Gabriella Cilmi on Pure Love, Growing Up in Music and Returning to the UK

Send us Fan MailGabriella Cilmi was only 16 when Sweet About Me turned her into an international star. Nearly two decades later, Gabriella is preparing to release a new album, Pure Love, and says her approach to making music has changed enormously. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with the Australian singer-songwriter to talk about the new record, her latest singles and the next chapter of her career. But first, we had some unfinished business. The last time Gabriella and I met was at Victorious Festival a couple of years ago, when our conversation somehow ended up on the subject of Australian children's television and Pugwall. Would she remember? Well... she remembered having the conversation. Remembering the actual programme was another matter! Thankfully, her memory was considerably better when we moved onto music. We spoke about how the recording process has changed for Gabriella and what she values now when she's making a record. Having first experienced the music industry as a teenager, she now has years of experience to draw upon and a much clearer understanding of the artist she wants to be. That naturally led us back to Sweet About Me. Gabriella reflected on releasing such a successful song at only 16 and how different her relationship with music, the industry and her own creativity feels today. Her attention is now firmly on Pure Love, including the first two singles from the record and the process of bringing the album together. There's also plenty happening on stage. After performing some fantastic support slots, Gabriella is preparing to head out on a UK headline tour, giving her the chance to bring the new material to audiences alongside songs from across her career. We finished with something considerably less musical. If Gabriella had the power to permanently abolish one household chore, what would she choose? You'll have to listen to find out. 🎧 Hear my full conversation with Gabriella Cilmi now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh