An Interview With The Artist, GNA, On Her Single ‘Love Me’ And More!

Posted On 29 Mar 2018

By : Leah

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Tag: All Access, All Access Music, All Access Music Group, Artist Interview, GNA, Love Me, Myles

Get to know GNA! “Love Me” is the name of her latest track but it was actually written and first recorded in 2012. GNA co-wrote the single with songwriter, Myles. She immediately loved the song and what it stood for. The track is about being a confident woman who knows herself, her worth, and above everything all loves herself first. We are seeing this trend and theme in pop culture right now, with women loving themselves and banding together. Perfect timing with “Love Me” and it’s girl power message. The song was produced by T-Nyce, Seth Dyer and Josh Francois. The video is a cute display of this, in front of a burger shack with her girls, being approached with same-o, same-o from guys.

GNA’s music has been performing well on Spotify with over 30k listens. She’s averaging 20 – 25K monthly listeners right now. She’s been featured on Apple Music / Ebro’s Discovered, Vibe, BET Jams and she recently had a showcase at SOBs.

Connect With GNA Here:

https://www.facebook.com/officialGNA/

Learn more about GNA in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So where does this interview find you? What’s on tap for the rest of your day?

Thank you for having me. I just landed in Atlanta from TX and I’m starving so once this is done I’m more than likely about to hit up Waffle House.

Overall, how do you think 2017 was for you and your career? What are you most excited about for this year? What is one big goal you have for 2018?

Overall 2017 was blessed. Definitely can’t complain. I Went through a bit of a transition as I changed my name from Gina Lee to GNA. It was definitely a year of planning and strategizing. Plotting out every detail for the following year. So overall I’m just crazy excited about everything this year. It’s the year of execution. Non-stop and so far my results are even greater than what we planned for so it’s amazing. Biggest goal this year is to have mainstream success with my upcoming EP, The Score.

Growing up, did you ever think that this would be the kind of life that you would have? Has music always been a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience?

Most definitely! Any time I was working a 9-5 I was never satisfied. But never miserable because I always New it was temporary, transitional. That this wasn’t where I was going stay. My mom was told when I was a baby that I’d grow up and be on the cover of vogue, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen. I’ve always had a love for music and the arts period. My first ever “major” musical experience was actually IN a musical. At 11 years old I landed the role of Young Nala in the Broadway play of The Lion King.

How do you think growing up in your hometown has influenced your sound and who you are as a musician?

Toronto in general is a city full of different cultures and background. A lot of Caribbean and Afro vibes. Me coming from a Nigerian/Jamaican background, I definitely infuse them in my music.

Where did you come up with your artist name, GNA? How do you think it sums up who you are as an artist right now?

Well my name IS Gina. I just dropped the “I” and had it as GNA. As I mentioned before, I changed it from being “Gina Lee”. For particular reason. At that time though I feel as though I made a bit of a shift in myself. And vowed to be even more real, and show even more authenticity and never compromise my artistry. So GNA is me.

Let’s talk about your newly released track, “Love Me.” I understand that it was actually written and first recorded back in 2012 so I am curious to know why it took so long to finally release? What was the original inspiration for the track? What was it like writing it with songwriter, Myles?

I don’t think there was ever a reason for why I never released it sooner. Since it was first written, i probably recorded it at least 3/4 times. Each time it sounded a little different. Adding to vocals and production. I just believe music is all about timing. And looking back, this was a great time to finally release it. Not sure what originally inspired Myles to come up with the sketch for this song but i remember him sending it and I loved it from the first listen. Its everything I stand for. It’s always dope working with him, he’s family. Funny enough we’ve been working since 2012 but never actually met until 2016! 😩

How creatively involved were you with the making of the music video for “Love Me”? Looks like it was a lot of fun to make! Is this the first video that you have ever made?

Very. I’m a very hands-on artist. I like to be involved in all creative aspects of my artistry. Making the video was definitely as fun as it looked. Aside from the fact that it was -10000 degrees that night in Toronto, I loved it. It definitely wasn’t my first video as I’ve made many but under the name Gina Lee.

Do you have plans to put out more new music and a full collection of new songs soon?

Yes, definitely. I have at least 2 more songs and visuals before the release of my EP, “The Score” scheduled to release sometime this summer.

What has it been like being featured in all these different places- EBRO’S DISCOVERED, VIBE, BET JAMS and others?

It’s been amazing of course. I enjoy reading all write-ups because it’s always interesting to see everyone’s take. And weather it’s major blogs/stations/sites or small ones I appreciate every last one. the fact that they liked my music enough to cover it, play it, post it is flattering and rewarding in itself.

Where do you find that you sing the most these days, in the shower, in the car, in the studio or elsewhere?

Funny enough I barely sing in the shower. That’s where I mainly meditate! lol But the way things have been, it’s mostly been in the studio and love on stage when I’m performing.

We are living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? How do you think that music is going to reflect these challenging times?

The thing I love most about being a musician is the reach that we have in being able to reach so many people. And I always talk about music being the only universal language. And being powerful in being able to unite being, even if only for the duration of one track. As musicians we have the power to affect people’s moods, how they feel and think. So we should make sure we use that for the better.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Some of my favorite artists are Missy, TLC, Toni Braxton, Janet and of course the list goes on. One artist that’s been on the top of my list to collaborate with though is Kendrick. I love his musicality.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I want them to be able to relate, to feel encouraged, empowered, and depending on the song turn up and have a bomb-a** time! Lol But seriously I want them to hear feel-good music. Music that says something.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself and your music?

If you’re not that familiar with me, I hope this leads you to check out my music and that you enjoy what you hear!

About the Author

Leah Brungardt joined All Access Music Group in August 2011 and has been enjoying getting to know a new side of the music industry ever since. Having worked to promote radio stations in the past, seeing what makes a successful radio hit has been a thrill. As a lover of all genres of music, working at All Access Music Group is a perfect fit for Leah, and she loves learning about up and coming musicians as well. Most of her friends have come to rely on her for new music.

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