Once a month, Pop Crave puts on its A&R hat and shines a spotlight on a new up and coming artist. With nearly a quarter-of-a-billion YouTube views and over 2 million subscribers, singer/songwriter Luciana Zogbi has accomplished a career’s worth of success before even releasing her debut album.
After going viral in 2014 with her gorgeous cover of John Legend’s “All of Me,” Zogbi has continued to build an online presence for herself with renditions of such hits as Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” Sam Smith’s “I’m Not the Only One” and Adele’s “Hello.” The up-and-coming artist is now looking to switch gears and share more original songs with the fans leading up to a full debut album next year.
Pop Crave sat down with Zogbi to discuss her musical background, dream collaboration and the process behind writing her latest single, “Down By The River.”
Where Did You Grow Up? What Inspired You To Get Into Music?
I was born and raised mostly in Brazil, I also lived in the US for a while. My father is a very musical person. I grew up listening to him play guitar and sing and eventually developed a passion for music myself. I started singing in musical theatre when I was about 10 and never stopped since.
Tell Us About Your First Concert Experience.
As a fan, the first concert I ever attended was Avril Lavigne’s. The stadium was packed and at the time I was small so I couldn’t see much, but I was so excited and knew the lyrics to all of her songs. As a performer, I remember being excited and nervous at the same time. I couldn’t even sleep the night before but everything went great, the crowd was amazing and so supportive.
Who Are 3 Of Your Music Inspirations?
Coldplay, Katie Melua, Amy Winehouse.
Tell Us About Your New Single. What Inspired It?
I was inspired to write “Down by The River” after a trip to Greece, where I first came in contact with the legend of Charon – the ferryman of Hades. According to Greek mythology, Charon carries the souls of the newly deceased across the river that divides the world of the living and the dead. A coin to pay Charon for passage was put in or on the mouth of the dead during burial. If they were buried without one, they were doomed to roam the river shore for 100 years. This song is about one of these unfortunate souls who gets stuck in “limbo”.
What Do You Hope People Take Away From Your Song After Listening?
The main concept I play with throughout this song is irony. The lyrics are almost humorously tragic: Imagine you were doomed to spend 100 years roaming the river shore because you couldn’t pay for passage and you still have to hear from the prophets you encounter that this was all made “for you”. The irony of our poor soul’s predicament is not only expressed by the lyrics but also by the juxtaposition of a tragic story with a happy harmony. I composed the song using mostly major chords which give the song a “happy feeling”, as if this song is the song being sung by the prophets to our character.
What Is Your Writing Process Like?
My writing process varies greatly. Sometimes I write a song in 5 minutes and sometimes it takes 5 months. I usually compose the melody first and then add lyrics.
What Can We Expect Next? An EP? Full Album?
I’m going to continue releasing singles this year and next year I have plans to release a full album. Excited to make it happen!
Who Is Your Dream Collab?
I have so many artists I’d love to work with. But If I had to chose one right now it would be Coldplay.
If You Could Change One Thing About Today’s Entertainment Industry, What Would It Be? Why?
Many people have voiced this concern before me but I think the entertainment industry is becoming more and more superficial. Theres nothing inherently wrong with superficiality – we all want to zone out sometimes and just have fun without having to think too deeply. But I’d like to see more thought provoking, deep and meaningful art hit the mainstream, and not be confined only to alternative/underground outlets.
What Do You Hope You’re Known For?
I’m not sure I know what I hope to be known for. I like to think that if I managed to get you to think about something in a different light then mission accomplished!
Subscribe to Luciana on YouTube & stream her new single, “Down By The River” on Spotify now.
