Where are you currently based?
Currently in Monaco. Home will always be London where I hope to go back once vaccinated.
What have you been up to recently?
I have been working on the acoustic version of “Raise a Toast” and the video. Plus recording vocals for my upcoming acoustic EP.
How did you first start playing music?
I started singing before I could walk 🙂
Your new single ‘Raise A Toast’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
The biggest influence on the melody and the over-the-top drama of the lyrics has been the music of an Italian icon, Mina Mazzini. She has a dramatic voice similar to mine and I take a lot of inspiration from her music of the ’60s and ’70s. Apart from that lyrically I love Lana Del Rey and the vintage glamour which I try to convey in my songs.
When writing this song I thought that it’s message has a lot of similarities to “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen, famously sung by my favorite 90’s diva Celine Dion. As his song was based on a part of a Rachmaninov’s piano concerto I thought it would be cool to add the actual Rachmaninov recording at the beginning of the track played from vinyl! It also underlines the huge influence of classical music in my creative process.
You co-wrote Raise A Toast with Arrow Benjamin (Beyonce, Alicia Keys), how did this collaboration come about and how was the experience as a whole?
Arrow was introduced to me by an acquaintance of my boyfriend. It was a total coincidence that our paths crossed. We met a few times and decided to give it a shot and work on some music together. I was very excited about the opportunity to work with him as he is incredibly skilled with words. As a young songwriter I can learn a lot from people like Arrow.
Once we started working we understood we are both alfa personalities so there were a lot of fiery discussions, long late-night phone calls, and different visions but in the end, we both found a middle ground and consider the song “our baby”.
Where and when did you record the track and who did you work with?
I recorded the track in the summer of 2020 with some difficulties due to the COVID restrictions. It was recorded in a recording studio in Nice, France.
You’re operatically trained, how does this influence your music and live performance?
I’ve been trained in Speech Level Singing technique since I was 16. This technique built the grounds for me as a vocalist. The biggests benefits I got from my classical training were mainly the development of my musical horizons and knowledge, the expansion of my vocal range, and the experience of singing some of the most difficult pieces of music written for voice, which now gives me an incredible confidence and ease while singing pop music. Not to mention the discipline you have to develop when you study for an Opera Degree, which involves acting, music theory, fencing, ballet and more. All this is very helpful for live performances.
How did the concept for the music video come about?
When shooting the video we were in a lockdown and I decided to take things into my own hands rather than wait for the reopening. I ordered a big Pavlova cake at a patisserie in Monaco, bought a ton of macaroons, and asked my close friend, who is a famous fashion designer in Poland, to lend me some fancy gowns. When writing this song I already had a vision of a Hollywood siren who has it all, dancing by herself to the music in her hotel room, drinking way too much, watching TV at night, and eating fast food. The idea of a modern Marie Antonette mixed with Marylin Monroe. Shooting it was hard work but also sooo much fun. And I got totally tipsy on all the champagne! But seriously, I think the video is such a good contrast to the song, as you can see my joyful side. I wanted it to feel more personal therefore we edited it in an 8mm camera style.
Where and when did you film?
Considering that the music video was shot in January 2021 when we were in full lockdown everything had to be done very simplistically with just me as the director, stylist, makeup artist except for the cameraman. It was filmed in a hotel in Monaco.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the music video?
I guess the biggest challenge was to take care of all the styling, makeup, and hairstyling. It was a lot of work considering I had 5 different looks. I loved that I had total creative control and it was simply fun.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I have a very broad spectrum of music I listen to but currently one of my favs is Snoh Aalegra. I’m also in love with the 90’s vibes of the new releases from Bruno Mars.
What do you like to do away from music?
A passion that has definitely helped throughout my teenage years and something I care about a lot is the transformative power of makeup. Together with fashion, makeup has always been my armour and has given me the freedom to choose who I want to be. Every day I choose a different look that makes me feel empowered and brave.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2021?
In June I’m going to release an acoustic EP which has been fun to record as we’ve done it with a great live string quartet. Then I’m hoping to travel and hang out on the beach for the whole of June, July, and August. I’m also gonna have my mini studio set up with me and do remote songwriting sessions with my team. Once September arrives I hope to go back to London and work on my original material there.
Favourite food and place to hang out?
Favorite food? Probably Cipriani’s famous meringue cake. I have a horrible sweet tooth.
My favorite place to hang out is George Members Club in Mayfair, London. It feels like home and the staff there are like family to me!
