New York, NY (Atlantic Records) - 'I've always known that I wanted to be a singer,' says Gia Farrell, Atlantic's newest pop prodigy. A 17-year old with a powerhouse voice beyond her years, she conjures up a blend of early Mariah Carey,
Christina Aguilera, and Whitney Houston. Not surprisingly, Gia says she's been described as 'the little girl with the big voice.'
By the time Gia had reached age 13, she had already performed on television's 'It's Showtime at The Apollo,' where she was named one of the 8 Best of the Year, sung on Ed McMahon's 'Next Big Star' in Las Vegas, and won on 'Star Search.' Not bad for a girl from Suffern, New York who started out singing at a local restaurant.
'I've always been singing,' says Gia, when asked when she began her career. Her family recalls her singing at age 2, before she could really talk. One of her first regular gigs came when she began taking voice lessons, at age 8. '[My voice teacher] used to take all her students to a restaurant in our neighborhood to sing every month,' she recalls.
Not long after she had silenced awestruck diners with her enormous sound and extraordinary talent, Gia went on to earn 1st place at the Apollo. More recently, she won a contest on local radio station K104, and was awarded an opening slot on a Fat Joe show in Dutchess County, NY, where she performed choreographed versions of Beyonce's 'Crazy in Love' and Mariah Carey's 'Love Takes Time.'
Around the same time, Gia starred in productions of Guys and Dolls and Damn Yankees and signed with New-York based theatrical agencies Carson/Adler and Abrams Artists. To complete her triple threat, Gia has signed with modeling agency Planit M, in addition to CAA. With a fashion consciousness and style savvy to match her musical and acting talent, Gia has the goods to become a bona fide star in the classic mold.
Recently signed to Atlantic, Gia has begun writing music and plans to co-write songs for her upcoming debut album. She's been working with top producers since age 12, and has recently been traveling to studios across the country in search of collaborators. 'I want to concentrate on getting the best songs… I want every one to sound like a hit,' she enthuses. Gia envisions her premiere as 'definitely soulful pop, leaning a little towards R&B.'
She sang before she talked, she won competitions on national TV before she was a teenager… what's next for Gia? Superstardom before adulthood? Keep an eye out in the months to come… the Gia story is just beginning, and it's going to be a good one.
To listen to Gia's songs and more, visit myspace.com/giafarrell.
Her song 'Hit Me Up' is featured in the new Warner Bros movie 'Happy Feet' in theaters 11/17.
