Following the release of her latest single ‘Take It Slow’ LOCK Magazine had the pleasure of catching up with Ana Galeli to find out more about the artist, her influences and future plans. Be sure to check out ‘Take It Slow’ at the end of the interview.
For our readers, please tell us about your musical background?
“I come from a musical family. I grew up involved in the choir from singing to playing bass guitar. I appreciated songwriting as deeply as I could, looking up every song that resonated with me. I learned them, researched their meanings, their messages, and
how they came to be.”
Who or what are your musical influences?
“My earliest musical memory was listening to Andrea Bocelli’s “Romanza” album on family road trips as a kid. A lot of my
influences come from the music I listened to growing up in West Los Angeles. Those sounds consisted of classic rock, soft rock,
oldies, surf rock, new wave, folk, indie rock, to cinematic soundtracks.”
And what made you want to pursue music as a career?
“Music is powerful and can be medicinal. I felt that I had a message to transmit farther than I could go. For me, it’s about
contributing to loving others.”
Tell us about your music catalogue to date.
“I’ve had releases with Universal and Sony Sweden thanks to collaborations with artists like Foxa, Abel Ramos, and DJ Ghost.
I mainly worked on electronic music toplines until I met Martin Chourrout and Simon Beaudoux who, with their label Finalistes, encouraged me to work on my solo project with them as my producers. We worked together developing a signature sound. which eventually turned into “Toyland”, my first EP which will be released on January 26, 2024.”
You recently released your new single ‘Take It Slow’ could you tell us more about the track?
“Take It Slow” is about the freedom of being present. Especially in such a future focused society. I met up with Martin and Simon
at their studio in Paris, Martin had a beat he wanted us to work with. The wheels started going and I was reminded of a sermon I
heard about the transformation of one’s perspective. We took a break and walked around Père-Lachaise cemetery, which happened to be just a rock’s throw away from the studio. From there, the idea of the mystery of time and the certainty of an end lingered. The message was clear, take it slow. Don’t be robbed of today, thinking so much about tomorrow.”
You created a live studio recording of ‘Take It Slow’ how did you find that experience?
“Getting to record at the legendary Studios Ferber was surreal. You feel it in the walls, the wooden floors. But the best part was
having everyone there, everyone who was involved, who mixed an ingredient of themselves into baking this project. Experiencing others contributing their immense talents, resources, and time to this EP and live recordings was priceless and unforgettable. It
really set a tone of gratitude.”
For viewers who don’t know Ana Galeli, how would you describe your sound?
“Cinematic, moody songs to hear when you’re down with an air of truth and comfort.”
What’s the music scene like where you live?
“I just spent 3 years in Paris and the music scene was eclectic. I was more drawn to French pop, synth pop, and really pleasantly
surprised with the standard of current French rock.”
And what are some activities that you engage yourself in when
you aren’t writing or recording in the studio?
“I love adventure travel, being active, and learning new things! I recently climbed Pedra da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro and went on
a horse riding trek in Essaouira. Whatever takes you outside and reminds you of freedom is worth doing.”
Finally, what’s one fun fact about yourself for our readers?
“Okay so… I learned recently that Galileo Galilei is my ancestor! I’m just waiting on my invitation from “Finding Your Roots” to see what else they can find out – or not!”
Listen to Ana Galeli ‘Take It Slow’