Giovanni Zarrella releases the song “Danza”. In the interview he talks about being an entertainer, his dreams and his dancing skills.
Giovanni Zarrella (46) is releasing a new single in the Italo Disco sound with “Danza” on March 22nd. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the singer talks about his album plans, his demands on himself as an entertainer and his dreams in life. He also talks about his dance performances and reveals how he assesses the dancing skills of his brother Stefano Zarrella (33), who is currently taking part in the RTL dance show “Let’s Dance”.
Before “Danza” you interpreted hits in Italian, now it’s about your own song. Why did you decide to make your own songs?
Giovanni Zarrella: Every album and every period of an artist represents a special theme. This time the focus is on the Italo Disco sound, which I have loved and celebrated since I was a child. That’s what the new songs that I’m currently working on with my producer team are all about.
What does this direction mean to you?
Zarrella: The sound of the new album, which will be released in 2024, can be described as Italo Disco. We try to capture the nostalgia of the 70s and 80s, the music that came from Italy back then, but of course to transport it into the sound of today. This will be the biggest challenge that we have been working on for almost a year and that is also the core of the new album.
It remains Italian. Have you ever thought about doing more things in English or German?
Zarrella: I don’t base my music on languages. I sang English with Bro’Sis, I’ve already done German duets with Peter Maffay or Johannes Oerding in my shows, or English duets with Michael Bublé or Michael Bolton, but the upcoming album – I can already reveal that – will be complete be in Italian!
The song is about a girl who has the dream of being a dancer. At what point did you decide that you wanted to live your dream of being on stage? Was there ever a plan B?
Zarrella: It was clear to me very early on that I wanted to make a living as a musician. The goal from the start was to enter the “big stage”. But I would also have been satisfied with much less if my musical career had worked on a smaller scale. I definitely wanted to go through my life as a musician, as an artist, I noticed that very early on because that fulfilled me and made me happy.
In the music video for “Danza” you show off your dancing skills. Do you need a lot of training for this or does it come easy to you?
Zarrella: As part of my “Giovanni Zarrella Show” I dance a lot of choreographies, the big openings and specials, so I’ve been in a good rhythm of performing a lot for a few years now. I think that part of being an entertainer is that you dance, sing and be a good host – for me personally it is very important to fulfill this part.
The song is meant to represent everyone who has a big dream and often doesn’t even dare to express this dream. What big dream do you have?
Zarrella: My big dream today – or my big wish is to be able to watch my children fulfill their dreams and wishes. That’s what would make me happiest.
You celebrated your birthday at the beginning of March. How do you look at birthdays, is there a feeling of sadness about them or do you always look forward to these days?
Zarrella: I have to admit that I like to celebrate birthdays very much, but rather the birthdays of “others”, i.e. those of my wife, my children or the birthdays of good friends. But not because it bothers me to have a birthday, but simply because I like watching other people be happy. And of course this is especially nice with your own children! But my birthday is always nice, especially when the whole family gets together, or old and close friends get in touch and you have the opportunity to maintain old friendships and connections.
Speaking of dancing. Your brother is currently dancing on “Let’s Dance” and you also visited him at training. How do you think he performs?
Zarrella: I think my brother is doing very, very well, it’s a lot of fun to watch him. The current season is particularly entertaining and nice for me because Detlef is also involved, who was my first coach and judge on “Popstars” when my career began. That’s why I really enjoy watching the current season.
In May you will bring your ZDF show to Offenburg twice and do an additional show. What can fans expect?
Zarrella: I’m very happy that the show reaches and inspires so many people. Above all, there is even an additional show this year, which was a nice gift from the station for my birthday this year! This is once again an opportunity to make people happy and take away their everyday worries for three hours. That’s exactly why I’m going to throw myself into it – once again this year and with the greatest joy, the greatest pleasure and full of love!
How has the successful show changed you?
Zarrella: The show hasn’t changed anything in me or about me. She just proved and showed me that you can never stop believing in yourself. And if this story inspires and touches people out there and makes them continue to believe in their dreams and goals, then that is the most beautiful thing this show has ever been able to do and will do.