Ginesse – Somewhere to Die

By starrymag | January 3, 2021

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) Who are your greatest musical influences?

 

A) I would say the women who originally wanted to make me write music were Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Kate Bush. I’ve had a lot of different influences throughout my life because I’m so open-minded when it comes to genres, but those were my first inspirations for sure.

 

 

Q) Tell us the story behind “LA Isn’t Somewhere To Die.”

 

A) It’s a love song to my friends who really made LA a place that I could live in. I used to be so lonely because I felt like I couldn’t tell anyone how I really felt. Then, I found the most beautiful, complicated, vulnerable, artistic and thoughtful people I could ever imagine. They made it feel as if I couldn’t live without them.

 

 

Q) You also recently shot a video for the single. How did you develop the concept for the music video?

 

A) It was the first video that I gave up creative control for. I put together a mood board and then met up with the director, Natalie Fält. She is so original and magnetic. I knew I could trust her with my vision. She went above and beyond and I’m so proud of what we created.

 

 

Q) “LA Isn’t Somewhere To Die” is a release off your debut EP Somewhere To Die. What was your songwriting process for this EP?

 

A) It was a really long process. We had written a completely different project and I decided to trash it because it didn’t feel like me. I’m so glad that we did that because I feel so much more attached to Somewhere To Die. It took a long time because I was so particular. I was also really anxious to release the EP because it felt so personal.

 

 

Q) Which song was one of your favorites to record for Somewhere To Die and why?

 

A) Honestly, the recording process with Matias Mora, my producer, and Mia Minichiello, our co-writer, was so fun and easy every time. We wrote most of the tracks in just a few hours because we have such a good groove together.

 

 

Q) What do you hope fans take away from the EP?

 

A) I hope that they really just want to hear more because that was the reason that I released the EP. It’s meant to be more of a first chapter than a finished product.

 

 

Q) With the release of Somewhere To Die, have you had any virtual listening parties or done any concerts via social media for your fans?

 

A) No, but I would love to! I think I have some more releasing coming up pretty soon, but if people were down for that, I’d love to!

 

 

Q) Prior to becoming more active in music you have been well known for portraying Tessa Porter in The Young and The Restless and as Veronica in “Heathers: The Musical.” How has your acting career helped you in the decisions you make in your music career?

 

A) I think I’ve always thought of them as separate worlds, but they really are tied in together. My experience as an understudy really taught me how to show up when I need to and about being prepared 24/7 to be able to perform when needed. Playing Tessa on The Young and The Restless has opened up a world within the LGBT community that has been so accepting and kind to me. I’m so inspired every day by the people that follow me. They are the most inclusive and resilient group of people and I’ve learned so much about kindness from them.

 

Q) Do you have any upcoming TV or movie projects you can tell us about?

 

A) I don’t, mainly because the pandemic has been really hard on the entertainment industry. I tried to take the time to watch old films I’ve never watched and hone all of my skills for when I’m really auditioning again. It’s important to stay sharp because if you don’t do it the next person in line will.

 

Q) Given the opportunity, who would you love to collaborate with musically in the future?

 

A) Honestly anyone who wants to collaborate with me, I’m open to the challenge! I would love to work with someone in a completely different genre because I would love to explore different sides of myself.

 

Q) What are you currently listening to?

 

A) I’m currently listening to “Good News” by Megan Thee Stallion on repeat, old Italian jazz and, as always, Dolly Parton. Megan Thee Stallion could punch me in the face and I would probably be even more obsessed with her!

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Just thank you, honestly, because I wouldn’t do it without them. I’m so incredibly grateful for their kind words. They really keep me alive and they have no idea how much it means to me.