- Words Gabriel Mealor-Pritchard
Gianna Lei's new single 'Villa & A House' heralds a darker sound and deep personal connection.
Prague-based pop artist Gianna Lei is poised to enchant audiences once again with her latest single, ‘Villa & A House’. Known for her unique ability to transform deeply personal experiences into universally resonant electro-anthems, Gianna Lei’s latest track promises a captivating blend of soul-stirring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious beats.
‘Villa & A House’ represents a significant evolution in Gianna Lei’s sound, introducing a darker and moodier tone than her previous works. Collaborating with producer Morten Bergholt, Gianna Lei crafted the track in her childhood home, a process that imbued the song with an intimate and organic feel. The rapid creation of the beat and the immediate emotional connection Gianna Lei felt to it spurred the swift development of the verses and chorus, completed in just an hour.
Originally, Lei envisioned a feature for the bridge of the song. However, when the planned collaboration fell through, she penned a new bridge herself, drawing inspiration from her frustration and determination to surpass expectations. This bridge has become a standout element of the track, showcasing her ability to channel raw emotion into her music.
The accompanying music video, filmed in the neighbourhood where Gianna Lei grew up, adds a layer of personal nostalgia and authenticity to the release. This visual element, combined with the introspective nature of the song, underscores Gianna Lei’s knack for creating deeply relatable and moving music.
Gianna Lei’s journey from catching the eye of the Czech Eurovision selection to honing her craft at London’s prestigious Abbey Road Institute has been nothing short of inspiring. Her blend of technical expertise and innate talent continues to push the boundaries of pop and R&B, making ‘Villa & A House’ a testament to her growing prowess and an exciting glimpse into her artistic future.
“We wanted to start going for a darker sound, so Morten started messing around and got this beat done in about five minutes. I loved it immediately. The first phrase that came to me was ‘Villa & A House'”, Gianna shares. “It started as gibberish, but when I leaned into what felt natural, the concept of dreaming about an ideal life emerged, and the lyrics flowed naturally”.