SALIO

Singer on the Rise

Who are your inspirations? (as in other artists)

Singing wise, certainly Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin - they are my girls but musically anything and anyone from the techno movements of Luke Slater to the atmospheres of the KLF and everything in-between.

How did you get started?

I wrote my first song ‘Varskvlavebi’ - ‘Stars’ in English - when I was nine although myself and my younger sister used to play journalist interviewing singer much earlier but I would always be the singer and force Elene to be the journalist….sorry, Elene. I used to try and sell ‘tickets’ for my performance and sell them to my neighbours who were kind enough to entertain the seven-year-old before them so I guess it started way back then.

Who are your favorite bands/singers?

Well, as I said, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, James Brown obviously…. more currently, Massive Attack, Thom Yorke….the usual greats. I have been listening to a woman called Poemme a lot recently, she has a most sublime modern classical output in the form of ‘Moments in Golden Light’, it truly is a blanket to be wrapped in.

What do you think about when your preforming?

Nothing. I am in the moment. I am there on the stage and with the crowd sharing. It is that moment and that moment only which exists to us so it is very much a matter of here and now, and nothing out with that.

What was your first song ever sung?

I wrote my first song ‘Varskvlavebi’ - ‘Stars’ in English - when I was nine and this went on to become a sort of national anthem in my home country of the Republic of Georgia. Children now grow up with this so it is also really special to me.

When did you first start singing?

With my family, especially my father. Georgians have a very proud and long standing history of music, we have our own tonal scale unique to our country so stories have been passed down through generations around tables through song so i have always been brought up around singing , I just made it my life.

What did your family do to encourage you?

During the conflict in Georgia my family was very poor like most of our people. I am very proud and lucky to say that my parents pulled their last pennies together to invest in a teacher for musical education. They went without so I could learn music. Our family supported me more than anyone could reasonably expect them to. I have learned huge amounts during these times of conflict and poverty by candle light during a cold winter. How music can warm the soul, bring joy where there is pain, bring calm where there is conflict, bring love where there is hate. This is what I love most about music. My mother and father are both great singers, we were always singing around the family dinner table and still are when we get together. Even the neighbors open their windows on a warm occasion to join the party.

Have you always enjoyed the art of music?

My family is hugely musical. My mum has a beautiful voice and has been a bright light in a dark house during the war or times of poverty. We had an old piano and she would play classical music. Me and my sister Elene would dance together and think about some magical days in the future. Without music life can be dry but now I’m enjoying listening to the birds or even complete silence sometimes as waves of echoes come out through the neighborhood..music can be found in every part of it, I try to hear it, breathe deeply, feel it, enjoy it.

Any loves, other then music?Who are your musical inspirations?

I love my morning walk to the forest - empty streets, everyone asleep. I see how the city is going to wake up and become busier, noisier so I love waking up early in the morning, get my backpack, headphones, a banana and a water. I walk around 12 kilometres daily. Also, a morning swim is wonderful. We have some nice spots in Tbilisi. There is a rooftop swimming pool with a stunning view of the old town. A cup of coffee with an interesting book in the sunshine sunshine is a moment I also love to take, where possible, everyday. Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Susumu Yokota, and James brown are some inspirations quick to my mind.

What was the best advice ever given to you?

Work harder, never give up.

If you could have any style what would it be?

My style is always changing.. I remember when I had my first band at the school I was listening to Janis Joplin and I was hippie at that time. Then I started listening jazz and my style became classier. Then I traveled to the mountains of Nepal and saw all these beautiful women in all these beautiful dresses. I was amazed by their style in that it was so unique and wonderful. In Nepal I found a very

talented designer who was making very beautiful dresses in a tiny shop. The quality and the taste of the designer was amazing. You don’t have to stick with famous brands and follow their style blindly, there is much more less recognised talent in people which can be found in the world. Seek and you shall find, travel and you shall learn.

What kind of music do you listen to today?

I’m back listening to James brown a lot. Love his energy and groove.

What embarrassing songs might I find on your playlist?

I don’t think songs can be embarrassing..songs are either good or annoying so you would need to decide, I only listen to music I like.

Where would you most like to perform?

I’d love to perform one more time in New Orleans. In 2013, I had a wonderful experience performing at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. I was invited back stage to meet Earth, Wind and Fire and had a truly beautiful conversation with them. Later in the night the streets became busier and in every corner talented musicians were playing all kinds of music. We found a plug in a book shop to perform our music in the street. The whole place stopped and started dancing with us.. neighbors from the balcony, the policemen. NOLA is my second home and I’d love to go back with my band.

Who would you most like to open for?

I would truly love to open for Lenny Kravitz in 2021 in my home country. It would be an honour and a privilege.

If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?

Probably I’d have liked to become a paediatrician or a teacher. I love hanging around with kids. It’s something which makes me smile and they seem to understand me pretty easy.

Do you play any instruments?

I’ve being studying piano for 12 years. I had decided to become a conductor at the Tbilisi conservatory but I gave up because my favorite teacher died and I didn’t want to return and find another. I was 16 years old when I formed my first band at school. There I started songwriting and producing music. The head minister at the school, Lali, was hugely helpful during this time as she gave me an opportunity to achieve my goals as a musician. She gave me a rehearsal room for my band and we were able to rehearse and perform some huge gigs.

If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?

I suppose it would be jazz with double bass, sax, drums and some magical musicians from the past.

What genre of music can’t you stand to listen to?

I’ve never been that angry to listen to Metal. But I’ve got a very lovely friends who admire metal. Hmmm I just don’t get it. I’m sorry ..

What hidden talents do you have?

My friends and family are telling me that I’m a great cook. I’ve won some televised cooking competitions before. I believe if you can concentrate on something and put all your energy and effort you can do anything, even seemingly impossible things when you try your hardest.

Do you enjoy writing music and/or lyrics?

I was 9 when I wrote my first Georgian song called “Varskvlavebi” stars in English. It was a massive hit in my home country and is still widely loved by

young and old alike. Since then I’ve been writing songs about all kinds of topics. Over the last 4 years I’ve been lucky to have a British friend who’s a hugely talented poet. I’ve learned a huge amount from him in regard to writing lyrics but for me, the two go hand in hand. As singer, you can’t have one without the other when you are sat at the piano.

What is your favorite quote to say to other? “Friendship is the purest love. It is the highest form of love where nothing is asked for, no condition, where one simply enjoys giving.” Osho

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