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There’s not a better way to start your new year right than to soak in the music of Gina Zavalis. Whether it is relaxing at the comforts of your home or getting inspired to work on your new year’s resolutions and goals, Gina Zavalis’ music is the appropriate outlet for you to get focused. Gina Zavalis certainly leads by example with complete focus on her music and career which inspires you to work on all your innermost desires. With hopes of returning to the confines north of the border or to a venue near you, FERNTV had to go one-on-one with Gina Zavalis to discuss how her hard work has led her to such a devoted path.
FERNTV: Can you tell us here at FERNTV how you go started with your singing career?
Gina: I started singing at the age of 3 and started training and singing professionally at the age of 10. So, I've been singing my entire life. It's natural to me, like breathing. I started to study voice privately at the age of 10 and never stopped. I still study privately today & firmly believe in solid, consistent training. My training is rooted in classical music and opera. I believe if your training is rooted in classical music, you can truly sing any genre. My career started in musical theatre. I studied theatre in college, earned a BA in Theatre from Fordham University and continued a career in musical theatre, performing in Regional Theatre, National Tours, Off-Broadway shows, along with session singing, voiceovers, and some film and TV. I broke away from theatre in 2009 and started my solo career and am extremely excited and pleased with my decision.
FERNTV: Who would you credit the most for influencing your songwriting ability and why?
Gina: My songwriting mostly comes from personal experience or from what I observe others go through in their personal lives. I don't know when the inspiration will hit me. As far as influences are concerned, I can credit Carol Bayer Sager, David Foster, Kara DioGuardi, and Fiona Apple, to Cole Porter, the Gershwins and Harold Arlen. My musical taste is vast and I get inspiration from many different songwriters and genres. In reality, I could really write about 2 pages worth of influences :)
FERNTV: Tell us a little bit about your experience in making music in Nashville?
Gina: It has been a pleasure! My producer, Doug Beiden, is outstanding and working with him has been a blessing. I like to work with people who are a good fit for me, no matter what their credits might be. Doug had the credits and the fit, which is a bonus. The writing process and the recording process with him was a wonderful, rewarding experience and I look forward to collaborating with him in the future on more material. Nashville has been very good to me and I plan on going back for
more! I love Nashville!
FERNTV: Walk us through your experience of singing at Yankee Stadium?
Gina: Wow. That was a once in a lifetime experience. When I arrived at Yankee Stadium, I was escorted through the players’ entrance. I passed the locker rooms and the special VIP areas. As the players were warming up on the field, I was able to do a run through of the National Anthem and spend time with the players in the dug out. It was a thrill to spend time with them, sitting in the dug out, just chatting and passing time. Some of the players were very focused and some were very relaxed and chatting me up. When it was time for me to sing, I can remember stepping out onto the perfectly manicured lawn, a sold out crowd cheering and yelling, screaming and whistling. I stepped behind home plate and took my place behind the microphone. I started to sing and as I looked up at the top of the stadium, it was as though as huge monster was hovering over me. I felt so small. However, it was exhilarating and exciting. The game was sold out,
the fans were excited and the game was televised. I think what made me most nervous were the guys whistling at me from behind home plate! It wasn't until after the game when I realized that Tom Seaver, who was a commentator at the time, had said live on air, "Wow, Gina Zavalis, that was the best we heard all year! What a voice!" A lot of people I knew who weren't at the game heard him say that on TV or on the radio and were so happy for me. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget and I am extremely grateful.
FERNTV: Do you think that if a major label wanted to sign you and wanted to change your style or genre of music, do you think you would fair well or would you just not go with it?
Gina: If a major label wanted to sign me and wanted to change my style or genre of music, I would only agree dependent upon how much changing they want to do and what kind of changing they want to do. It would have to be a mutual agreement. I think I am in the correct genre, doing AC/Pop/Classical, given my experience, training and background. So far, everyone I've worked with and consulted with in the business has agreed.
FERNTV: From your perspective, do you feel that your genre of music is difficult to reach out to listeners rather than the trendy stuff that people listen to nowadays, especially young people?
Gina: No, not at all. I have fans spanning from ages 18-70. My music is about passion, love, devotion, feelings, commitment, accepting who you are and being loved...everyone feels these emotions in their lives on different levels at different ages, no matter what they are going through.
FERNTV: You have had several performances up here in Canada...tell us how important this is to your career?
Gina: Very important. My fans are worldwide and most of the fan base is in the USA, Canada and the UK. I absolutely adore Canada and am looking forward to more interviews, radio play, touring more of Canada, recording there and developing relationships and collaborating with other musicians and people in the business. I adore the Canadians and have made a lot of great friendships there. I am thrilled about meeting more great Canadians!
FERNTV: What do you have coming up in the New Year?
Gina: I am collaborating with Bob Barrett, who is a composer and orchestrator based in Los Angeles on new music. Bob Barrett composes for major motion pictures and for Disney. He has also worked with artists such as Diana Ross, Pat Benatar, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Joe Cocker, Bill Medley, Chita Rivera, and Maureen McGovern. I will also be touring, performing more and working on amusic video.
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