Meet Flo Gajnaj | Singer & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Flo Gajnaj and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Flo, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Music has been part of my family for ages. It all goes back to my tenor great grandfather, he was called Cesare and lived in Italy until the 1920’s when he travelled to Argentina. One of my uncles, who’s actually an actor, and as such remembers easily, told me some time ago that as a kid he would sit on his lap and Cesare would sing classical songs while making some gnocchi (very Italian of him, let me say). If I have to choose the person who made me love singing and writing the most, that’d be my mother. When I was a little girl, she would take her guitar and sing typical Argentinian songs with such elegance and ease. As I became older, I came to admire her and the love and passion she had for music. So it’s no mystery for me that I got to follow in her musical footsteps. But there are so many people who influenced me: my cousin, my uncle, teachers and friends.
When I listen to music I feel someone is keeping me company, I feel understood and validated, it’s hard to grasp intelectually but it moves your soul, completely.
Writing songs allows me to share my thoughts and emotions and there is this magic one wants to see unfolding when someone relates to what you’ve written. I want that all the way, 24/7. Someone said life without music would be a mistake, I agree 100 per cent.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
With time I’ve learnt to talk about myself without feeling too shy. It doesn’t come easy, for sure, but I am greatful I was able to recognize my good sides, too. Even though discussing our flaws strikes me as beautiful and equally important, I’ll embrace this part of me that has evolved and became empowered: let me say my music is sweet and intimate, genre wise leaning towards folk/pop. Many people have said my voice is soothing and somewhat melancholicly charming. When it comes to topics, love takes a big place but I like mentioning mental health (anxiety, for example), social issues, everyday matters, even medicine. Fiction can also jump in, telling stories that are not particularly related to our reality doesn’t make us less original or authentic, I believe it’s quite the opposite!
Life has taught me to follow my intuition, to challenge my inner dialogue and take risks. As a gemini (sorry to the astrological non-believers!), I live in air, in a whirlwind, literally, and landing my thoughts can become somewhat hard, but I am getting better at it, getting to know your most genuine self is a key part of becoming an artist.
Though there is a long way to go,because I’m still in a pre-production state, I feel happy with what I’ve accomplished so far: the friends, the new and improved melodies and lyrics that slip through my fingers and the inching closer to my mission.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, Buenos Aires is such a cultural city, there’s never a dull moment! First of all I ‘d say walk the streets of :
-Palermo
-Recoleta
-Villa Crespo
-Puerto Madero
-Caminito
These are the must-see places in my city, which has a European vibe and beautiful architecture.
But as music brought us here I would take my best friend to listen to some jazz and then go to a milonga (a place where people dance tango), I particularly don’t dance it but I’d try for my friend, of course.
Should some rock band play in the city, I’d take her or him there, too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people have been part of this musical path, every little exchange counts! However, I should mention my sister first, because she supports me through thick and thin; my aunt, who always has my back, and my friends who encourage me to become my truest self.
Mariana Bianchini and Santiago Adano (both singer-songwriters) were there at the very beginning when I started singing and writing songs and I’ll carry their lessons forever!
Later,when I travelled to LA, I crossed paths with the unveliabable coach Suzan Koc who taught me so much and pushed me to become a better writer. Listening to her is mindblowing, I had never had such epiphanies. Adam McInnis, who created the 500 Billboard club, he enlightened me on many business topics, key to persuing a music career and guided me with the best pieces of advice.
Bibi Albert, Argentinian lyricist and lovely teacher, who gave me the tools to Spanish songwriting.
And finally, my amazing co-writers, my friends, Gin and Yicel, who inspire me every day, believe in me and help me nurture my craft.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flogajnaj/

Image Credits
Leia Lozano is the photographer.