- Fri, 2008-07-11 12:56
16 year old Gabriella Cilmi is currently enjoying major chart success with her single Sweet About Me and debut album Lessons To Be Learned. Having recently played Glastonbury festival and breaking records as the youngest artist to have a number one single in her homeland Australia, she doesn't show any signs of slowing down. I Like Music managed to grab some time with Gabriella to ask her a few questions...We chat about her new single, playing at Glastonbury and what is in her CD player right now.
"I Like Music because… I can pinpoint every important moment of my life to a song.” Gabriella Cilmi
ILM: Your new single Sweet About Me was released in early June and has been a huge hit. Can you give us your own personal description of the tracks whole vibe?
Gabriella: Sweet About Me has that same hypnotic feel that a rocking boat has. I was listening to a lot of early psychedelic music around the time I wrote it. The songs saying that were all going to make mistakes, so we might as well have fun while were making them.
ILM: You have just played at the legendary Glastonbury festival. How was that?
Gabriella: It was real cool. I never knew just how HUGE Glastonbury was. I can tick one thing off my to do list now! Hopefully I'll get to play it again, the crowd is amazing!
ILM: What do you look forward to the most about playing live?
Gabriella: To seeing what kind of people are in the crowd and letting the stress of the week out!
ILM: Is there a track you like to play live the most?
Gabriella: I love Terrifying- It’s just a fun track.
ILM: Can you describe the Gabriella Cilmi process of writing and recording such good music?
Gabriella: I usually start off with the lyrics. Then once we have organised some music I’ll put my lyrics to melodies. We write in lots of different ways. Sometimes we jam on the acoustic- simple as that!
ILM: Loads of people are using the internet these days and getting their music out there before even getting a record deal. How has the internet affected you and your music?
Gabriella: I think it’s a really great way to develop a fan base and have a better relationship with your fans. It’s nice getting messages from people who enjoy your music and your live shows.
ILM: Have you got any advice for others looking to break into music industry?
Gabriella: Gig lots, experiment and try different things when you're writing.
ILM: What are the future plans for Gabriella Cilmi?
Gabriella: To write more albums, maybe a country album some day. I would love to play Madison Square Garden and my own show at the Royal Albert Hall.
ILM: What’s in your CD player right now? (What are you listening to for pleasure?)
Gabriella: Band of Horses- Cease to Begin. I went to their live show the other night and they were amazing. The did 2 encores which I thought was impressive!
