Talented young artist Gianpaolo Gallian recently spoke with Barbie Edonia, CEO of Chunedesk, about his career in music and upcoming projects.
Born into a family with a strong musical background, Gianpaolo’s decision to pursue a music career came naturally to him. He spent years attending the conservatory and graduated with honors in Jazz Musical Disciplines in 2021.
His music is predominantly jazz-oriented, infused with elements of pop and influences from the seventies.
When asked about his musical influences, he started his musical influenceincludingde Dave Grusin, Chick Corea, Lee Ritenour, Michael Brecker, and Kevin Eubanks.
Gianpaolo recently released his album “Easy Jams for Drum Set,” which serves as an educational product for young drummers.
He approaches writing and composing songs from three standpoints: the composer’s standpoint, the transcriber’s standpoint, and the producer’s standpoint.
He occasionally writes lyrics to create awareness of the present and the future through his words. He continues to produce music in his studio, both for himself and other artists Gianpaolo is an Italian musician who is excited about the release of his group’s latest album, “Magenta,” on June 23rd.
To stay inspired, Gianpaolo listens to a wide range of music, utilizing the internet as a valuable tool for discovery.
He strives to be prepared for any situation that arises and considers his music career a blessing.
To promote his music, Gianpaolo primarily utilizes YouTube and Twitter. Instagram is useful for sharing visually appealing content, but it lacks interactivity. Facebook is a more fulfilling path than working in a monotonous job.
What initially inspired you to pursue a music career?
I was born in a musical family, so the choice to pursue a music career was really second nature to me. Almost everyone in my family plays at least one instrument…
Can you tell us about your musical background and any formal training you’ve had?
My musical background is essentially rooted in jazz and harmonically complex music, with
space for improvisation. I attended the conservatory for years, and finally graduated cum laude in Jazz Musical Disciplines in 2021 (Master Graduation).
How would you describe your music style or genre?
As a solo artist, my music is jazz-oriented, with some space for pop and some influences from the seventies.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
A good question! My first musical influences were records from the GRP catalogue back in the ’80s. I was deeply influenced by that sound and am still very inspired by all those records, artists like Dave Grusin, Chick Corea, Lee Ritenour, Michael Brecker, Kevin Eubanks, and so on… Their music is still alive in me after all these years! I think it will live forever.
Could you share the story or inspiration behind your latest album, “Easy Jams for Drum Set”?
My latest album, “Easy Jams for Drum Set” was essentially born as a sequel to the first “Easy Tunes for Drum Set”, and tailored mainly towards young drummers as an educational product, providing them with some challenging tracks to play along with. Every drummer
who posts a YouTube video playing along to these tunes will be featured on my YouTube channel!
What is your creative process like when writing and composing songs?
When writing or composing songs, I have at least three standpoints that I can start from: the composer’s standpoint, the transcriber’s standpoint and the producer’s standpoint: in the end, it’s all relative to the amount of pre-existing material that I want to take into consideration. How much original material is gonna be there, so to speak. Music is an ever-evolving matter, and it’s also an ever-recycling matter.
Are there any specific themes or messages you strive to convey through your music?
Composing mainly instrumental music, I would say no. But since every once in a while I write some lyrics, yes, I try to keep in mind the purpose of making people more aware of their present, and their future.
How do you approach live performances and connecting with your audience?
I stopped touring altogether in 2010, due to personal reasons. I still continue to produce music in my studio, both for myself and for others.
Can you share a memorable or challenging moment from your music career so far?
Undoubtedly, one of the highest peak in my career was to be able to play at the Grosse Allmend in Bern, Switzerland, on the 6th of June, 2004, in the presence of St. John Paul II, who was then the pontifex. 70.000 people there, never heard of it? Never played so loud in
my life. Here’s a short memory of it:
What role does technology play in your music production or performance?
Totally, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do now if it wasn’t for the available technology at the moment, especially on the producer’s side. It allows you to do alone what was then done by four workhorses, so to say.
Are there any collaborations or dream collaborations you hope to pursue in the future?
Well, the fruit of a long collaboration is going to see the light: I’m talking about my group’s
latest album, “Magenta”, by group “Lineaquattro”, which is going to hit all major digital places on the 23rd of June, God willing. That will definitely be a dream come true, more than 6 years of background work.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as an artist?
I still try to just listen to as much different music as possible. I must admit that the internet plays a big part in it
What do you think sets you apart from other musicians in your genre?
Everyone of us is different. As long as we stay true to ourselves, there will always be some space out there for our music, hopefully.
Have you encountered any obstacles or hurdles in the music industry, and how did you
overcome them?
Honestly, I was never in a state of difficulty, or plateau. The main reason could have been that I was always trying to be ready and prepared for the current situation at any given time. That might have worked in some way!
What do you enjoy most about being a musician?
Well, it’s a job that I feel very blessed and fortunate to work! After all, it’s better than working in a foundry for 8 hours a day, in the end!
How do you balance your artistic vision with commercial considerations?
I just try to address what I’m doing when I start the work, and gear it towards some kind of targeted audience. You can’t possibly please everyone, right? So, I try to restrict the target.
Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’re particularly excited about?
Yes, my third album. It’s called “A Good Crossing”, and it is my first sung one. It will be a concept album, with 12 brand-new emotional pieces, that will work together as a catharsis in the contest of a personal journey. I think it will be very interesting, both musically and lyrically.
How do you utilize social media and online platforms to connect with your fans?
Well, I only use YouTube and Twitter to promote my music, but it’s enough and it works very well. Instagram is nice and good if you have some good pictures, but it’s not really interactive. Facebook is overused in my humble opinion, and based on an algorithm that
really tires people out.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey?
I would quote the great musician and drummer Jojo Mayer: “Don’t listen to people talking about PR agents and the importance of social media. Instead, start by following things that will probably never go out of style: honesty, sincerity and enthusiasm. It’s worth more than
all Facebook likes in the world”. That is also my point on it.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals or aspirations as a musician?
I try to live in the moment. My best choice would be to continue doing what I do, with the same spirit of gratefulness to the Giver of all gifts.
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