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Andrea di Giovanni Unites with Trans Creative Collective and BMG to Amplify Trans Voices Through New EP

29/08/2024
Music and Sound
London, UK
164
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LBB’s Tará McKerr speaks to Andrea di Giovanni about her new EP collaboration with BMG, promoted by the Trans Creative Collective, and the power of trans+ narratives in media

Once in a while you might be lucky enough to come across someone who voices both the plight and joy of a marginalised group in synergy – a battle cry of sorts. That’s what it’s like to consume the artforce of Andrea di Giovanni. I saw her perform for the first time almost a year ago in the finals of Pride’s Got Talent, in what was nothing short of an experience. There, the contemporary pop artist, songwriter, and human rights advocate stole the show with a performance dedicated to the trans community. After being crowned winner, she was given the opportunity to create an EP specifically designed for media synchronisation in TV, films, and more, in collaboration with BMG Production Music, who had partnered with PGT. 

The debut EP, which launched yesterday, is promoted by a stunning two-minute artist spotlight on Andrea crafted by the impeccable talents at Trans Creative Collective (TCC). The video takes an intimate look at Andrea, her art, and most importantly – what it means to her and the world. For Andrea, the partnership is an example of the power that exists in trans+ stories narrated by and produced by the community. 

We caught up with Andrea and the TCC to find out about the collaboration, and what went into creating the EP that she hopes will act as a bridge to connect all people.



LBB> Andrea, first of all congratulations on your EP! I remember watching your performance at Pride’s Got Talent and thinking ‘wow’. How has your personal journey and identity influenced the sound and themes of this new EP?

Andrea> Thank you so much, so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed my performance. In writing this EP I really wanted to go towards a mainstream direction: using words, sounds and melodies that every single human being who listens to them can relate to without any exception.


LBB> How has that experience of PGT shaped your artistic vision, and in what ways did it influence the creation of this EP?

Andrea> PGT has given me incredible opportunities over the years, therefore I wanted this EP to reflect the wisdom and experience I’ve gained through participating in the contest.

LBB> You've mentioned that your artistry draws inspiration from pop divas and queer culture. Can you share specific artists or moments that have had a lasting impact on your music and how they’re reflected in this new body of work?

Andrea> Queer culture has always been at the forefront of the music industry, whether hidden or more evident, queer folks have shaped the world of pop music. London Trans+ Pride for sure is one of those events where love, rage and community come together in a wonderfully wholesome way. In terms of artists who inspired me I can list MNEK, Gaga, Charli XCX, Little Mix & their solo projects – most of them share a unique point of view and a genuine passion for the art of production and song-writing. 


LBB> The EP was created with media synchronisation in mind. How did this objective influence your songwriting and production process? Were there any unique challenges or opportunities that came with composing music for TV, films, and more?

Andrea> Writing for sync allowed me to switch my perspective on songwriting a lot: sometimes it’s important to meet halfway between your artistic essence and the task at hand. Together with musician, GESS, we’ve gone through a quite extensive research process in which we have listened to tracks synced to movies and TV shows and taken inspiration from there. The biggest challenge was to always remember the purpose of those tracks without making them too predictable and/or boring.


LBB> You talk about your creative process as a way to navigate overwhelming emotions. How did writing this EP serve as an outlet for you, and are there any specific tracks that hold a particularly personal significance? Do you have a favourite?

Andrea> Ooof! I love them all, don't get me wrong, but I do believe ‘Power’ has such an anthem-like feel to it. It’s for everyone who wants to feel strong and knows how it all comes from within rather than from external influences. It doesn’t matter who you are, feeling empowered is something we can all benefit from given the circumstances we’re facing at the moment.


LBB> In the artist spotlight video, you mention fostering "a different kind of church where people come together." How do you see your music as a space for community and connection?

Andrea> My music is a safe space for everyone. It makes you feel good about yourself and consequently reach out to your friends and family to share that joy. A lot of us fear not belonging and are therefore lonely; I’d love for my music to be a bridge that connects people.


LBB> The visuals in your performances are always powerful and evocative. How do you plan to visually represent the themes and stories of this EP in future performances or media?

Andrea> Thank you! I have shot some amazing pictures to support this release accompanied by small videos and lots of fun clips for social media purposes. Performance-wise it’s all about wanting folks to have a great time and come back for more! 


LBB> With the release approaching, what message do you hope listeners and media professionals take away from your music, especially in terms of its potential for sync in various media?

Andrea> I want for people to enjoy the music and the emotions it evokes. From rage to fun to self-consciousness. ‘Power’ is really about a moment you want to keep up with for the rest of your life. Celebrate yourself and those around you. We all need it right now, we all want to be happy eventually.


LBB> Collaborating with BMG Production Music and the Trans Creative Collective must have been a unique experience. How did these partnerships influence the final product, and what was it like working with these teams?

Andrea> The BMG Production Music team has been incredibly supporting, understanding and accommodating of all my personal and artistic needs throughout the process. 

A truly fantastic experience and a rather refreshing one too: as an indie artist seeing such levels of support from an established company in the music industry was mesmerising. 

The TCC are some of the most talented human beings I’ve ever had the chance to work with. We’ve collaborated previously and this time around was no exception: outstanding. I need the industry to understand the impact of having trans+ stories narrated and fully produced by trans+ people. It holds power.


LBB> Looking beyond this EP, how do you envision your future as an artist and advocate? What are your hopes for the impact of your music in the broader cultural landscape?

Andrea> I like the idea of my music doing all the work. In a world of loud talkers and capitalist-driven individualism, even within our community, I’d prefer for my voice, melodies and words to do the talking. At the end of the day that is my gift to share to the world.


LBB> TCC, tell us about your experience working with Andrea and BMG. How did you work to communicate ADG's message so intimately and effectively? 

The origin story of the Trans Creative Collective is deeply intertwined with Andrea's unmistakable influence! Andrea was not only present from the beginning but also played a crucial role in shaping the conversations that led to our formation.

What began as a group of professionals seeking respect in creative spaces, quickly evolved into something greater. Our co-founder, Charlie Deakin-Davies, spearheaded a collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, assembling a team of gender-diverse and trans+ individuals across both music and content capture. From those initial conversations, a deeper understanding emerged. Although I was behind the lens, I felt fully included in the journey. That session marked the beginning of a lasting relationship with Andrea, one that has blossomed into the vibrant community we are today.

Working with Andrea has been like coming home — a full-circle moment. Three years later, we’ve all grown, both as creatives and as fully realised professionals. Our friendship and mutual respect for our craft have fostered the fruit of this creative collaboration. This connection enables us to support Andrea's artistic vision. Especially Andrea’s candidness and openness to invite others into their world with ease.

As a producer / director and co-founder of the TCC, ensuring that people feel seen is paramount. For this project, it’s about understanding how to capture and craft Andrea's essence in a way that truly reflects who they are, all while upholding the spirit of BMG, whose support has been instrumental in our journey. I’m incredibly grateful to have seen this through. For all the laughs, the twirls, the in-jokes — I can’t wait to see how the world reacts to this upcoming project!


LBB> Anything else you’d like to add?

Andrea> I will be performing the EP for the first time on September the 14th at Milton Keynes Pride on the Rainbow Stage. It’s a free event so if you’re about I’d love to see you there!


Find out more about the brilliantly necessary work of Trans Creative Collective, here.

You can also find Andrea Di Giovanni’s ‘Power’ available to license via the BMG Production Music site, here.

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