Gonzalez is also the first artist launched under Warner Music Group's new Arts Music division and her album, Fearless, was just released on Arts Music's East West imprint. Before a series of shows at New York's Cafe Carlyle (Oct. 24-Nov. 4), she stopped by the Billboard on Broadway podcast to chat about her career thus far and her new music.
"It's music that was written by artists I admire, but a lot of time when I sing it it's from a character's point of view," Gonzalez says of the songs on her album, which include a single by Miranda himself. "Now, it's from my point of view. And my voice is different from characters I play. I really got to open up my voice and be myself."
She sees her experience recording with Warner as indicative of a larger change happening regarding musical theater's place in pop culture. "There is definitely a shift happening," Gonzalez says, noting the growing number of pop artists interested in working on Broadway. "It's really just about good music. To hear what [artists like me] are doing in the theater world is so important. I give props to Warner for that."
In her chat with host Rebecca Milzoff, Gonzalez discusses what she's learning from performing in Hamilton, reuniting with her In the Heights co-star Christopher Jackson on Fearless, why Miranda calls her "the Beast" and much more.
