Interview: Stalking Gia

Gia, a "cinametic, alternative pop" songwriter and singer, follows one rule very closely: don't follow the rules. Drawing musical, lyrical, and personal inspiration from Patti Smith, she stands firm in her faith in her vision - which is to "not just release music, but release a message".

When it comes to songwriting, Gia follows her instincts rather than industry guidelines. She writes her songs completely in the moment, simply following her heart - making them take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to finish. Her debut single, War Paint, is about independence and willingness to take risks.

Your Facebook page describes you as having an "uncompromised vision and an equally impassioned determination." What made you decide to pursue a career in music? What other careers have you considered?

Gia: I have a saying that I apply to anything I do in life; if you don't commit 100% then it's not worth pursuing. When I chose to take on music as a full time career, I never looked back. I feel like I'm a relatively shy person, so writing music is an emotional release for me and a super personal experience. Every song that I've ever written takes me back to a time and place, much like a photograph. I'm just in love with the whole idea of the songwriting process and could never give up that part of myself. It's always come instinctively.

I haven't considered another career option but I've always been interested in cinematography. I edit videos of me and my friends for fun, so I feel like that career would be a cool alternative.

What does the process typically look like when you write your songs?

I write in the moment rather than preparing in advance for writing sessions. I start with building out a track, then I start scatting out melodies that come naturally to me. The title usually comes next, followed by the rest of the song. Sometimes it takes a couple days to finish, others a couple minutes; it varies!

You've said that it's very important to you that everything sounds and feels genuine. Can you describe what that means and at what point you feel a song is "genuine?"

Genuine to me means following my instincts and doing what I feel is right for a song rather than following the industry guidelines of how a song should sound, regardless of genre. Nothing musically forced works well for me and I feel like people can often hear through that, anyway.

What is your song War Paint about?

The main theme is independence. It's about going out of your comfort zone and taking a risk. Not compromising your vision for the sake of a restricting relationship... You, alone, define your happiness in life. Adding another person into the equation is just icing on the cake. Love yourself first.

I was amazed as I read your Facebook page at how confident you are that you will have great success in this business. Could you explain what gives you this confidence?

If you don't believe in yourself no one else will. Not only do I want to release music, I want to release a message. Words that matter and have a lasting effect on people.

Describe your sound.

Cinematic, alternative, pop music. I like my songs to sound as if they belong on a film soundtrack.

What musicians have inspired and/or influenced your music?

Lately I've drawn inspiration from Patti Smith. I just finished her book "Just Kids." Not only am I inspired by her music & lyrical content, but also by the persistence she showed throughout her career. No matter what hardship she faced, she fought for her art. She pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in the industry and wrote music that started movements and made people think.

What are some last words you'd like to leave your fans and the Stereofox community with?

"War Paint" is the first of many. Stay tuned for more from me. Thanks to those who are following and reaching out about the music. It's the little things that keep me going.

Follow Gia: Facebook | Twitter