Stunning Italian writer and singer Guilia is to make her UK debut this September with the release of her first single 'Radio Junkie' - a teaser of what's to come from her debut album 'Raze Me To The Ground' which is scheduled for release later in the autumn.
FemaleFirst got the chance to put some questions to Guilia about delving into the music industry, what to expect from her sound and much more in an exclusive interview.
When did you realise music was a passion of yours?
From the very start actually. I've always loved listening to it and dancing, there's not a day that goes by that I don't sing, even if it's under the shower.
How best would you describe yourself as an artist?
This is a hard question to answer. Being an artist is not definable just by what you do and how you sound. I think it's better to look at who you are inside because that's what comes to the surface when you write music. So music is 'who I am' and not just what I do...
What is it about music that you love?
Everything, of course. But most of all, I love the fact that it makes your mind travel, it takes you to far away places, even if you're not moving.
How has the experience been of working with producer Tom Nichols on your debut album?
O, it's been really amazing. I didn't just find a great producer and composer to work with but a wonderful person who is in this business for all the right reasons, for the actual love for music. He appreciates me for who I am and what I have to give, which is wonderful.
Was it an easy decision to also get Nashville writer Don Mescall on-board?
I think it's best to say that WE were very lucky to have producer, singer and songwriter Don Mescall on-board for this project, it has been an honour and a pleasure to have worked with him. I was very flattered by the fact that he was actually interested to work with me and wanted to get to know me better as an artist. He is such a generous and talented person and our work relationship has been great so far.
That album 'Raze Me To The Ground' is released this autumn, what creative process went into this record?
Nothing fancy or strange. This album is simply me being me without any fancy musical frills or gimmicks.
What kind of music should we expect from the collection?
It's a country rock album with a twist of modern alternative sounds.
How difficult would you say it is to create a name for yourself in this industry?
In my opinion it's what you make it. It can be the hardest or the most simplest thing in the world. I think it depends on what kind of message you want to send to your public. You may want to be yourself or a manufactured thing just for media - making those sorts of decisions will all have an impact on how you create your name in the industry.
If you could work with anyone going forward who would you choose and why?
There are so many talented artists out there who I would love to work with. It's hard to choose because in your life you go through so many different artistic stages (at least this is what happens with me). I'm such an open and curious person, so I like a lot of different things... (of course always staying true to myself), also the artists that you want to collaborate with change.
I would like to write music with Lady Gaga for example, or play with Lenny Kravitz or sing with Kings of Leon. I'd also love to work with Disclosure and Rudimental.
Should we expect some UK tour dates?
Yes, hopefully I'll be touring in September. More news on that very soon.
Debut single 'Radio Junkie' is released September 1.