Get to Know: Gia Koka
Gia Koka is an up-and-coming singer from Amsterdam whose star has exploded with the release of her new single “FCUKU.” The multifaceted, and extremely down to earth Koka was gracious enough to speak with our writer Grant Rindner about her musical background and whirlwind rise.
Explain a little about how you got started making music and found your sound?
When I was little I wanted to be a popstar. I loved writing, figuring out beautiful harmonies, dancing… Thought I’d be the next Britney Spears.
The entertainment part of the music industry really fascinated me at first.
It took quite some time for me to really fall in love with the music part. With the craft. With the world of no boundaries. With the lifestyle. With the state of mind that you have be in, in order to be a full-time musician.
Now it’s the only thing I care about. I love making new sounds and pushing myself to be as open-minded about music as I possibly can. To be free.
That’s how I find ”my sound” every day. I just let it go and try to make something that I think is awesome and authentic.
What is the music scene like in Amsterdam?
I don’t really know to be honest. I don’t go to gigs as much as I would like to and I find my favorite music on the internet.
It’s hard to tell what the music scene is like anywhere nowadays, isn’t it?
Was coming from Europe an advantage or disadvantage in trying to get your name out there?
I don’t think it matters where you’re from.
With the internet being what it is today, it all comes down to: can you move people with what you’re making?
That’s all that matters. But you do have to be smart in your approach. I mean, I don’t think the Dutch radio stations would play my music, so I will not be wasting my time trying to get on the list if you know what I mean.
That’s all that matters. But you do have to be smart in your approach. I mean, I don’t think the Dutch radio stations would play my music, so I will not be wasting my time trying to get on the list if you know what I mean.
Have you always produced your own songs or was that a later development?
I’ve always done it, but never released it up until now. Simply because I thought it wasn’t good enough. Or maybe I was just scared.
Listen to Gia Koka’s breakout track “FCUKU.”
Could you talk a little about the reception to “FCUKU” and what you expected when the track came out?
I didn’t expect anything. I got to a point where I decided to no longer care about people’s opinion. I have done that for years, and can honestly tell you that it just doesn’t work. The moment you try to please people or sell them something, they can smell it. I truly just wanted to make an EP that I myself would really love, and my only hope was to get some gigs out of it as well, because that’s just what I do.
Has your sudden rise in popularity impacted your recording for the new EP?
Not at all. It just made me trust my intuition even more.
It proved to me, that if you start listening to yourself and stop apologizing for it, people will feel the authenticity of what you’re making and connect to it in some way.
Who have you been listening to while you’ve been working on your new project?
I’ve been listening to a bunch of different stuff.
As always Jai Paul, the last Aaliyah record, Brandy’s ”Full Moon’,’ SOHN, Kate Boy, Lauryn Hill…
I love the underground soul/R&B people out there right now.. but I also go back to those golden times of r’n’b a lot. You know, TLC, the beginning of Destiny’s child, all the amazing stuff that Jermaine Dupri did on Mariah Carey’s songs…
Yesterday I listened to Monica’s track ”The First Night” over and over again.
That era really affected me somehow. I haven’t been able to let go of that flow, that funk, those grooves ever since.
It used to be a guilty pleasure. Now I proudly embrace it.
Where does the inspiration come form?
Well the music I mentioned above for sure, but also growing up as a person I guess, my sexuality, relationships…
Boundaries that we put on ourselves… Nowadays I make it a point to break them as often as I am able to. I grew up in a very religious environment, so there’s just something inside of me that’s always trying to break free.
When I was writing FCUKU, I knew my grandma would hate it.
But that’s what kinda made me want to write it even more.
Who would be your dream collaboration(s) in the future?
Hmm.. Anyone who’s not afraid to experiment, to be brave, be free and honest..
Anyone who’s as much in love with music as I am.
What has been the craziest/most memorable moment of the last few weeks?
The whole week has been insane. The sudden interest from the music industry is awesome, but the e-mails I get from the people at home who just love the song and connect to it, is what makes it so unreal and magical to me.
Because I haven’t been able to connect with a lot of people in my life, so this is like getting a new family or something.
Could you explain a little about how your “Irreplaceable” cover came about?
Just jamming, playing around in the studio, and telling myself I’m strong enough to be okay on my own.
What do you want our readers to know about Gia Koka that we may not have covered already?
Just that I love music and life so very very much, and that I feel so grateful for it!