By Nicholas Jason Lopez
When Gabriella Metz received her first piano lesson at age four, it was only the beginning of her journey.
Eventually, the lessons became more advanced as she matured and ranged from classical and pop vocals to classical and jazz theory, all taught by highly attained musicians. By age 16, she completed her music studies and earned a vocal performance diploma from the London College Of Music before she got accepted at Berklee College of Music.
Metz also served as the assistant director of the Official Choir of Famagusta for four years and in that time, performed in places like Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Greece and Cyprus. On top of also being a Monternoi Kairoi Choir member and teaching music to children ages five to 12, she made her name as a solo artist and organized her own events across Europe.
On May 3, 2019, Metz self-released an EP entitled ‘Breaking Infinity,’ which featured her debut single “Grey.”
The Music Bugle recently had the chance to chat with Metz about her music, career and more.
Music Bugle – What was it like making your EP ‘Breaking Infinity’ and what inspired its name?
Gabriella Metz – ‘Breaking Infinity’ was one of the best experiences I’ve had. Although it was a stressful period of my life, it was a process that I enjoyed to the fullest; from songwriting, to recording, producing and releasing. The EP’s title is inspired by its overall theme. ‘Breaking Infinity’ was written by releasing the bottled-up emotions that I had over the years. Those sad and emotionally draining emotions felt like they would never leave my system. I thought they’d stick around forever. When I went through the making of the EP, it felt like I was breaking that endless and suffocating cycle. Thus, came the title ‘Breaking Infinity.’
Music Bugle – What has been your favorite song to cover?
Gabriella Metz – I really do love all the covers I’ve made because each one has a different “behind the scenes” story. If I had to choose, it would be “Born This Way.” It was the first cover I did and I completely changed it. Apart from that, the lyrics express my opinions; one’s sexuality or race does not change the fact that they’re human. I always make sure I perform that song and address issues like racism and sexism because it is unacceptable that things like these still exist in 2020.
Music Bugle – Out of the music videos you have made, which one was your favorite to shoot?
Gabriella Metz – ‘Awake’! It was the only video where I didn’t have to be in front of the camera for a long time. Most people don’t know this, but I actually don’t like being filmed! (Laughs) Filming ‘Awake’ was far more interesting to me because I sat back and watched the process, something that I was never able to do.
Music Bugle – If you had the chance to chat one-on-one with one of your musical influences, who would you choose?
Gabriella Metz – As a singer, I’d choose Lara Fabian. She’s one of my biggest influences. As a pianist, I’d choose Ludwig van Beethoven, even though that really isn’t possible. I truly adore him and all of his work. In my opinion, Beethoven is a musical genius.
Music Bugle – What made you want to become a musician?
Gabriella Metz – I was born in a musical family. My maternal grandfather was a musician and my mother inherited the gift of music too. Therefore, becoming a musician was kind of a sure thing! I don’t remember a single day of my life without music. It’s all I ever wanted to be!
Music Bugle – What was the hardest song for you to write?
Gabriella Metz – Musically, the hardest one was my debut single, “Grey.” It was written during a random jam session with my producer, Chris Cara. The reason is because I don’t really enjoy jam sessions and I couldn’t completely set my creativity free.
Music Bugle – How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you?
Gabriella Metz – In Cyprus, we had to go through a complete lockdown, so we were stuck at home for almost two months. Even though it seems unbearable, it wasn’t bad at all. I literally took a break from my day-to-day routine and started practicing and songwriting more than I used to. I also got the chance to spend some time on redesigning my website with my web designer and created a new merch store – both will be published soon! The downside is that all plans for upcoming live shows had to be postponed until further notice, which we are all still waiting for. Hopefully soon, everything will go back to normal so that we can all go back to reality as it is now truly missed.
Music Bugle – What’s something people should know about you as a person?
Gabriella Metz – Apart from music being my whole life and my job, I am not the kind of person that adores publicity. In my personal life, even though I’m an extrovert, I’m very low key and will only share the things that I want to share, if that makes sense. Also, I do have a bit of an OCD. (Laughs)
Music Bugle – A good hand of your videos are shot in black-and-white. Is there any kind of significance to that?
Gabriella Metz – Well, the songs were written about things that happened in the past. Therefore, we shot black-and-white and sepia videos to convey that.
Music Bugle – What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome?
Gabriella Metz – There have been a lot of obstacles and I truly can’t decide which is the biggest. All that matters is that I never stop fighting, I never quit, and that I’m still here, stronger than ever!
