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.
Message from Claes Cornelius to Radio Stations 02/24/25 claescornelius0@gmail.com
I had the A&R job for the A-to-Z list catalog of releases on Mega Records Scandinavia, a hot Indie record label for Euro Pop Dance singles, 12" and DJ remixes specializing in Summer hits to get an album Platinum in time for the following Xmas. It could be its own productions for Scandinavia or licenses from abroad as well as co-operations based on publishing rights via Megasong Publishing Scandinavia.
To revitalize the insidious synthesizer-based music style originated in Europe and now adding a funky USA edge, I feel free to predict brand-new track "You Are My Destiny" by Claudette Lyons and Gianluca Zanna as a top contender for playlist presence 2025 - they are well under way with tracks for an album. Insofar TV and live appearances, easily workable and come with a lot of video.
The way I see it, they are not typically US and easier to comprehend than certain variations of machine-gun Rap.
Also, to fit the logic of hits on my own CV. Extreme examples:
"Sunshine Reggae" Laid Back.
Medley Records released it in Denmark but it wasn't immediately successful and fans termed the song "too poppy". Their manager Kjeld Wennick had just started a publishing company on their behalf and I was head-hunted to run that angle of music activities. I venture to declare "this will be a huge hit to start in Italy, Riviera, Côte d'Azur and tourists will hear on radio and DJ clubs a lot of music to buy when back home".
"All That She Wants" Ace Of Base
Originating from Gothenburg, Sweden, a master tape has been made from a run of tests done at a studio under construction to fit Denniz PoP and Max Martin. But.... nobody wanted to release it in Sweden - the logic being "too poppy" for our label. 2 young guys came to the Mega address in Copenhagen. Again, it sounds like an instant hit for the Riviera. Clive Davis had picked it up on radio while on vacation on a luxury yacht cruise, called Mega, rights were available for the Americas and a giant hit for the Arista label.
There are ways to transcend the power of the multinationals and radio has been instrumental in discovering hits - "You Are My Destiny" is ready to go.
Claes Cornelius
Copenhagen, Denmark
Kommentare