Gianna's Nostalgic Coffee-Shop Pop Revives 00s Boho Sound
London-based musician Gianna is making waves with her debut EP, Behind the Wings, which masterfully channels the polished boho-pop of the early 2000s. At just 23 years old, this Camden artist blends acoustic guitars and trip-hop beats to evoke memories of icons like Nelly Furtado, All Saints, and Corinne Bailey Rae.
Influences and Inspirations
Gianna's music draws from a rich tapestry of influences, including the cinematic sweep of Everything But the Girl and the rave-adjacent sounds of Madonna's Ray of Light era. However, her unique background adds a distinctive twist: raised with Albanian television and folk songs, she began writing music in Albanian over YouTube beats during lockdown. This Balkan aesthetic subtly infuses her tracks, such as Shadow of a Bird, inspired by a hummingbird encounter in Kosovo.
A Fresh Take on Y2K Nostalgia
While rooted in Y2K nostalgia, Gianna's songs are described as bright and effervescent, reminiscent of the era's face-wash ads. She joins a growing trend of artists, like Addison Rae and Erika de Casier, revisiting this period, but her approach offers a compelling case for reassessing coffee-shop pop. Her EP not only captures the essence of 00s boho but also introduces fresh elements through her cultural heritage.
This Week's Best New Tracks
In other music news, several standout tracks have emerged this week:
- Nia Archives – Danger: A UK junglist track blending playground chants with Sugababes-esque verses.
- deBasement – Aftermarket Bass (ft Nikki Nair): Fuzzed-out dancefloor bass with commanding vocals.
- Downtown Boys – No Me Jodas: Rhode Island punks expand their sound with doom elements.
- Brennan Wedl and Waxahatchee – Six O'Clock News: A beautiful essay on outlaw love, inspired by Kathleen Edwards.
- Empress Of – Dream House: Sweet R&B offering to family affected by fires.
- Lee 'Scratch' Perry and Mouse on Mars – Rockcurry: Perry's final sessions with synth-winking electronic duo.
- Khun Narin Electric Phin Band – Poet Wong Pt 1: Serene and psychedelic marching band music from Thailand.
Gianna's tour with After in May promises to bring her nostalgic yet innovative sound to live audiences, further cementing her place in the contemporary pop landscape.
