A Decade and a Song: Gaelle Buswel Premieres New Track, "That's Alright"

---

A decade goes by quickly and it’s funny how certain moments remain vivid. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 11 years since I first met Gaelle Buswel (in fact, it was the only time I met her in person, though we’ve kept in touch periodically as her music career expanded).

At the time, I was hosting one show or another at WFDU, 89.1 FM, and was intrigued to have been connected with a French singer-songwriter who wrote and performed in English rather than Français. Her style was something of a rootsy Bonnie Raitt or Melissa Etheridge by way of Céline Dion. It was high-energy, bluesy, and full of admiration for the American sound. All of those elements spoke to me, and I welcomed her as an in-studio guest on my program.

Gaelle live and in the studio. Photo by Evan Toth

It was July 23, 2014—and it was hot. I remember Gaelle arriving in a bit of a fluster after carrying her heavy guitar all over Teaneck, NJ which to her must have been like exploring an alien planet. This was an exciting moment for both of us. For her, it was a chance to perform her songs on the FM dial in New York City. For me, it was the opportunity to interview my first international recording artist. We fumbled through language barriers, had a fun visit, and then she was on her way.

And on she went. Since then, she has recorded several more albums and opened for artists like ZZ Top and Ringo Starr, even recording at Abbey Road Studios. I’d see her touring schedule and occasionally wonder if it was too demanding, but she seems born for showbiz. Her happy place appears to be on the road and on stage.

Today, we celebrate the release of her newest single, "That's Alright," which—if I may say so, and I do—is the best track of hers I’ve heard yet. The culmination of her 10,000 hours of experience feels fully present in this deceptively efficient, effervescent 3:43-minute tune that has it all: hooks for miles, refreshing chord changes, and a lovely choral build-up at the end. There’s something in it for everyone.

Above it all is Gaelle’s voice, which continues to evolve and age like a favorite pair of jeans. It’s also a great track to listen to on the Fourth of July; the French and Americans have always shared a special relationship in their respective paths to independence.

As they say in Français, “L’amitié, comme le vin, se bonifie avec le temps.”

Can’t wait to see what she does next.