The Rollercoaster Ride of Gaia Gozzi

Gaia Gozzi,known simply as Gaia,has experienced a whirlwind career since her initial breakthrough. The Italian-Brazilian singer-songwriter, who first gained prominence on the Italian talent show X Factor in 2016, followed by a surge in popularity after Amici in 2019 with “chega” in 2020, has faced both triumphs and tribulations in the music industry. After the initial success,Gaia’s career faced a period of uncertainty,a sentiment familiar to many artists navigating the fickle landscape of popular music.The duet with Tony Effe on “sex and samba” last summer became a hit, earning four platinum records and 110 million streams on Spotify which revitalized her standing in the charts.

For many American artists, similar career trajectories are common. Think of singers who experienced meteoric rises after appearances on shows like American Idol or The Voice, only to face the challenge of maintaining relevance in a saturated market. The music industry often demands constant reinvention and adaptation.

Sanremo,a prestigious Italian song contest,was intended to be Gaia’s grand resurgence. However, her song, “I call I call you,” finished 27th out of 29 participants, placing last in the final televoting round. This setback highlights the unpredictable nature of public opinion and the challenges artists face in connecting with a broad audience.

Despite this, “I call I call you” has found a second life on social media, fueled by a viral dance created by choreographer Carlos Diaz Gandia, known for the “Tiki-ta, tiki-ta, Tiki-ta, Ka-Ka” routine. This underscores the power of social media in shaping an artist’s narrative and extending the shelf life of a song. TikTok dances, as an example, have become a common way for songs to gain traction in the U.S., turning relatively unknown tracks into chart-topping hits. Social media virality can resurrect songs to a broader audience.

“Rosa dei venti”: A New Chapter

On March 21st, Gaia released her new album, “Rosa dei Venti” (Rose of the Winds). The album features 13 tracks, including collaborations with artists like Guè, Capo Plaza, Lorenzza (another Italian-Brazilian artist), and the legendary Toquinho. The album was written and recorded after a transformative journey to the Amazon, with additional recording sessions taking place “between Settimo Milanese and Cefalù, in a house used as a study that overlooked the sea.” This combination of experiences—the raw intensity of the Amazon and the tranquility of the Italian coast—likely shaped the album’s themes and sonic landscape.

When reflecting on her recent journey, Gaia stated, “physiological. I have given myself time, made both geographical and internal trips. Then came sex and samba: an emotional gift, more than numerical.” This quote reveals a period of self-reflection and exploration,suggesting that Gaia’s music is deeply intertwined with her personal growth.

She also acknowledges the impact of “sex and samba” on her artistic journey: “It helped me to accept all the parts of me,even the most pop one.” This statement highlights the internal conflict many artists face when balancing artistic integrity with commercial appeal. In the U.S., this tension is often seen in artists who experiment with different genres or sounds, sometimes to the delight of fans and sometimes to their disappointment.

Gaia reflects on her earlier perception, stating: “It was as if I had to justify my thickness, making perhaps more adult choices than I was. Now I enjoy it.” This reflects the pressures young artists face to present a mature and refined image, potentially at the expense of their authentic selves. As artists mature, they frequently enough gain the confidence to embrace their true identities, leading to more genuine and relatable music.

Sanremo Reflections

Gaia offered insights into her Sanremo experience: “Mine was a song from Amadeus festival: that of Carlo Conti was the Sanremo of the autoral song.” This comment suggests a stylistic mismatch between her song and the overall direction of the festival, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s audience and the specific context of a performance.

Regarding the audience’s reaction to her duet with Toquinho, which placed third to last in televoting, Gaia remains philosophical: “There are several audiences.What comes to my concerts is not an audience that televoting. Many told me they bought a ticket for the show of May 7 at the Fabrique in Milan. It’s okay.” This demonstrates a clear understanding of her core fanbase and a focus on building a loyal following through live performances and genuine connection,a strategy many U.S. artists employ to cultivate lasting careers.

Mental Health and Inclusivity

In “Rosa dei Venti,” gaia sings, “Mental disorders I tend to cover with false smiles.” Addressing such vulnerable themes demonstrates courage and a willingness to connect with listeners on a deeper level. When asked about protecting herself from psychological collapses, which have affected colleagues like Sangiovanni and Angelina Mango, she responded: “I am looking for my bioritmus, between therapy and meditation. I am surrounded by people who know how to listen to me if I ask him for a break.” This emphasis on self-care and support systems resonates in an industry often criticized for its demanding and isolating nature.The promotion of mental health awareness among artists is a growing trend in the U.S. as well, with organizations offering resources and support to musicians struggling with the pressures of fame.

The song “marathon” is dedicated to a woman, and when asked about the challenges of publicly declaring one’s orientation, Gaia Responded: “I would not know. I have never talked about my sexuality exclusively as heterosexual. I don’t like calling me. It is something I lived with serenity, talking about it naturally, without having to come out. and so I wrote this song.” This reflects a growing trend among younger generations to reject rigid labels and embrace fluidity in sexuality and gender identity. Many American artists are similarly using their platforms to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and promote inclusivity.

Addressing rumors about a relationship with Olly, Gaia clarified: “I love him, but there was nothing.”

gaia has also spoken about gender disparity in the music industry. She acknowledged that while 90% of her entourage is female, only one other woman, Lorenzza, is featured on the album as an author, producer, or guest. “Yes.