August 2008

10 mins with... Gabriella Cilmi

Sixteen-year-old singing sensation Gabriella Cilmi’s debut album Lessons to be Learned has gone gold in the UK and Australia. She stops for a chat mid-tour

WORDS ANNE LOH

You’ve been on the road non-stop for seven months, how’s it been?
It’s been exhausting, amazing, exciting and probably every other emotion. I love the performing part. That’s the highlight for sure – seeing people singing your lyrics back at you.

What’s life like on the road?
It’s constantly changing. One minute you’re in a radio station doing an acoustic performance, next you’re travelling for five hours watching Prison Break and sometimes, you’re lucky enough to find yourself on stage at the Royal Albert Hall. Travelling with the boys in my band for hours, they start to get on the nose, but they make me laugh too, so there’s an upside.

How did you choose the 13 tracks? Which is your favourite?
The actual album is 12 tracks and in each territory, there’s a bonus track. I listened to all the tracks and wrote down my favourite 12. My manager and label did the same. Luckily, we were all on the same page – exactly on the same page.

My favourite track changes all the time. Right now I love performing “Awkward Game”, although “Terrifying” may have taken over in my last few shows! Ask again in a week and you’ll get a different answer.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned since beginning this career?
Listen to me. Well, naturally I’m open to opinions but I always have to remember to share mine.

You’ve touched on various music styles on your album. Do you see yourself embracing a particular style in the future?
I’ll continue to embrace a number of styles for now although I see them all as me. My influences are varied so I’m sure my future albums will be too. I plan to do my fourth album in Nashville so we’ll see.

Whose music are you currently inspired by?
I saw The Verve, Sam Sparro, Leonard Cohen and John Mayer at Glastonbury. Glastonbury inspires me – what an amazing festival. I want to play there again next year and the year after and the year after that. As far as inspirations go – they change too as I listen to lots of musical styles… right now, I am digging MGMT, Muse and Kings of Leon.

How do you relax?
Eat sashimi, hang in London’s amazing parks (when the sun is shining), myspace my friends, write songs, shop and play badminton.

How will you be spending your summer?
My summer is full of festivals and European promos. I hope to be in Australia for the ARIAs and Homebake. I have a UK tour in October. I have two short breaks in August and I plan to spend time with my family in Italy and eat lots of good food and get a proper tan.