The vinspired national awards took place last Thursday at the Indigo O2, to celebrate young volunteers for their outstanding contributions to their communities. Supported by Prince William (amongst other high profile faces) and hosted and attended by stars from the world of TV and music, the ceremony proved to be a night of inspiration, encouragement and talent across the fields.

One of the evening’s performers was Australian singer/songwriter Gabriella Cilmi (www.gabriellacilmi.com), who is no stranger to winning awards herself. She was speaking at the awards for a good cause, but she also delighted the audience with her captivating blend of R&B and funk rock/pop. Music-News caught up with her after the show:

Music-News:
Hi Gabriella, it’s nice meeting you. You seem very excited about the whole thing, how did you get involved with the V-Awards?

Gabriella Cilmi:
I got asked to do it and I wanted to support this. I think Vinspired makes it fun to volunteer. You know, volunteering is not boring but can serve many different opportunities. Especially many different and special areas if you’re really into music.

MN:
One of your musical idols and influences is Janis Joplin. That’s quite a mature taste for someone as young as you.

GC:
In my live sets, I do an a capella version of 'Mercedes Benz’ – that’s my tribute to Janis Joplin. When I was performing at the Royal Albert Hall recently for the 'Born Free Wild & Live’ charity event, I got to do it. Just to be in the Royal Albert Hall, you know, me being up there, performing this song – which is one of my favourites – was a very cool feeling.

MN:
What is it that fascinates you about the rawness of this kind of music?

GC:
I feel that sweat, blood 'n’ tears should go into making a record and it should also go into performing live, you know.

MN:
If you had the chance to collaborate with an artist of your choice, whom would you like to collaborate with the most?

GC:
If I had the choice to collaborate anywhere in the world, then two artists would definitely be Robert Plant and also Annie Lennox. I find Annie Lennox really inspiring. Even when she performed with Aretha Franklin, it was still all her. She’s just one of the world’s greats. She has a beautiful voice and I love her attitude and her songs and lyrics.

MN:
Tell me a bit about your upcoming album…

GC:
It’s going into a different kind of direction from my last one. The new album’s really inspired by Dionne Warwick and Donna Summer and the Giorgio Moroder sound; he’s the pioneer of electronic music. I like all the energy and I love that it’s fun. So I took inspiration from that.

MN:
Where do you feel most at home musically?

GC:
I love that in London, there is a variety of live music. I could go to a gig that I like every night, with all kinds of music on offer. As for new and interesting bands, Australia is a good place, too.

MN:
Many thanks for the interview, and best wishes for the new album.
(To find out more about young people’s involvement in volunteering, please log on to www.vinspired.com)