Laura Gissara Ti Amo

Young, sassy and determined, Laura Gissara is re-introducing herself to the Australian public with the launch of "Ti Amo".

At just 22, Laura has already achieved things that other performers only dream about, reaching the top ten of Australian Idol 2005, performing in front of 20,000 people at the Sydney Opera House and creating a full time career playing life on her own terms by living her passion for music and dance.

The choice of "Ti Amo" for her debut single is an inspired one, breathing new life into this classic tune which was #1 in 1977 throughout Europe before the English version from Laura Brannigan blitzed charts around the world in the 80s. Italian for "I Love You", "Ti Amo" is the song to establish our own Laura as one of the hottest new voices in Australian music.

With her dance mix and Italian version already making waves in Europe, Laura is set to take the song to a whole new level, bringing her own unique style to the track.

"I chose the song because it was a favourite in my household when I was growing up," says Gissara. "In my version I wanted to take it in a new direction- give it a more contemporary sound, rock it up, inject some more personality and drive it with strong powerful vocals."

It's that personality and strength that punctuates this exciting new release and heralds the arrival of a new breed of contemporary artist who refuses to be defined and will continue to create her own destiny.

Interview:

1. How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?
The first time I heard it I was really nervous and broke out into a sweet, but I was also very excited.

2. Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?
Yes I did, but I didn't think it would be as political as it is.

3. Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?
Yes I write my own material, I have been writing my own stuff since I was 16 years of age. I play piano so most of my song writing starts from there. My inspiration comes from everywhere, usually from life experience.

4. What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?
I listen to a variety of music from Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, top 40 tracks, R'n'B and soul tracks to Jazz to other friends original tracks.

5. What's next? Tour/Album/Single?
Next, hopefully a second single and an album.

6. Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?
There are moments when you think about throwing in the towel when things get hot and heavy, but you never mean them, you get over it and keep pushing on.

7. Do you prefer performing live or recording?
They are both very different. I enjoy both. They feed different purposes for me.

8. What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
No one inspired me to become a part of the music industry; I always had a passion for music. As a learning, inspiring teenager I admired Celine Dion and a lot of the Boy bands who were doin amazing things with harmonies etc.

9. What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Believing in you and finding the courage to get up in front of thousands of viewers and be judged.

10. What's a typical day like?
Running around like a mad woman haha. I am a very busy person, if I'm not organising and working on things for my career I'm off at University finishing off my bachelor of music.

11. What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?
The music industry may be one of the hardest and toughest industries to be in but it is also the most amazing, fun and rewarding industry. I love the life of a music artist, it's tough, challenging, and stressful but most of all when you get down to making music and being creative, nothing can compare.

12. If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Ooo that's a tough one, there are too many artists I love.

13. Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?
I am a Piscean and I am very attacted to Scorpios. I believe a lot in astrological compatibility. In a partner I look for a deep connection on many levels, some one who shares my vision, my world my dreams, some one who is independent and self driven and creative. I am very attracted to people in my industry (singers, musicians, entertainers), as we share many visions and goals.

14. Do you have a website fans can visit?
Yes - www.lauragissara.com It will connect you to my forum and my Myspace.

15. Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?
Family, Love, Laughter, Good Food, and Positive Thinking.

16. What message would you like to say to your fans?
Always stay true to yourself and never give your power away to others. Always think positive as we have the power to manifest anything we want. If you truly believe you will succeed.

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Laura Simone Gissara
Nickname(s): Shazz
Star Sign: Piscean
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Film: Goonies
Favorite Actor: Don't have one
Pet: Used to have a dog - Toby
Describe yourself in 3 words: Loving, fun and cheeky
Best Feature: Lips
Worst Feature: Legs
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Celine Dion
Hobbies/Interests: Shopping, Going for coffee with friends
First Job: Working at Colorado cloths shop
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Bar
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: My bag
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: Food