In the ever-evolving world of music, certain stories of determination and passion stand out, inspiring others to chase their dreams regardless of the obstacles. One such story is that of Gianluca Zanna, an international songwriter, music producer, and CEO of Zanna Records.
A Chance Encounter at MIDEM
The year was 1995, and the location was the prestigious MIDEM music trade fair in Cannes, France. It was here that Gianluca Zanna, then a young music publisher for the Italian music trade magazine "Contatto Discografico," crossed paths with Claes Cornelius, then the MegaRecords executive known for signing iconic artists like Ace of Base and many others. This meeting proved to be a pivotal moment in Zanna's life.
During an interview with Cornelius, Zanna was profoundly inspired by Cornelius's story of perseverance in bringing Ace of Base from Nobody to global fame against all odds. This interaction ignited a spark within Zanna, fueling his vision to become an international songwriter and music producer.
Chasing the American Dream
Inspired by his encounter with Cornelius, Zanna in 1998 made a bold decision to close his music magazine and leave Italy, to pursue his dream in music finally emigrating to America. This journey was not without challenges, but Zanna's unwavering determination led him to establish Zanna Records. Over the years, he wrote and published over 150 songs, collaborating also with Grammy Award Music Producers like Brian Reeves, reaching audiences all around the world.
Reconnecting After Nearly Three Decades
In a twist of fate, nearly 29 years after their initial meeting, Zanna reconnected with Cornelius on Facebook in February 2024. This reunion marked the beginning of a new chapter in Zanna's career. Cornelius, now a part of the Zanna Records team, is collaborating with Zanna to bring his latest hit songs to a global audience and manage his catalog for global distribution and licensing.
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