After spending the last few years turning out a wealth of dazzling delight, Prague-based artist Gianna Lei is back once again with her shimmering new single 'Villa & A House'.
Bringing back more of that warm and lofty alt-pop aesthetic she has been growing for herself, 'Villa & A House' makes for a brilliantly bold and riveting listen. With her spellbinding vocals layered across a progressive production from start to finish, she is certainly looking to turn some heads with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most recently.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
It would have to be the guitar. Even though I don’t play it that much anymore -I’ve fallen absolutely head over heels for the piano in the past few years. But back then when I was a kid I had saxophone lessons which I hated cause the teacher was not really the most gentle haha. And then I sadly got sick and was in hospital or home a lot and I got my cousins guitar as a present and started teaching myself via YouTube. The guitar was great as well cause I was able to always pack it with me to the hospitals I was going to and that helped me a lot during this time.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I’ve always been a pop girl, I was raised on MTV because my older sisters would never let me watch my kid shows - which back then upset me more than anyone could have imagined but I’m super grateful for it now because thanks to that I got engulfed my the music world. I would also always get my sisters old MP3 players/iPods after them and they couldn’t be bothered to put any of my high school music songs on them so I listened to a a loooot of Lil Wayne and Jay Z which made me fall in love with rap as well. My sisters being mean to me was actually a blessing in disguise.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I bought The Fame Monster by Lady Gaga as my first album I believe. She was such a breath of fresh air (still is) and I was obsessed with her entire universe and artistry. I definitely think it is one of the best pop albums ever and want to derive inspiration from this specific sound and messaging for my future projects.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
The Morning by The Weeknd. It is my all time favourite track since I’ve heard it for the first time. No song makes me feel this way, to me it truly feels like every word, every production decision, the mesmerising guitar, the delivery ugh it all feels literally divine to me. I wish I wrote The Weeknd’s entire discography but this specific one has literal magic in it and no one can convince me other wise.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t really, I like to work from a state of flow and just invite inspiration where ever I am, no matter how it shows up. There should always be some snacks though and a yummy drink - that helps me a lot!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve quite recently discovered Isaia Huron who is absolutely insane in the best way possible. I show his music to literally everyone. I’m also obsessed with Ariana’s entire new album. I’ve been having it on repeat since It came out. She really outdoes herself with every project and Eternal Sunshine is a literal masterpiece. I wish I could be a fly on the wall during her studio sessions.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
The Weeknd for sure. With my new project coming up where I’m embracing a darker sound, finally being able to make the songs I’ve always wanted to has been so liberating. The Weeknd would be an absolute dream and I would combust just at the thought of it. He is the best artist of this generation and I’m so happy that I get to witness all his work in real time.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I think the most rewarding part for me is that a singular thought or pop of inspiration becoming a full blown tangible piece of art. That always blows my mind especially when I send over my songs for mastering I’m like what even???, how did that even happen haha. It’s also really rewarding hearing other people find their own meaning from your songs and how they has helped them. The fact that my words and melodies managed to make any impact at all makes me incredible emotional and grateful.
And what is the most frustrating part?
There are a lot of frustrating parts, but I’d rather be frustrated with music related problems than any other problems. So I try to not get too upset about these inevitable aspects of the job and be grateful that at the end of the day it’s still about the music.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Think less about creating and create.
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Gianna Lei's new single 'Villa & A House' is out now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.