What is your name?
Andrea Di Giovanni
What is your genre of music?
Electro/Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
Originally from Italy, I am currently living in London, where I’m finishing my BA degree course in Creative Musicianship at the British Institute of Modern Music. I moved in the UK four years ago after participating to a big tv talent show in Italy called ‘Amici di Maria de Filippi’ ; I wanted to learn more, explore and get away from a country I didn’t feel comfortable with.
In this four years I’ve performed acoustically or with the full band all around London including prestigious music venues such as The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, The O2 Islington, 229 – The Venue, The Underbelly and Proud Camden.
In 2016, I’ve released my first EP Soultrip, preceded by two singles I’ll Take Care Of Myself and Hold Me Once More, one of which was selected by MTV New Generation in Italy.
In 2017, I’ve released my third single Roads To My Heart, produced with Jamie Sellers (Pixie Lott, Alesha Dixon, RED), with the music video on my VEVO channel which has reached over 150.000 views.
You are set to release your new double A sided single ‘Close To The Dark’ / En La Oscuridad, tell us more about it.
It’s a song I wrote a year ago and it has quite a funny story. I was sat at the piano jamming some chords and all of a sudden the biggest hook of the song, the oh oh oh bit, came to my mind and I’ve literally built a song around it. The lyrics talk about a relationship which has its highs and lows but never really quite works as it should; sometimes I struggle letting go of people I deeply cared about and subconsciously I manipulate situations to get where I want to. I’ve decided to record also a Spanish version because the language is closer to Italian (my native country) and the beat of the track fits well with it.
What was the writing process like?
I write everything with my piano to start with; then I produce a demo myself and then I book a session with my producer (Jamie Sellers)
What was the recording process like?
It all happens in two sessions: during the first one, me and Jamie create the arrangement looking at reference tracks I bring in, my demo and the acoustic version of the song; in the second one, we record the vocals and create the final mix. The mix gets sent to the mastering engineer and there you go!
Describe the tracks in two words.
Fresh, Fun
Do you have a EP or Album coming out soon?
I have already a third single which will come out later on but not an EP/Album, for now.
If so what can you tell us about it?
The third single has a completely different atmosphere to Close to The Dark and I am very intrigued to see the audience’s reaction to it!
Will you be heading out on tour or have any gigs?
I have few gigs lined up for the summer starting with the 13th of June at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s, then my university’s Graduation Show on the 16th of June at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire hosted by Huw Stephens, a Sofar Sound gig on the 17th , 5th of August at Brighton Pride and 10th of August at the Battersea Bardge.
what is your message you are trying to tell your fans?
Through my music I want to tell my fans to be themselves and always true to who they are. Sometimes life it’s more challenging for young LGBT+ people and I want to be someone they can relate to and help them go through their struggles and issues leading by example. I am the person they can rely on to represent our community in the mainstream landscape alongside Gaga, RuPaul etc.
What else can we expect from you?
Expect to see me always be real and honest; expect charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.
Are you a signed?
No, I am 100% DIY and I am very proud of it.
Who are your influences?
MØ, Rihanna, Sam Smith.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
At the top of the charts with a full Album out and a worldwide headline tour.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
This is always a tough question as I do music 24/7 but I love reading, arts in general and travelling.
Where would your dream venue to play in your hometown?
The Palalottomatica in Rome, it’s like the O2 Arena in London.
Would you be up for collaborating with an unsigned artist or band? If so how can they contact you?
100%! I am always up for collaborations, featurings or just generally creative brainstorming. You can contact me at adigiovannimusic@gmail.com or messaging me directly on my social media pages.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
There’s so many but having to pick one, Rehab by Amy Winehouse.
Where is your dream festival to perform?
Headlining the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury!
What made you go in to music?
I’ve always been a shy, introvert person, and music has constantly been the best way to express myself. Songwriting is the therapy with which I heal my soul.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
To always be myself and be happy.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not just about the industry also just as an artist/band?
To be curious and be always hungry for more. There’s so much we can learn, it never stops.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
You better WERK! (RuPaul)
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Water, Towel, Snacks, Setlist and extra-clothes.
You come off Tour
1/ Where is the first place you go?
Home
2/Who is the first person you see?
My flatmate!
3/What is the first thing you eat.
PIZZAAA!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I sure do!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Soundcloud
Itunes
Spotify
