Playlists with Purpose: Alicia Gianni

At Black Sheep, we believe in amplifying voices and causes that should be seen and heard. Mix that with a soul-healing playlist? Sign us up. Our contribution to the Houston Music Foundation’s COVID-19 relief fund has allowed us to support the cause while getting to know Houston’s very own musicians who’ve been making their way through this really ugly pandemic.

In this edition of Playlists with Purpose, we chatted with Alicia Gianni—a mother, teacher, opera singer and recipient of the HMF COVID-19 fund. She talked about her eclectic, “chameleon” ways when it comes to singing and her unfinished album written with local rapper Guilla. She’s come a long way—from keeping her vocal talents to herself throughout high school to flourishing as a Houston Grand Opera graduate. And we’re here for it. Say hello to Alicia Gianni.

Introduce yourself to the world.

I am an artist, a teacher, a performer, a thinker, a creator, a collaborator and now a mother. I like to think of myself as a bit of a chameleon when it comes to singing. Firstly, because I have so many interests in music styles and I'm fascinated by the human voice, what it can achieve and how it can make us feel when we hear it. Secondly, because I have the ability to change my resonance when I need to sound a certain way without compromising my technique. That is difficult to do well. Jazz was my first love, then came musical theater/pop, then I found opera and have had so much fun traveling, singing locally and meeting some amazing people along the way. 

What instruments do you play? Tell us why you love it.

I started out learning music on the piano when I was 5 years old. I started playing the trumpet and euphonium when I was about 10 and performed in a wind ensemble and jazz band until I was 18. During that time, my band teacher found out I could secretly sing but was terrified to share that with my peers. Eventually I started singing with the jazz band, singing the national anthem for sports games and from then on—I was completely addicted to the stage. Never looked back. Singing has been my bread and butter for years now, but I still play some piano and accompany my voice students on recitals.

What was your first fond memory of performing?

I would say I've been a musician for all of my adult life and most of my childhood. I went to undergrad and grad school for degrees in music. One of my fondest memories of performing was when I got my first ever leading role in Crazy For You as Polly Baker while I was a Junior in high school. I couldn't believe I was going to get to sing a bunch of Gershwin in front of the whole town! My parents have since told me that when I sang Someone To Watch Over Me on opening night, they both looked at each other in shock and said, "I didn't know she could sing like that!" That's how secretive I was before then. 

Your favorite local venue to perform at?

I have sung in so many places in Houston, but my favorite will always be Houston Grand Opera. There's something about coming out in costume as someone else, finding your light and singing to thousands of people you cannot see—knowing they are there expecting your voice to soar over the orchestra in its most natural state.

How has music helped push you through the pandemic?

Music has always helped me through tough times. I wrote my album Don't Forget To Say Goodnight just to get through some bad breakups and tell my short stories to someone. During this time, music has given me life. I have daily dance parties in the living room with my little 1.5 year old daughter just to dance it out and not go crazy. Whatever makes her laugh and find joy changes my mood. I have also been able to change my lifestyle and teach all online lessons to my students so that the music continues to bring them some sort of outlet as well. It's always my therapy!

Who are the musician(s) you look up to?

Honestly, I have so many musicians who have influenced me throughout my life, it would be hard to name them all. Ella Fitzgerald played a big part in my early life regarding jazz. Renee Fleming and Mirella Freni got me through undergrad and finding my operatic voice. I was OBSESSED with the Beatles as a small child and into college. I loved everything about their music, lyrics, harmonies…everything.

What do you want people to know about Houston’s local music scene?

It took me a few years to figure out how amazing the music scene is here outside of the classical world. Once I graduated from the Houston Grand Opera Young Artist Program (Studio), I took a break from opera after being in a car accident in 2010. I was forced to get out there and see what was going on so I could get gigs, form a band, collaborate with artists and get them to be a part of the album I was working on. There are some really great jazz musicians here who learned to play in New Orleans and bring that vibe to Houston. I've worked with so many people here on shows or projects that most of my operatic colleagues would never expect from me. I actually have an unfinished album I co-wrote with local rapper Guilla and producer Jonathan Lee Chan called Broken Meadows. They are two of the best local people I've ever worked with. Not to mention the legendary Dan Workman who used to own Sugarhill Recording Studios and Mike Whitebread who plays everything you throw at him! I also got to share the stage once with the incredible Kam Franklin on a show for Craig Kinsey. Fun memories!

What’s your favorite song on your playlist?

I have a hard time choosing favorites since I love all of these songs, but I will go ahead and say Mr. Paganini because I sang that tune in college with my jazz trio for a solo concert, and it helped me get out of my head enough to scat super fast and not judge myself.

I had to take a few days and think about compiling a list of songs and why they belonged there. For me, I use Shazam because I'm always hearing the best songs when I'm out and about or on TV. I love finding new artists I've never heard of. Lately I've been binge-watching a ton of shows at night (like everyone else) to get outside of my own life and into a dreamland in a way. I get the majority of my music using that app during a show and then I just buy it all. I don't stream much because the artist barely gets anything that way (unless they're already famous). I'm old school.

Where can we find you?

I'm sort of all over the place. My website is aliciagianni.com. My Instagram is lately all about my kid. But I usually post there when I'm on a gig or have something to share. My music is on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. I have a music page on Facebook but barely post there anymore. I am truly not great at social media and need to work on that!

Grab those headphones and get ready for some good vibes in Alicia’s playlist with purpose.

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