Gioia Review & Interview

Gioia

Gioia (pronounced 'joy-ah') is from Boston, Massachusetts and was brought up in an Italian family which had very strong cultural and work ethic values. "I was always taught that nothing would be handed to me," recalls Gioia. "So if I wanted anything in life, then it was up to me to figure out how to attain it and then make it happen."

Gioia began singing when he was young and was hooked after seeing rock band KISS perform; Gioia explains, " I remember it clear as day; the lights, the fire, the elevating stage, the crazy, screaming fans, the costumes and the blaring, ear drum piercing music. For me, that was it. I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up….a rock star!"

Gioia studied music at college, on completion of his degree and worked for a few months as a scuba instructor and vocal performer at Club Med Florida. Gioia chose to leave Florida for Orlando to peruse his music career, recording a demo and beginning his journey towards a music career. However soon after, Gioia chose to work as a restaurant manager and start a family after he was unable to find a genuine music company to produce his CD.

'Angel on my Shoulder' was inspired when Gioia experienced a near fatal car cash; this, in turn, inspired his return to music.

The music on the LP, Flawless, is a mixture of pop and dance music. All of the tracks are very upbeat and modern. The album covers a wide variety of subject matters, everything from life, death, the environment, and an underlying love toward humanity with a sense of global unity that exists beyond distinctions of race, color, or creed. 'The Fire Rages On' is written to provide awareness for the unnecessary burning of our world's rainforests. Gioia explains "I'm big on environmental care, and the track reflects about the current state of the environment, the need for global awareness, and also the need for conservationist changes."

Track listing
1. Real
2. Angel Child
3. Flawless
4. Angel on your Shoulder
5. Free
6. Won't Turn U Out (feat. Susan Smith)
7. Positivity (feat. Susan Smith and Shawn Caliber)
8. The Fire Rages On (feat. Lynne Hajjar)

Review: Gioia takes popular music back to its roots - with catchy tunes and lots of vocals. The different range of vocals keep you interested while you bop along to the beat. Gioia manages to craft songs that have lyrics with lots of feeling but are also so likable that they are those types of songs that get stuck in your head for days.

"Turn You Out" featuring Susan Smith would have to be my favourite track off the record, as it has heart-felt lyrics that are backed up by two killer sets of vocals, Gioia's and Susan Smith's.

Gioia's music although dance-pop is highly original and unique. The lyrics are enticing and evidently from Gioia's soul. Flawless showcases Gioia's music ability and enthusiasm to this music genre.

The production of Flawless was worked by Marc Soucy of AudioMusicVoice (El Kapitan and David Hull- bassist for Buddy Miles, The Joe Perry Project, rock trio Fahrenheit, James Montgomery, and live fill in for Aerosmith), and Surefire Music Group (MTV's Making of the Band featured artist-Makio, and Brooke Hogan. River Dance lead singer-Hayley Griffiths).

Interview with Gioia

How did it feel to hear your song played from a CD?

Francis Joseph Gioia: It felt like being naked in front of a stranger!


Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Once upon a time, the industry was all about the band, the album and the solo. Now it's all about the solo artist, the hit single, downloads, marketing, "tweets" and American Idol.


Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Yes, I write my own material and collaborate with other writers to complete the recorded track. I start out with a melody inspired by my emotions at that time. I always know from the beginning of the writing process what the subject matter of the lyrics will pertain to. The original inspiration of the melody and the lyrics go hand and hand. I usually have a couple specific lines right away as I first write the melody. As for inspirations, I am always inspired by love-whether it's love for a person, nature or humanity; love finds it's way into my music as love makes my world go around!


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Madonna is a must. Lady Ga Ga, AC/DC, the Beach Boys-I'm all over the place!


What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Putting the finishing touches on the 'Flawless' LP, shoot the video for the single 'Angel on your Shoulder', get ready for a summer tour!


Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Francis Joseph Gioia: After I was ripped off for $15,000 by a fraudulent music investor, I put all my music dreams aside. Then like all true day dream believers, I found my way back to them. I must admit though, a little angel did help me a lot along the way.


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Live definitely. You never know what crazy things will come up. You have to expect the unexpected. From arriving to a show last minute in the freezing cold in a rickshaw to beat the traffic (true story!), to having a dental cap pop off my tooth in the middle of belting out a line (another true story-same show!!!), to the crazy energy of people you don't even know, to the after party….there is nothing as exciting as performing live!


What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Francis Joseph Gioia: As a kid, I went with my big sister to a sold out concert of the glorious rock band 'Kiss', ..…Dazzling pyrotechnics, Gene Simmons spitting fire and blood, Peter Chris playing his drum solo on an elevating stage, Paul Stanley strutting bare chested around the stage belting out ;Detroit Rock City' to thousands of screaming women and Ace Freely blowing up his guitar, all right before my young eyes…...all this plus platform heels? YES! Sign me up for the Kiss Army! After that all I wanted to do was sing "I want a rock and roll all night and party every day…….." and for the rest of my life too.


What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Not playing a musical instrument. It defiantly makes it harder to get my musical point across to my co-writers which can be frustrating at times. Also, not playing an instrument kept me from being a street musician which is disappointing. I think that would have been fun.


What's a typical day like?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Start the day by driving my kids to school. Then go on line and promote myself. Follow up on press leads and already established press/promo contacts. Follow up with myspace fans. It's always nice to reach out to a fan who has reached out to me. Warm up my voice and rehearse. Head over to the studio and record. Catch up with the family. Watch the news and learn how much more kindness we need to show each other and our planet. Write a new song under the moon light…


What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Turning an emotion into a song and then being part of that whole creative, transformation process along with other musicians that turns a simple melody into a full blown album track. And of course, making a lot of new friends along the way.


If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Madonna for sure.


Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?

Francis Joseph Gioia: No…. "That you liked Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain. And the feel of the ocean, and the taste of champagne. If you like making love at midnight, in the dunes of the cape…"


Do you have a website fans can visit?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Yes, www.myspace.com gioiamyspace and while you're there be sure to leave a message on my 'wall'!


Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Francis Joseph Gioia: 1. A drug free life style
2. A job you love
3. At least one animal companion
4. A dance partner
5. 4th of July fireworks.


What message would you like to say to your fans?

Francis Joseph Gioia: Be kind to the planet and all its creatures. Also, I am an independent musician. I do not work for "the man" and I want to keep it that way. So please go to iTunes and download my music. Then go to gioiamusic.com and leave me a message. Thank you in advance for your support! Peace and love to all.

60 Second Quiz

> Full Name: Francis Joseph Gioia
Nickname(s): None-Hate em!
Star Sign: Capricorn
Music Talent: La. La, la, la, laaaaaaaah!
Favorite Food: Artichokes-stuffed, marinated, fried, etc don't matter.
Favorite Film: Harry Potter Series (Is that cheating?)
Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington
Pet: Cats! Many of them!
Best Feature: Animal Lover!
Worst Feature: Never on time!
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Obama
Hobbies/Interests: Sports/Politics
First Job: Paper boy of course
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Meet me in 'da club'
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Mini digital voice recorder because inspiration can come at anytime!
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: Trying to breath without inhaling a cat!

Interview by Brooke Hunter
Review by Simone Traglia