Where are your roots?
I grew up in an Italian family in Thunder Bay (a small northern Ontario town in Canada). I am the youngest of three; I have a brother and sister.
Where are you based out of now?
In 2009, I moved to Toronto to attend Humber College's Music Degree Program. I fell in love with the City and I have decided to live here ever since.
First Concert?
Sharon, Lois & Bram, when I was 3 or 4, at the Community Auditorium in Thunder Bay. I had such an amazing experience, dancing and singing along to all the fun jams.
Favourite Colour?
Blue: all different shades of blue. It's such a complex colour that can symbolize many things. When I'm feeling low, the deeper blues speak to me. When I'm feeling happy, the lighter more teal blues speak to me.
Favourite Food?
Anything my Nonna cooks because it is made with such love and joy.
First memorable Vinyl?
The scratching of the vinyl makes me feel like there's a certain magic in it. It feels alive and tangible, almost like the artist is right there standing in front of you performing live. When I got my very own record player, one of the first records I remember listening to was "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" by Elton John. It was just me sitting with the record player and I listened to the song over and over. It sounded so epic, layered and deep.
Who would you like to have a lunch with?
I'm gonna propose an "iconic" lunch party with Freddy Mercury, Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, John Lennon, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Oprah and Elton John.
Who are your Heroes?
Harry Potter. Buffy. But honestly there are many "real" people who I admire, like my young nephews are little heroes to me. They wake up being them and everyday look at the world in a new way. Everyone and anyone who lives with love, spreads positivity and joy around is a hero to me. And in being honest you are victorious.
Describe some of your most memorable performances?
I was in the Groove Merchants a funk group, during my Humber College days. We had a showcase night and I had so much fun doing "Give it To Me Baby" by Rick James. I was dancing and having such a blast getting all funky flying around the stage. Also, at World Pride in Toronto, when I performed “No Limits: to Love” (my original song).
Who or what are your musical influences?
Every artist or every piece of music that I've ever heard has influenced me in some way. But I'll tell you the musical artists that inspire me: Some performance wise, some vocally, some songwriting wise and some in all ways.
Adam Lambert, David Bowie, Pharrell, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Christina Aguilera, Donna Summer, Cyndi Lauper, Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Laura Branigan, One Republic (Ryan Tedder), P!nk, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Beyonce, HAIM, Calvin Harris, Ed Sheeran, Culture Club, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Lorde, Backstreet Boys, Billy Joel, Prince, Queen, Madonna, Sia, Radiohead, Elton John, Lady Gaga - SO MANY I could go on and on and on. . ..
Madonna or Lady Gaga?
I love both artists for who they are individually. I respect both of them immensely. Personally as a teen, I experienced the birth of the Lady Gaga phenomenon, very much like an 80’s teen would have experienced Madonna's rise to fame. I'm thankful that they have made music and both will continue to do so.
What is your favourite concert to date?
Prince in 2011. He is a true genius. His show was electrifying and he played around 7 or 8 encores that lasted 3 hours. It was amazing to see such true top notch quality musicianship and next level entertainment. I felt his love for music in every note he played or sang. That's what it's all about.
Travel back in time (Doctor Who style) – when and where would you travel to?
It would be pretty cool to have a TARDIS. Can the answer be everywhere and all time? Just because I'd be curious to just experience anything really? I can imagine going and watching the creation of the Universe or going to see how the dinosaurs lived; or visiting amazing composers like Beethoven or Mozart to see how they wrote and created; or the 70's - it seemed like a really creative and artistic period.
What is your songwriting process?
A secret – just kidding. The most exciting thing about songwriting is you never know when inspiration is gonna happen or how a song will grow or turn out. Sometimes a melody comes first, sometimes the harmonic structure or the rhythmic idea comes first. Sometimes everything comes together all at once in 15 minutes. Every song is different.
All my experiences are inspiration for my music. Happiness and heartbreak, along with triumphs and tragedies. Soul.
Future plans?
To live with love.
To inspire others.
To help make the world a better place.
To share my talents.
To create and learn and grow.
To go with the flow of the Universe.