Interview with Gabriella Cilmi
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Famed for her catchy hit from 2008 ‘Sweet About Me, the b**p team caught up with Australian singer-songwriter Gabriella Cilmi as she embarks on the promo run for her third album, The Sting, which was released earlier this month. She shares who her inspirations are, just what encouraged The Sting and also how fame from such a young age has affected her.
Why did you change your image?
I wanted my outsides to reflect how I felt inside i guess. The only conscious decision I made was to stop dressing like a sexy alien…the hair thing happened gradually and my dads a hairdresser, we’d always discussed “the chop”. I thought why not try?
Do you feel age has effected the way you want to portray yourself to your audience?
I think I have different ideas to what I did when I first started making music. I didn’t really realize it was an industry until after my first record. I just liked making music and going on tour. I just guess from now on every album will be a reflection of what’s going on in my life at the time.
How has fame affected your life?
Camera’s used to freak me out at firs…To be honest sometimes I still feel a bit unsure around them. I’ve never really been camera or tabloid stalked like other people do though 🙂
Do you have a favorite out of your albums and why?
Currently it’s my most recent record “The Sting”. Its my most confessional record and there are lots of great string arrangements, glitchy beats and sleepy trumpet sounds.
Is there one person that has influenced/ inspired you the most when it comes to your music?
Between Janis Joplin and Robert Plant. Both were/are incredible live performers…passion personified.
Did you move to England to be recognized?
I moved to England because Brian Higgins who produced my first record was based there. Seven years later I’m still around…
Will you be touring with this album and how important are live performances to you as an artist?
Yes I am going on tour around the UK in March!! Come down!! Live performances really inspire my record. I used to jam with my mates in the garage back home so really my background is live.
Why did you name the album The Sting?
It felt like the aftermath of my first two records left a bit of a sting lets just say…
How long did it take you to write this album?
Three years…I broke up with my label and management during the process and set up independently which took time. I also wanted to perfect my writing and sound.
How does it feel to have won so many awards from such a young age?
Any award is a bonus. It makes me feel proud but seeing people singing lyrics back to my songs makes me prouder.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In the south of Italy in the summer with a studio by the beach.
THE b**p TEAM