Filomena Croce: 'Renaissance' (Exclusive Interview)
When did you first realize your ability to sing?
I started singing at 10 years old, when i auditioned for a choir and got accepted. l was told i was very talented, but the real reason why I joined the choir was because singing made me feel good. I remember i wrote an assignment for school even before that, and I mentioned that my dream was to sing and one day release my own original songs. Of course, studying at the Conservatorium and knowing that i am good at what i do has allowed me to land gigs at the London Jazz Festival, Tomorrowland, travel the world, work with amazing people like Roy Hamilton iii and make my dream come true, but it really is my determination, and the fact that it's when i sing that I feel I can be my true, happy self that made me pursue music as a career.
What is your music and message all about?
My music is full of positive and empowering messages: the love of self, walking away from painful situations with a smile, believing in yourself, ignoring the opinions of others and regaining control of your own life. Because even challenging times can be filled with hope, and can turn into renewed energy and strenght.
How would you describe your vocal style?
I am a very versatile singer with my own unique sound and even though I adapt to the different genres i sing, i generally use clean tones and a mix of head and chest voice. When singing my own original Pop songs, i get inspired by the music of the early 2000s and i am more energetic, use embellishments and put more emphasis on the lyrics than when singing Jazz and Brazilian Samba and Bossa Nova where i instead focus more on the language that's typical of the genre like the scatting or improvisation or on the sound which is softer and generally more delicate. In all genres i anyway think that besides a perfect technique, communicating emotions is very important and I often manage to get a smile or a tear of joy from people in the audience who are there listening to me.
What was the hardest part of making this song?
The hardest part of making Renaissance was the writer's block I got at some point lol There are songs that i literally wrote in their entirety in less than two days, but for some reason l couldn't finish this one and decided to put it on the side for a while. i started doing other things and completely forgot about it for almost two years and just felt inspired one day and took it out of the drawer and finished it on the same day.
What was the most enjoyable part of making this song?
The most enjoyable part of making Renaissance was definitely the day i spent at the studio with Roy Hamilton iii. i flew from Mexico, where i was living at the time, to Toronto, Canada to work together with him and it was a great experience. i usually feel a lot of pressure at the studio because i am a perfectionist and i know that everything that's being recorded is gonna exist forever, but i immediately felt comfortable there with him and i didn't worry about it anymore. One of the best days ever!
What is one feeling you want to leave listeners with?
There are many feelings i want to leave listeners with, but the most important probably is determination, as it has been crucial in my own life as well to achieve my dreams, to always look for opportunities, no matter the circumstances. With my songs, i hope i can motivate people to find the strenght inside themselves to overcome obstacles, become more self-confident, trust themselves no matter what other people say or think, and know that they are worth it, they are enough, more than enough and that their thoughts, their wishes and voice and actions matter.
How do you prepare for your live performances?
I try to be as much prepared as possible for live performances. So if possible I rehearse with the musicians but no later than the day before the concert - always try not to do it on the same day, and prepare something to say to the audience, for example some interesting anecdote or information about the songs i am about to sing. i then try to run hours before to feel more energized and "wake my abdominal muscles up" and expand my rib cage and lungs, all things that will be useful for breathing. Not long before the concert i will then try to relax, warm up the muscles of the face, mouth and neck and of course - most importantly - warm up my voice.
