In our latest feature, we look at the creative side, exploring the artistry of the man behind a new single called “SAIGON. ” GIANFRANCO GFN is known for his unique style and this single is no different. ‘SAIGON’ is a perfect blend of acid jazz, groove and soulful progressions paying homage to the past while embracing the present.
The track demonstrates the consistency of GIANFRANCO GFN, in providing good music and how he pays attention to detail in his performance. The creative process behind ‘SAIGON,’ from its pre-production to the final product, is discussed in detail in this exclusive interview.
GIANFRANCO GFN provides interesting information regarding his unique approach to creating art-music, the meaning behind the words, and hints at further projects that will be interesting for both old-forgotten and new fans to hear.
Unmask what inspired GIANFRANCO GFN to create ‘SAIGON’ and the feelings behind it; a sneak peek into the life of this artiste and the progression of his music continually.
Listen to Saigon below
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What was the inspiration behind your latest single, “SAIGON”? Is there a specific story or message you wanted to convey with this track?
No, there’s no specific story or message! It all started with the text, which was originally written by Alan Jackson, one of my lyricists. However, I had an idea of how the song was going to come about, but in the end, I surprised myself because it took on a certain musical breadth.
Can you walk us through the creative process of making “SAIGON”? How did the initial idea evolve into the final product?
I had Alan’s text, which was later modified in collaboration with singer Vladi and sound engineer David. It all started with a melody I had or and when I put the first words to the music, it just clicked! But the end results you’re listening to today wasn’t planned that way!
There was even a moment when this piece was almost instrumental! Anyway, once the guitar composition was done, the whole process took shape in the studio, and that’s when the song began to take on a musical dimension.
How would you describe the musical style of “SAIGON”? Did you experiment with any new sounds or techniques that you haven’t used before?
Describing the style of a piece of music today is a bit difficult, there are so many! But I think we can define the style of this Pop-Soul piece… but that’s subjective! The big challenge with SAIGON was the symphony orchestra part. It was a big job and a magnificent challenge to put it all together with all the other instruments.
The lyrics of “SAIGON” seem to carry a lot of weight. Could you share the significance of the lyrics and what they mean to you personally?
Lyrics are always very subjective, because we’re all very different when it comes to interpretation and logic… In all my songs and their lyrics, I don’t want to put across any political or religious message. In this text first of all, I wanted music where you can travel and at the same time tell a story, a story that can have many meanings depending on who you are… but one thing’s for sure: there’s always an element of realism linked or not to a slice of life’s story.
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What were some of the challenges you faced while working on “SAIGON”? How did you overcome them?
I love composing and creating, and above all I love the studio. For me, it’s a huge challenge every time, and there are always plenty of challenges to be met, but it’s also very rewarding. Saigon was an even greater challenge because, as I’ve already described, there was the whole symphony orchestra part to place, and I’m very proud of the result. The work done for the whole piece involved even more work, because mixing all the instruments and having them all in their proper places was a huge challenge. I loved it.
Does “SAIGON” hint at the direction of your future work? Are there any upcoming projects or releases that fans should be excited about?
The beauty of music is that you’re always learning and improving! Saigon is one of those tracks where the challenge was very great and compared to other tracks I’ve brought in new things, which as always with my musicians who are fantastic, and each of them brings an extra musical touch. Every piece of music is unique, every song is a challenge, you’re always evolving!
Does “SAIGON” hint at the direction of your future work? Are there any upcoming projects or releases that fans should be excited about?
I wouldn’t say a direction, because you’ll see that the next piece, which will arrive between now and the end of August, will be lighter because it will have a more bluesy connotation… on the other hand, yes, my work in the future will be more demanding, and an experience like Saigon opens up a lot of perspectives. In my projects, there will always be surprises, such as an instrument you wouldn’t expect, like a cello, an accordion, etc….
What does “SAIGON” mean to you on a personal level? How does it reflect your current state of mind or experiences?
Being very much in the musical world of ACID-JAZZ, or more commonly known today as “R&B-SOUL”, SAIGON brings another opening both in its composition and in its softer, more cinematic style… for me, there’s the side of a composition that’s more demanding in its arrangement than in its composition, and its instruments, which is something that brings me a lot in terms of musical artistry and execution.
What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find their unique voice, especially when working on a project as personal as “SAIGON”?
The only important piece of advice I could pass on is never to stop, even if you have a piece of music or a composition that you’re not convinced of! do it, finish it, because over time that’s how your musical world will grow.
When you’re composing, of course you should listen to advice, but above all you should listen to and follow your own ideas and feelings, because that’s how you’ll create your own musical world and style. Never give up, you’ll have moments that aren’t easy, but once you’ve achieved them, you’ll be proud of your creation…. Viva la musica
The title “SAIGON” suggests a connection to a specific place. How do you think your music resonates with audiences around the world, and what do you hope they take away from this track?
In my musical world, I hope to bring an escape in the minds of listeners, everyone takes it in his own way, a memory, a dream, a situation lived …
Many write me telling me that my music brings them something different, especially with current styles, many people tell me that it reminds them of specific moments of their lives … when you say such compliments, I’m proud and I tell myself that my music, my art, will leave something in time!
