We recently had the chance to connect with guiize and have shared our conversation below.
Hi guiize, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
As someone who’s always been sort of a loner, I’ve been on a deep, almost-exclusively solo journey of creating a sound that represents who I am and what I’ve been through. I have been recording my first demos and have had to find self-reliance in order to see them come to life. I have spent a significant amount of time learning all the ins and outs of the process of creation – from composing, arranging, recording… all the way to having a finished product. I’m working hard to make sure my songwriting skills get stronger and reach more and more people who can resonate with the sonics I am trying to embody.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is guiize, I’m a songwriter originally from Brazil. I have been singing and playing piano since I was very young, moved to the United States to pursue a career in music in 2013 and have since been going through an inevitable self-discovery journey that has recently led me to the understanding of who I am at my core. 3 years ago my life changed completely, as I lost my mother – the most important person in my life, whom I hadn’t seen in 4 years – overnight. The thought that I had left her almost a decade ago in search of something I still hadn’t found felt very heavy. That same year, I got accepted into Berklee College of Music and moved to Boston to study Songwriting. After an overwhelming amount of knowledge I was able to access, I began writing songs for my mom that each represented different emotions I felt with her loss. Ultimately, I ended up with 4 songs (2 are out, 2 on the way) which will together become my very first EP/Demo I am calling “HOLLYWOODSTAR.” One of my last memories with her was walking in Hollywood looking at stars on the ground, and now she has become one… my most favorite Hollywood Star.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I have always been different throughout my entire life. Even within the context of music, people have always found what I do different. Maybe as a child or teen I believed that eventually I would find somewhere I would fit in, but as an adult I realize that I am most fulfilled and creative when I am completely leaning into my authenticity without seeking comfort or similarity. New things sometimes can’t be compared to anything that already exists, and I need to trust that that is a good thing.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When you go through the worst thing you ever imagined could happen to you, suddenly you are somehow freed from most fears. Ever since I lost my mother, when I notice that I feel scared of something – scared to jump, scared of judgement, scared to take a leap of faith – I realize nothing will ever be as hard as it’s always been, and I have made it through. I am no longer afraid to try.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to becoming an artist/songwriter. I believe there is so much I have inside of me that is bubbling up, waiting to take form with melodies, words, stories. I have always believed that is what I was destined to do, and I am not going to stop. I have taken many detours and life has thrown me many curve balls, but I will continue to strive to become the most authentic artist I can be every day.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
For someone like myself who’s always struggled with self-esteem, the idea of being praised or listening to other people’s opinions can weigh heavy on me, for good or bad. I feel that I have had to develop this armor where I can shield myself from being swayed when someone else either praises me when I think I did not deserve it, or criticize me when I think I am doing good. Now I think I just push through and continue to evolve regardless of what others might say.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @guiizemusic
Image Credits
Alejandra Contreras
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
