After gaining a passionate and ever-growing fanbase by writing songs and collaborating with fans via TikTok, actor, singer and song-writer Gia Lily has unveiled her debut single 'Signs.' With a personal touch to her song-writing, piano tutorials and an engaging personality, which led to a phenomenal reaction, she has already generated almost six million likes on TikTok, giving her a great catapult into her solo career.
'Signs' is a break-up pop perfection track that lives up to the expectation of what was initially expected. Focusing on the pain and personal experiences that come with heartbreak, 'Signs' is a moody and melancholic track, reflecting how heartbreak is an experience to grow and learn from. Her vocals accompanying the track are infused with passion and raw emotion.
'Signs' is about hoping your ex picks up on the signs you're trying to send them. They're with someone new, but you know he's still caught up on you as well. I wanted to turn that feeling of pain and heartache into something that can be used as a form of empowerment."
Here at The Lowdown, we had the opportunity to speak with Gia Lily about her new single, how she first got into music and more. Keep reading to check out what she had to say!
You have recently released your debut single, 'Signs.' What is it like for you to have your own music released?
"It's honestly the most powerful feeling, and relieving! I've been vibing to it on my own since June and I have got very impatient at times, so now it's finally out for everyone to hear and enjoy. It's just the best feeling!"
You have built up quite a following through TikTok. Do you feel that having so much support already made it slightly easier when it came to releasing your own music?
"It definitely gave it that extra push - yes! If it wasn't for TikTok and the support my fans have shown me over this past year of being on the platform, releasing music would have been a very scary thing."
For anyone who is yet to hear the single, can you sum it up in a couple of words?
"Your ex is still very much caught up on you ('You're looking at my stories. I know that you're watching from a distance.'), but he's with someone new. You're sending him signs to let him know you KNOW he's still there."
How long did the single take to come together?
"I wrote this song (in my sleep!) back in May. I then took it to my producers the next week, and they made it exactly what I wanted it to be, and more. It was originally a piano ballad, but I didn't want it to be sad anymore! Sad girl turned sassy girl!"
'Signs' is based on quite a personal experience. Do you find it easier to draw on personal experience when it comes to song-writing?
"Absolutely! There needs to be more honesty in this world. I think if you're writing about something you personally can't relate to, it won't feel half as authentic or raw. It's important to me that what I communicate is telling my story to hopefully inspire others to be as brave."
Who would you say are your musical influences?
"Freddie Mercury, Dua Lipa, Gwen Stefani, Charli XCX, Upsahl, Two Feet and Noga Eerez to name a few! They're all so individually creative in their visions, it's inspiring!"
Going back to your roots, how did you first get in to music?
"This sounds so cliché, but it's always been something I've done. Rock is in my roots, from car rides with my Dad listening to AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, Queen etc. I wrote my first song before the age of ten, and it was about halloumi cheese. Very iconic, I know. Chart-topping song in my opinion, maybe it'll make an appearance in the future!"
What have you got planned for the remainder of the year/2022? Can we expect additional singles/an EP/an album?
"I was just so happy to close off 2021 with the release of my debut single! There's a lot to come in 2022, including a project I'm beyond excited to work on, and my first headline show!"
Is there anything in particular that you would most like to achieve throughout your career?
"I'd love to go on tour, Europe and US/Canada especially. I love travelling so much, so being able to perform whilst travelling would be a dream!"
Finally, do you have a message for all those who support you?
"THANK YOU! It's important for me to stress to you all how much your support means to me. I can do my passion in life because of you all, so thank you! Go stream 'Signs'!
'Signs' is out now and is available to purchase and stream through all major purchasing streaming and outlets.
By Rachel Dempster