Gianna Alessi: Where classical roots meet alt‑R&B soul
There are artists who inherit music. And then there are those who transform it. Gianna Alessi does both. With a sound rooted in soul and shaped by classical lineage, her voice floats somewhere between the softness of a lullaby and the power of a confession. Blending alt-R&B with textured grooves, honeyed vocals, and rich harmonies, Gianna Alessi is carving out a space entirely her own in the contemporary music landscape.
From classical beginnings to R&B sensibility
Music runs in Gianna’s blood. Her earliest lessons came from within the family. Literally. Her grandmother, a former soprano with the Metropolitan Opera, gave her her first voice lessons. Her father, Joseph Alessi, is a world-renowned classical trombonist. Surrounded by the precision and discipline of classical music from an early age, Gianna grew up attending concerts and absorbing a world where music was both a craft and a calling. But despite these classical foundations, her heart gravitated toward a different kind of sound. One filled with warmth, rhythm, and emotional vulnerability. That pull led her toward R&B and soul, where she found the space to experiment, express, and evolve.
Finding her voice and the stage as her home!
A native of New York, Gianna began songwriting during her time at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee School of Music. There, she not only studied the technical aspects of music but also began to develop her own voice. One that would defy genre and lean into personal storytelling.
Her music today is marked by a blend of alt-R&B, neo-soul, and jazz-infused pop. She pairs atmospheric vocals with warm, groove-led instrumentation, creating songs that feel both intimate and expansive. There’s a clear emphasis on emotional depth, whether through lyrics that unfold slowly or harmonies that shimmer across the track like silk. Each song feels carefully constructed yet effortless, layered yet never overdone. Her voice floats in the mix, soft, steady, and deeply expressive, drawing listeners in without needing to shout.
Over the past few years, Gianna has steadily built her reputation as a compelling live performer. She has graced stages from New York to Los Angeles, growing a loyal fanbase coast to coast. In New York City, she held residencies at iconic venues like Groove in the West Village, where her intimate sets made her a standout among the city’s rich music scene.
She has also been featured by a number of emerging artist platforms and showcases, allowing her to connect directly with audiences who crave authenticity and soul in their music.
What sets Gianna apart on stage is her presence. She doesn’t just perform songs. She invites you into them. Whether backed by a full band or performing in stripped-down acoustic settings, she brings a natural warmth and confidence that feels both grounded and magnetic.
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A beautiful voice and a new the Soft Era of Gianna!
In addition to her own artistry, Gianna has become a sought-after session vocalist. Her voice, with its emotional clarity and control, has been featured in both modern recordings and legacy catalog projects. She knows how to adapt, how to step into different sonic worlds without losing her own identity.
This behind-the-scenes work has helped shape her perspective as an artist. It’s given her a deeper understanding of vocal nuance, production, and the collaborative energy that goes into making music that lasts. It’s also a testament to her versatility. She’s not just a solo act, but a team player, capable of elevating a wide range of musical projects.
Now based in Los Angeles, Gianna is stepping into a new chapter. Her upcoming EP, titled Soft n’ Lush, signals a sonic and emotional evolution. True to its name, the project leans into sensuality, warmth, and groove blending soul-rooted production with ambient textures and lyrical vulnerability.
The first single from the project, “Soft,” offers a dreamy introduction. With its mellow beats and intimate delivery, it feels like a whispered conversation under moonlight. The accompanying music video, shot in the serene woods of Vermont, mirrors that softness, earthy, ethereal, and cinematic.
This release marks a clear statement of artistic identity. While her past work laid the foundation, Soft n’ Lush represents a more focused sound, more confident storytelling, and a fully realized aesthetic. It’s the sound of an artist not only finding her place, but fully stepping into it.
What makes her stand out?
In a musical era that often prizes volume and virality, Gianna Alessi offers something different: quiet confidence. Her music doesn’t try to overwhelm you. It invites you to come closer. There’s strength in her softness, and power in her restraint.
She’s an artist who understands her roots, yet refuses to be defined by them. Classical training informs her technique, but doesn’t confine her creativity. R&B and soul influence her sound, but don’t box her in. She blends it all, sometimes subtly, sometimes boldly, into music that feels timeless and personal.
Her songs are about feeling, real, nuanced, often unspoken emotion. They sit in the in-between spaces: between heartbreak and healing, between solitude and connection, between past and future. And in those spaces, Gianna shines.
Looking ahead
With Soft n’ Lush on the way, the coming months are sure to be an exciting time for Gianna Alessi. As she continues to grow her audience and expand her artistry, one thing is certain: She’s just getting started. Whether you discover her through a live set, a dreamy music video, or a late-night playlist scroll, her voice stays with you. It lingers. And it leaves you wanting more. For fans of artists who balance skill with soul, who value substance over spectacle, and who make music that moves you. Gianna Alessi is one to watch. Follow Gianna Alessi on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Or keep an eye on her website.