Check our interview with talented Brazilian-Lebanese singer and songwriter Luciana Zogbi who shot to fame online after her cover of John Legend’s critically acclaimed ‘All of Me’ went viral, garnering over 80 million views worldwide. Since then, Luciana has covered a wide array of songs, to the delight of her ever growing fan base. Her YouTube channel, Tempestin White has over 1 Million subscribers from all over the world and boasts over 200 million combined views, with refreshing twists on songs ranging from Sam Smith’s ‘Stay With Me’ to Idina Menzel’s ‘Let it Go’. It’s safe to say that Luciana’s eclectic mix of songs, unique style and versatile talents will ensure she leaves her own mark in the world of music.
What is your musical background?
My father is a very musical person. I grew up listening to him play guitar and sing and eventually developed a passion for music myself. I started singing in musical theatre when I was about 10 and never stopped since.
How would you describe your music?
My music is characterized by strong vocal melodies and introspective lyrics. I like to vary the arrangements depending on the song and play with the borders of many genres like pop, indie and even alternative rock.
How did you get started?
I’ve been composing since I was very young, but I never really imagined being able to do music professionally. It was too far away from my world. In 2014, I posted a singing video on YouTube for my family and friends, and to my surprise, it went viral and people from all over the world were asking for more videos in the comment section. So I continued posting covers on YouTube and I’m now starting to share my own original music with my followers.
What is your next goal as a musician?
My next goal is to continue releasing original music alongside my covers and share my message with the world.
Tell us about your single “Where We Belong”?
“Where We Belong” is a song about questioning your place in society and breaking free from the shackles of social expectations that tries puts us all into boxes depending on your age, social class, gender… etc. We’ve been sold this lie that we have free will, but we don’t realize how much of our life’s path is decided for us, sometimes even before we were born. We have much less agency than we think we do and this is a song about that realization.
I wrote this song in Bahia, Brazil where I spent a lot of my childhood. Close to a fishing village, where many of the residents had African origins – Hence the ethnic drums in the pre-chorus. The lyrics are based on a true story of a friend and I, two inseparable wild children that boarded their respective “trains of life” and these took us far from where we imagined our life would be.
And tell us about the hit success of your cover ‘All of Me’ of John Legend? The video has more than 80+ million views worldwide. What do you think about that?
I never expected that cover to have that many views. The internet really is something incredible. I think it was that cover that made me realize that the internet works like this magical stage that allows me to perform to millions of people from around the globe, people who I would otherwise never reach. It’s like this amazing venue with no maximum capacity.
Now people recognize you in the streets. What is that feeling?
I think its great the I get to meet fans in real life and talk to them. Still, I live in an area where not many people are familiar with my work. Most of my fans are not form where I live, and I actually enjoy the privacy that provides me.
Which artists would you like to collaborate with?
U2, Enya and Boyce Avenue
3 things you can’t leave your house without?
My phone, my wallet and clothes. lol
What music do you like?
My taste in music is very eclectic. I will listen to any genre & song as long as it has a strong melody.
Your favorite song? Why?
I don’t think I have a favorite song.
Any loves, other then music?
I love traveling, philosophy and literature. I also have a dog I love very much.
What do you do in your free time?
I usually go out with my friends. Or I’ll stay home and read a book or watch a movie/series with my dog.
What do you like to watch on tv?
I’m a big fan of Game of Thrones and Westworld. These are the two shows I can say I’m really into at the moment.
Best advice ever given?
Stop comparing yourself to other people.
Five years from now you will be…?
I don’t really know where I’ll be next week, so…
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
My Sundays are reserved for family. We all gather at my grandmothers house for lunch and I love it. I’m very lucky to have their love and support.
Any news you want to share with us?
New songs are coming still this year! Can’t wait to share them with everyone.
Where we can follow you?
Facebook: LucianaZogbiMusic
Instagram: lu_zogbi
Twitter: LuZogbi
