Lexi Gonzales sings about ‘the magic of first love’

Lexi Gonzales

One thing Lexi Gonzales finds fascinating about a song or a piece of music is how its meaning can seemingly change depending on the listener’s mood or situation.

Take her debut single, “Something in the Rain,” for instance. The “Starstruck” Season 7 runnerup couldn’t help but remind her of her “first love.”

“It’s a song about love and the people we love … about the magic of first love and how we, at times, long for that giddy feeling we get. It’s a feel-good song that will make you nostalgic. Something about the rain triggers a memory or feeling we go back to. It makes you travel back to your memories,” she said in a virtual conference for the song under GMA Playlist.

However, the recent death of her beloved grandmother allowed Lexi to see the Korean drama-inspired track in a new light.

“It depends on what I’m going through. After I recorded it, it was all about nostalgia… But when my grandmother passed away, the meaning changed for me,” Lexi said. “Suddenly, it felt like a song about running back to a person that makes you feel loved.”

Memories with lola

Lexi recalled that it was her grandmother, who used to be part of a choir and taught music in school, who urged her to sing and hone her talent.

“I have a lot of great memories with my lola. When she was still alive, we used to bond a lot, especially when it’s raining and we would make champorado, lugaw, or make coffee together. I’m sure she would be proud of me if she were still here,” she related. “She was always proud of me and the things I do. I really wanted her to be the first person to hear this song because I learned to sing because of her.”

While having her own song was something she always dreamed of, it wasn’t until recently that she found the courage to finally go for it. “My fans pushed me to do it even if I was scared. My mom and family were also really supportive. ‘You can do it,’ they told me, ‘you have been waiting for this opportunity.’”

Lexi, who cited Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo as some of her favorite artists today, said one of her goals as a recording artist is to inspire others. “I want to tell people out there who want to create their own music that nothing is impossible. I want to convey my thoughts to my fans through music,” the singer-actress said.

Anxiety attacks

Like many people, Lexi experienced anxiety attacks amid the pandemic. Music, she said, helped her cope with it. “I have had emotional moments, but music pulled me through. I also started working out… And it’s OK to seek help. It can be hard not knowing who to open up to. But it’s better to seek advice from people we love and professionals. Everyone needs help,” she said.

“More than entertainment, music is something that touches the heart and mind. It stirs emotions,” she added. “And we can have it anywhere we want, whether we’re working or studying.”

Lexi, who’s part of the variety show “All-Out Sundays” has so far starred in the romance anthology “My Fantastic Pag-big” and hosted the youth-oriented show “Flex.” She’s also set to be part of the upcoming Gabbi Garcia-Khalil Ramos series “Love You Stranger.”

“I’m thankful for the opportunities coming my way, and to all my supporters. I feel so motivated,” she said. INQ