Annabel Gutherz remembers the moment the melody for “Dance Around It” surfaced. It wasn’t forced. It wasn’t labored. It was one of those rare times when a song seemed to write itself.

“My co-writer, Mikal Blue, played this guitar progression, and something just clicked,” Gutherz said. “The melody, the lyrics—it all started pouring out. It felt like the song was waiting to be written.”

The Montreal-based singer-songwriter, known for her introspective storytelling and dynamic musical style, has returned with a track that captures the delicate push-and-pull of love—the joy, the hesitation, the inevitable uncertainty.

“Love is a breathtaking paradox,” she said. “It can feel like soaring weightlessly through the sky, and at the same time, like bracing for an inevitable fall.”

With “Dance Around It,” Gutherz explores that space in between, where people hold onto fleeting moments, even when they know they won’t last.

“There’s something so achingly beautiful about choosing to stay present despite uncertainty,” she said. “That’s what this song is about.”

The single merges classic rock influences with contemporary pop, a fusion that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Working with producers Blue and Bret “Epic” Mazur, Gutherz leaned into organic instrumentation—earthy guitar tones, rich percussion—while incorporating modern textures.

“We wanted it to feel like it could belong in the golden era of rock but still live and breathe in today’s pop world,” she said. “The result is this fusion of nostalgia and newness, which I love.”

Gutherz co-wrote the track with Blue and Mazur, both seasoned industry veterans. Their collaboration, she said, was effortless.

“They’re not only brilliant musicians but also some of the kindest and most open-minded creatives,” she said. “Mikal had the guitar riff, and from there, everything just flowed naturally.”

Every contributor, from the musicians to the engineers, left their mark on the track.

“That’s what makes it feel even more heartfelt,” she said.

Her influences on this track are clear—Fleetwood Mac’s lush arrangements, Joni Mitchell’s poetic lyricism and the raw emotion of contemporary artists like Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Phoebe Bridgers.

“I love artists who create music that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant,” Gutherz said.

Since her debut album, “Loose Ends”, Gutherz has refined her voice, her sound and her storytelling.

“That album was a chapter of self-discovery,” she said. “I explored different styles, themes and perspectives. But over time, I’ve stepped more into my own artistry—learning to shape my ideas with clarity and confidence.”

Her academic background also plays a role. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, she credits the school with giving her not just technical skill, but discipline.

“Berklee taught me to treat music as both a craft and a lifelong pursuit,” she said. “It also reinforced the idea that music is a universal language—one that connects, heals and inspires.”

She’s worked alongside industry heavyweights like Bleu McAuley and Bonnie Hayes, two musicians who, she said, changed the way she approaches songwriting.

“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the power of revision,” she said. “Writing is a craft, but refining a song is an art in itself.”

Gutherz’s career has taken unexpected turns, including a recent collaboration with CBS Sports, where her original songs were featured during “Big Ten College Football” broadcasts.

“It started with a song I wrote called ‘Touchdown,’ inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story,” she said. “It went viral, and I realized it might fit in a sports context.”

While that song didn’t make it on air, the network saw potential.

“I reached out, and to my absolute astonishment, they got back to me,” she said. “That led to me writing original music for CBS Sports. Hearing my songs paired with those high-energy moments was surreal.”

With “Dance Around It” marking the start of a new era, fans can expect even more from Gutherz.

“I’m working on my sophomore album, and I couldn’t be more excited,” she said. “I’m exploring new sonic textures and pushing myself creatively.”

There are also collaborations she hopes to pursue.

“Stevie Nicks, Gracie Abrams, Chappell Roan—those are dream collaborations,” she said. “And a duet with Harry Styles? That would be a dream!”

As for what fans can expect?

“I’m taking more risks,” she said. “This music is even more vulnerable and adventurous. I can’t wait for people to hear it.”

She paused, then added, “If I could sum up my artistic mission in one sentence, it would be this: to create music that feels like home—something that brings comfort, joy and a sense of belonging to anyone who listens.”

And for now, “Dance Around It” is just the beginning.