We had the good fortune of connecting with Abel Gonzalez from Lowmello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abel, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My balance has changed in many way as I’ve gotten older. When I moved to New Mexico at 21 I didn’t have too much to balance other than holding a job and carving out time for making music. I was always spending most free time I had learning different instruments, music production, and writing new songs. Fast forward 6 years and I’ve realized there is so much to life that requires balance. From maintaining a healthy diet, to getting enough exercise, work, relationships, and my creative time.

I think of balance as something that isn’t ever fully achieved. Well, at least for me that is. I feel when I got something balanced something comes to my attention in a different area that isn’t balanced.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So when I look around at the community of artists/ musicians I notice one thing almost immediately that sets me apart and that is that I work completely alone in the writing, recording, and producing stages of my music. In doing that I get a very particular sound that is completely me. It’s something I am proud because it showcases my talents as a songwriter and also because I feel the most freedom in making the song exactly how I want them to sound and feel without worrying about how someone else might feel about it.

When we play live I feel my best because I get to hear everything in its totality. My band learns my songs and that is when I really see how different my sound stands out in comparison to other bands in the scene,

It isn’t always easy. Sometimes I do struggle with coming up with parts or different arrangements. That is when I feel it would be helpful to have someone else in the room with me. I find that if I keep pushing I always get through that block. What that taught me is to be patient with myself and never to rush any part of the creative process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to get some classic new mexican food. You know, something with green and red chile, lots of cheese, and rice and beans! After that I’d probably take them to the Sandias as they are a staple in city and in the culture here in NM. I also like showing friends or family places that I personally enjoy whether it is a view, a monument, or simply a park. In the evening I’d take them out to get a drink at one of my favorite breweries which might be either Santa Fe Brewing or High and Dry. To end that night we would go out to see a show at one of our local venues. Most likely it would be Launchpad. Mostly because we play there a lot and there’s always good live music happening there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
YES! I would definitely like to shoutout our cities local music collective “Monsoon Music House.” Some friends and I started in the summer of 2021 in Albuquerque, NM. It’s taken some different directions since its conception but its core mission has remained and that is basically to create a network of local artists and musicians working together to help one another. We all bring something different to the table in terms of creative ideas, talents, and skills but what I’ve gained the most out of it is having more freedom and confidence in my abilities as an artist because of the community of amazing people who have shown me their love, acceptance, and gratitude. These relationships mean a lot to me because I’ve never known a community like I know the one now. We are all lifting each other up and I’m always looking forward to where it leads us all.

Website: https://monsoonmusichouse.com/lowmello/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowmello/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowmellomusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsCaFJwhmvBtbOyCeriUxIg

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6VAcTFSBhvyF8K4cmC6sqB?si=iOWL9qiuStuMXjwDrcBeMw Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lowmello/1567563146

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.