Ramona Depares interviews Ema Drei, the singer-songwriter behind the solo project Giungla, ahead of her performance at this year’s Rock the South festival.

Your solo career as Giungla has been going strong for over a year – how has the experience been so far?

It’s been great and I cannot wait for what’s next!

What led to the birth of this solo project?

At first, I wanted to put a band together, but things didn’t work out as I expected since I didn’t find the right people to work with me.

I felt like the whole thing was no longer about the music, but more about bad timing, logistics and being moneyless.

Finally, I decided to move on, so I borrowed a drum machine, bought a cheap synth and decided to play alone on stage with the only stuff I could handle with my two hands and feet – a few pedals and a guitar.

It was a way to kick off somewhere and, soon, I discovered the chance to improve and question myself about what I really wanted and needed. Being alone on stage is not at all a limit for me, it makes me feel free.

Why Giungla? Is there a story behind the choice of name?

It’s the Italian word for ‘jungle’, and I like the fact that this word reflects something very natural and wild. But is also mostly used as a metaphor for chaotic situations, and is commonly addressed to modern times.

When you’re singing a song or creating something, you’re not just thinking about your little bubble. You’re inevitably talking to someone else

How do you describe your music?

I call it ‘camo pop’, because I like the idea of my songs kind of hiding behind the tangled sound.

Apparently, my music is chaotic and distorted, but still everything goes to the point pretty fast in a simple, very instinctive way.

What was the biggest challenge in going solo?

Doing the practical stuff is probably the hardest part for me. For example, I’m very bad at organisation and logistics, and I don’t really like travelling alone. You could really say that I am basically my greatest enemy.

How do you manage to make the sound so full?

I actually use just a few elements, like guitar, vocals, a beat and a bass synth, so I like transforming them with different effects. For example, I love it when a guitar doesn’t really sound like a guitar, but more like a synth.

Is there anything you miss from being part of a bigger band?

I definitely miss all the laughter and playing table soccer with my friends during a break at rehearsals.

Where do you get your inspiration?

A few years ago I started running, and it really changed me, along with my writing process. Sometimes I can even come back from a run with a song or a melody in mind.

But there are many things that inspire me in different ways. I’m also a graphic designer and I’m really interested in visual arts. So, everytime I’m in a different city I look for the best galleries and bookshops. Lately I put my hands on the Marina Abramović memoir, and some essays by one of my favourite photographers, Luigi Ghirri.

I like knowing what’s going on in fields different from music and keeping my mind open.

Would you say your music is inspired by social issues? If so, what do you find important?

Some of my songs talk about feeling different, or being unable to express yourself. Even if what I write is not directly about social issues, I believe that when you’re singing a song or creating something, you’re not just thinking about your little bubble. You’re inevitably talking to someone else and it’s also a privilege to be heard.

Of course, there are things that I believe are very important. I especially believe there’s still so much to do regarding LGBT rights and immigration.

You’ve been doing a lot of touring. Do you prefer the stage or the studio?

I really have to say both, because some balance between touring and recording is very important for me.

How has feedback for your first EP, Camo, been?

I was featured in some lovely playlists and websites all over the world and there are no copies left. So, it was beyond my expectations.

Some highlights from your recent touring?

My favourite was playing Eurosonic in The Netherlands, SXSW in Texas and sharing the stage with The XX and Foals.

Is this your first time in Malta? How did the connection with Rock the South come about?

It’s my first time ever in Malta and I’m really looking forward to it. A few years ago I toured as bassist in a band called His Clancyness and we were signed to Fat Cat Records. A friend, who helps booking for Rock The South and used to work for that label, got in touch asking if I wanted to play the festival.

What are you expecting?

To have a lot of fun and to learn more about the music scene in Malta.

And what should we expect?

I’ll play a bunch of new songs. Then, expect some head-banging, of course!

Rock the South takes place on April 20, 21 and 22 at Zion, The Reggae Bar, in Marsascala. Giungla performs on April 21.

www.facebook.com/rockthesouthmt

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