21-year-old London model/singer/songwriter/producer Gia Lily is finding her voice in music. Her honest lyrics draw you in, her distinctive melodies keep you captured, her vulnerability through her songs show similarities with the likes of Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, and Banks. Most recently, Gia released her 6-track EP ‘XXI’.
Amandah Opoku sat down with Gia Lily to talk about her debut EP ‘XXI’, musical inspirations and more!
Amandah Opoku: Gia Lily, thank you for doing this interview today! Before we kick off please tell our readers about yourself and one random fact people do not know about you
Gia Lily: You are most welcome! Thank you for having me! My name is Gia Lily and I am a singer, songwriter, producer, actress and model from London, and I love halloumi cheese more than anything :)
AO: You are currently pursuing a career as a model. What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
GL: Music was always a massive part of my childhood, forever loving Queen, ACDC, The Beatles, Amy Winehouse and so on. I wrote my first song when I was eight years old, spending at least four hours a day sat at my piano writing music. When I turned 20 in August last year, I decided I wanted to start sharing my music with the world. Since then, I have released five singles and my debut EP, ‘XXI’, came out a few days ago! So music has always been something I have wanted to pursue, and I am so glad I have finally done it :)
AO: What artists would you say inspire your music and writing?
GL: Dua Lipa, Mae Muller, James Arthur, Lennon Stella, and Freddie Mercury. All for completely different reasons, but each of these artists have their own impact on my music.
AO: As you pursue your career as an artist, what would you say are your biggest challenges?
GL: Good question! I love a challenge, so all of mine are positive! For example, not letting other people’s opinions get the better of you. If you love a lyric, put it in the song! If they don’t, someone else will. After all, it is YOUR music, so you make your magic how you want to make it.
AO: You released your debut EP ‘XXI’ on August 7! What was the writing and recording process like for the EP?
GL: Hehe very exciting! I began recording the EP at the beginning of lockdown.. so very recently! Three songs on the EP were written last year, and the other three were written this year so it’s a huge mixture of emotions as I was in a very different place last year to where I am this year.
AO: What did you learn about yourself as an artist while recording your EP?
GL: That I am a massive perfectionist.. haha! As the music is all produced by myself as well, I was completely my own boss and didn’t really know when to stop. I wrote, recorded and produced the whole EP in my bedroom, so I had no space away from it – which I loved! I honestly enjoyed the whole process of the EP from start to finish and I can’t wait to get back to making more music to release later this year.
AO: “When You’re High” premiered on BBC Essex before the release of your EP. What inspired the song?
GL: I wanted to write a song that gave off ‘road-trip’ vibes.. you know those ones you blast through your car speakers? That was the kind of song I wanted to write. I also wanted to write a song that was turning a negative situation into a positive. So although the situation is about only loving someone when they’re in a particular state of mind, I wanted to turn the tables and turn the negative into a positive, as that’s how I live my life anyway!
AO: What would you say your favorite lyric you wrote on your debut EP is and why?
GL: The song that means the most to me is, “You & I”, and I have two favourite lyrics from this song. These are: “Would you be hurt if you knew I was still hurting?”, and “Am I crazy for still thinking that the you and I that were you and I are still you and I?”.
Bit of a mouthful that last one, but these mean the most to me. It was a tough time I was going through, and I felt the only way I could communicate with myself properly and let my feelings out was through music. I wrote this song in about 20 minutes and I couldn’t stop crying after. I was hesitant to share it with the world, but I am so happy I did as many people have told me they relate and it has brought back emotions for them so now they don’t feel so alone, and that’s all I wanted to do :)
AO: What would you like your fans and new listeners to take away from your debut EP?
GL: Remember who you are, and if you ever forget even for a split-second, listen to my EP and it will remind you that you are not alone. Dance with me through the EP and cry with me;)
AO: For new fans who come across your music, what would you like them to take away from your music?
GL: Honestly, the same as I tell my day-one fans. Remember who you are, and don’t let anyone kill your vibe. The music I write is relatable and honest, so I hope my music can somewhat help you get through whatever you are going through to remind you that you are not alone.
AO: With your debut EP ‘XXI’ out now, what can fans expect from you next?
GL: Ooo.. super exciting things are on the horizon. Definitely includes more music! Follow my instagram @gia.lily to keep up to date on it all!
AO: Gia, thank you for sitting down with me! Before we close this interview is there anything you want to say to your fans and our readers?
GL: My main ‘Gia Lily’ quote is, “Be fiery, stay sassy and know your worth”. Now read that again :) Also, GO AND STREAM ‘XXI’ <3 Thank you so much for having me UMusicians!!
Connect with Gia Lily on the following platforms:
https://www.instagram.com/gia.lily
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5d7p9yDO6NSYQVbI9YNcHB?si=Ti7jHOmMQoOjZnarFrWlkA
