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí, with my mentor Wanda Castillo. It was there that I discovered my love for performance, choral music, and the power of music to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Later, I continued my studies at Universidad de Panamá, where I had the opportunity to explore various artistic disciplines, including theater, dance, and painting, all of which enriched my musicality and creativity. The learning train took me to Berklee College of Music where I had the opportunity to study with a full scholarship.

I’ve had the privilege of performing on various stages, from emblematic venues around the world to the coziest and most intimate shows. In my home country, I sang at the National Theatre of Panama, the Figali Convention Center, and Casco Viejo. I’ve also sung at the international festival “Al Sur del Arte” in Costa Rica and the Manuel Bonilla National Theater in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with the polyphonic choir “A Viva Voz.”
In the United States, I’ve had the honor of performing at prestigious venues like the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, the Berklee Performance Center, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, as well as the historic Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club in Boston and more intimate settings in Somerville, Cambridge, and New York City.
Across the pond in Europe, I’ve presented my music at remarkable places such as the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain, and performed at venues like Matisse Club, Teatro el Musical, and Radio City. I’ve also taken the stage in Madrid and Barcelona, as well as in Rome at the Il Baffo della Gioconda.
The magic of all these places is that they gave me the chance to meet fantastic people to learn and collaborate with.

Throughout my singing career, I’ve also dedicated countless years to roles as a voice instructor, music teacher, and choral conductor. From Panama to the United States and Spain, I’ve had the privilege of coaching students in these diverse locales. I integrate acting techniques into my teaching to enrich interpretation, all while prioritizing vocal health, instilling a profound connection with lyrics, and empowering timid performers to embrace their unique sound, confidently.

One of my proudest achievements to date is the recent release of my full-length album, “Cantora.” This project holds a special place in my heart as it embodies intimacy and meticulous care. Featuring solely piano and voice, each song serves as a narrative thread, “telling stories one song at a time”. Adding to the album’s magic, we were honored to collaborate with the renowned flutist Melvin Lam, whose artistry graces three of the tracks. While this release marks a significant milestone, I view it as more than just a peak moment; it signifies the culmination of one chapter and the dawn of another. For me, success is not merely a destination but a continuous journey, and “Cantora” represents both an endpoint and a new beginning. As I navigate this path, I find joy in the process as much as in reaching the climb

To all my dear readers, I invite you to immerse yourselves in the melodies of “Cantora.” Whether you’re strolling through the park, or commuting on a sunny or rainy day, I assure you that the experience will be as delightful for you as it was for us during its creation.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One resource that stands out to me is the simple act of learning to ask for help. As someone who has always prided themselves on independence, realizing that I couldn’t do everything alone was a significant revelation. It took me a long time to understand that I needed a team, that it was okay to seek assistance, and that humbleness in asking for help was crucial for my mental well-being and financial stability.

Now that I’ve embraced this understanding, I can’t imagine how I overlooked it before. I’ve come to appreciate the power of collaboration and the support that comes from working with people who believe in your vision. Whether it’s musical, creative, or moral support, having a team behind you is invaluable. Ultimately, learning to ask for help has been a transformative aspect of my creative journey.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the habit of making assumptions and setting expectations. I’ve had to learn to let life surprise me and stop trying to control everything, as it can take a toll on my mental well-being and drive me to the brink of insanity.

In terms of my career, this lesson became evident during the creation of my first album. I had a clear vision in my head of what I wanted the album to be, but reality didn’t quite align with my expectations. While I deeply cherish the final result, there was a moment of realization when I had to accept that I didn’t have the resources—be it time, money, or energy—to pour my soul into the project as I had envisioned. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, I chose to embrace the process and adapt to the circumstances. I let go of expectations regarding the outcome of the project and focused on enjoying the journey. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who shared my vision helped me navigate this shift in perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gabycotter.com
• Instagram: @gabycotter
• Facebook: @gabycotterofficial
• Twitter: @gabycotter
• Youtube: @gabycotter

Image Credits
Photo by: Melvin Lam, Valeria Lam, and Cesar Ziegler