Inside Gianna Alessi’s Warm, Soul-Rooted Alt-R&B World
Gianna Alessi, praised for her honeyed vocals and soul-rooted, alt-R&B sound, grew up in a New York family of classical musicians, where storytelling through music became second nature. After discovering her passion for songwriting at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music, she developed an immersive style defined by warm grooves, lush production, and expansive vocals. Now based in Los Angeles, she has performed coast to coast and been featured by platforms like Mondo NYC, We Found New Music, Tiny Nook Concerts, and more. As she prepares to release her debut EP Soft n’ Lush in spring 2026, with the next single, “It’s Only Heaven,” arriving on December 12th (today). We had the pleasure of getting to ask Gianna a few questions about influences, experiences, and inspirations shaping her artistic journey.
WHAT FIRST INSPIRED YOU TO START MAKING MUSIC, AND HOW HAS THAT INSPIRATION EVOLVED?
“I grew up in a very musical household, so using my voice to tell stories has always felt aligned for me. In school, I took a songwriting class, and it felt incredibly freeing. In the early days, I used to write whenever inspiration hit, but now I try to nurture it daily and create more of a ritual around my creativity.”
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR NEWEST SONG, “IT’S ONLY HEAVEN”?
“My next release is the second song from my upcoming EP Soft n’ Lush, a soul-based project. “It’s Only Heaven” is a song I wrote a few years ago, a poetic reflection on the contrast between lust and honest connection. Inspired by conversations with other women as well as my own experience, it explores the feeling of being wanted but not truly seen.”
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INFLUENCES, AND WHO’S INSPIRING YOU RIGHT NOW?
“I’ve always been influenced by soulful female storytellers like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and India Arie, artists I grew up listening to. I love distinct voices! Today, some of my favorite artists include Emily King, Billie Eilish, Adi Oasis, and Maggie Rogers.”
WHAT DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LOOK LIKE WHEN YOU’RE WRITING OR RECORDING A NEW TRACK?
“It looks different every time, to be honest! Sometimes it starts with lyrics, sometimes with a melody, and sometimes with a cool synth sound or drum loop. Usually, I’ll create a demo and then bring it to a trusted producer to help me fully execute the vision.”
HAS YOUR BACKGROUND OR WHERE YOU’RE FROM INFLUENCED YOUR SONGWRITING OR STYLE?
“Absolutely. I was raised by two professional musicians who played a lot of classical music and jazz for me as a kid, and I grew up attending their shows and concerts around New York City. My approach to music is really an amalgamation of my lived experiences. My sound is heavily influenced by the city itself, and on my upcoming EP, you’ll hear that I’m not afraid to dip into different styles, much like the eclectic way I was raised.”
WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE FEEL OR TAKE AWAY WHEN THEY LISTEN TO YOUR MUSIC?
“I hope my music gives people space to exhale, to slow down, and forget their worries for a moment. Many of my songs center on themes like staying open in a world that never stops and being your own greatest advocate. I hope listeners can carry some of that light and positivity with them throughout their day.”
IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ANY ARTIST, LIVING OR NOT, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
“Prince. He was such a genius, from his guitar work to his stage presence and creative approach. I think we’d have an incredible session together.”
WHAT’S BEEN ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS OR MILESTONES IN YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR?
“All parts of making music feel so meaningful and powerful, to be honest. Performing as a guest vocalist with a symphony in Italy was unforgettable, having my music featured in a film starring Brooke Shields was surreal, and performing with my dad and uncle has been incredibly special.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS, PERFORMANCES, OR DREAMS YOU’RE CHASING RIGHT NOW?
“Always chasing a dream! I’ll be releasing my second single, “It’s Only Heaven,” on December 12th, with the full EP Soft n’ Lush coming in spring 2026.”
With a background shaped by New York’s vibrant musical landscape, a formal foundation at Berklee, and a career that has already taken her from symphony halls in Italy to film features and stages across the country, Gianna Alessi continues to expand her soulful, alt-R&B universe. As she steps into the release of “It’s Only Heaven” and her debut EP Soft n’ Lush, she’s carving out a warm, immersive space for listeners to pause, breathe, and feel deeply. Her trajectory, which is rooted in craft, storytelling, and an eclectic musical upbringing, positions her as an artist to watch as she enters this next chapter.
