GALE, the Puerto Rican Songwriter Behind Smash Hits for Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Dominates the Latin Pop Industry
Although you may not realize it, you’ve probably been listening to GALE’s songs for years. This talented Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has long been making waves in the dynamic world of Latin pop music.
What’s more, GALE has written songs for superstars like Christina Aguilera, Selena Gomez, Shakira, Anitta, Cardi B, and many more.
Finally, last month, GALE released her long-awaited first album, “Lo que no te dije.” It’s a 13-song record that offers a perfect blend of pop, Eurodance, and punk influences. Days later, she sang the national anthem at the Miami Formula 1 race and received her first nomination for Premios Juventud.
“I am pinching myself. After working so hard for so long, experiencing this is like a dream,” GALE told mitú during an exclusive interview.
GALE’s journey to stardom
From a very young age, GALE’s love for music became the driving force in her life. Her musical journey began when she wrote her first song at seven.
Since then, the young artist has nurtured her passion for self-expression by delving into classical music and guitar. Likewise, GALE studied vocal training at the renowned Escuela Libre de Música de San Juan in the Puerto Rican capital.
“I was sure that it was going to work out even when I was a little girl. I was born to make music,” GALE said, adding she “didn’t have plan B. This has always been it.”
Her multifaceted talent shone brightly during her college years, where she showcased her prowess in musical theater productions such as “Rent” and “Spring Awakening.”
During her college years, GALE began sharing her music through her YouTube channel and in the form of covers. Her performances at local concerts and festivals in Puerto Rico also helped her gain recognition.
A memorable milestone was when she covered “Que No” by Puerto Rican artist Pedro Capó, who, impressed by her performance, invited her to share the stage at one of his concerts.
Her budding talent also led her to win a contest that allowed her to perform with Draco Rosa in front of a packed audience at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in advertising at the University of Puerto Rico and earning a certificate in composition at Berklee College of Music, GALE moved to Miami in 2016, where she became a sought-after songwriter.
“I have had the chance to work with some of the best artists in Latin music, particularly women,” GALE said. Hearing Christina Aguilera “loved” her voice in the sample of “Santo,” the song she composed for her and Ozuna, was a high moment.
Traveling to Barcelona to collaborate with Shakira on her new album was another.
“She is spectacular. She is everything. It will be hard to top that,” GALE admitted.
A new era
After so many epic moments, GALE’s solo chapter is about to begin. The singer signed a contract with Sony Music Latin, marking the beginning of a new era in her professional life.
Her single, the evocative “Inmadura,” was released last year, showcasing a bold fusion of dembow reggaeton with a tinge of alt-rock influences.
Not given to limiting herself to a single style, she continued to shake up the music scene with her next release, the punk-tinged “Problemas,” further cementing her status as an eclectic artist.
GALE confesses that her inspiration has been music legends of the 90s and 2000s, such as Avril Lagivne and Alanis Morissette. Following those footsteps, the Puerto Rican artist is charting her own path, unafraid to experiment with diverse genres.
Her bold and dynamic approach to music positions her as an exciting talent to watch in the industry.
“I draw inspiration for the lyrics from my life, but also from what people around me are going through,” GALE said. “The music is born from how the sounds of the musicians I admire blend in and become a new thing inside me.”
On her album “Lo Que No te Dije,” GALE embraces a fusion of pop, rock, and punk, infused with the essence of the urban Latin genre. Her mesmerizing vocals deliver effortlessly sweet melodies with an underlying strength, captivating listeners with her unique style.
With a raw and honest approach, songs such as “La Mitad,” “D Pic,” “Nuestra canción,” and others serve as vivid reflections of her life experiences as a young woman, resonating deeply with audiences.
Her ability to tell captivating stories through original and heartfelt lyrics has garnered her widespread recognition, positioning her as a voice of her generation.
And then came Shakira’s stamp of approval
Recognizing GALE’s exceptional talent, Shakira selected one of the Puerto Rican artist’s songs for her own album. They then joined forces for a captivating collaboration.
Sharing her admiration with the world, Shakira took to her Instagram to publicly declare, “Loving your new album, Gale.”
This endorsement from a music legend serves as a powerful testament to the exceptional artistry and limitless potential of this Puerto Rican rising star.