Cris Tanzi interview

ukevents.net · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 2517

Cris Tanzi interview

Italian-born singer/songwriter Cris Tanzi’s music has been described as “folk music gone way cool”. Her latest album My Home, is available to by now. For information, including tour dates, check out http://myspace.com/cristanzi

Hi Cris, what are you up to at the moment? Do you have any gigs coming up?

My next gig is January, 17 2008 at T-BIRD 132 Blackstock Road, Highbury, London, N4 and I have lots more on my myspace page, especially the ones in New York in Feb.

How would you describe your latest album, My Home?

I describe it as my first solo project (I used to be in bands etc…) and it's very much about my feelings and emotions between 2005 and 2007. But Overplay.com gave me a review and I quote: "Like an unexpected compliment or an early bus, ‘My Home’ is an album that makes your day feel quite a bit better.”

There's a line in the title track, "I have flavours of my country and music is my Home." What does that mean?

I come from Italy and although I've been living in the UK for 11 years... there is a big part of me which is very "Italian" and brings a new flavour in the UK (so they say ;))...Music is my home...I don't want to have a "normal" life…I like adventures and unexpected situations…and…i've realised that no matter what happens to me in my "future"…Music will always be My home, a place where I can be who I really am and feel at ease.

Have you ever played live in Italy?

Yes, in fact I played there last summer in front of 2000 people for a Festival called MoonTale. I opened for a famous Italian singer Daniele Silvestri.

When did you start writing music?

Seriously…3 years ago...I used to write the melody and the lyrics for my bands before...but with Cris Tanzi...I do everything...write, arrange and produce. Nobody helps me during the song writing process...and only when I have "the song" I will get my bass player and drummer to help me.

You were involved in the project Trigger Baby before you went solo in 2005. What made you decide to go solo?

I never had the courage to go solo as my guitar playing wasn't great (still is a bit shaky)...but with Cris Tanzi I thought of a stripped down project where the melody, the atmosphere and the "song" are far more important than "being a very good guitarist”. When I finally plucked up the courage...I had a thousand songs that just happened to be waiting for me…some of them didn't make it to the album but it was all a learning curve.

What do you think about comparisons between yourself and artists such as Tori Amos, KT Tunstall and Bjork?

Not sure why KT Tunstall...she plays the guitar and so do I...but that's about it. Tori Amos I respect her music talent and she taught me a lot. Bjork is a musical Genius...and I’m really glad I can absorb so much inspiration from her still now. But I am myself and I try not to sound like anyone although comparisons are to be expected especially amongst female artists...we are still viewed as a rarity!

You studied at a London music school, what advice do you have for music school students looking to break into the industry?

Play lots of gigs (lots), never think you are the best, be confident and enjoy every minute of it. Knowledge is important but if have nothing to say...music will be empty. So...study as much as you like but don't think that will give you "what it takes”. Being professional is very important though so...practice practice!!

What's your favourite album at the moment?

Mine...ha ha ha...just kidding...I really like Sigur Ros, not sure about the last Bjork album...a bit pointless(sorry mum).To be honest I don't have a favourite album...I like songs and I like to change artists all the time. I love listening to unsigned music and there is one guy I recommend... (He is now signed) called Jon Redfern...the album "May Be Some Time” is pure class!!

What do you hope to achieve in 2008?

I want to get singed by an indie label and go on tour all over the world. I am already working on the second album...but I am in no rush as I want it to be different than "my home" and rushing makes us do the "obvious" thing...

Thanks for being interviewed for UKEvents.net!

Thanks!

Interviewed by Autumn for UKEvents.net