By: Shayla Lee
The first time I heard Ghita’s music, I honestly thought I was going to blow my eardrums out while listening to it. From the masterly drop in ‘How Low’ to the relatable lyrics in ‘Mindfvck,’ it didn’t take long for me to become obsessed with all of her songs.
It also just so happens that the woman behind the killer music is just as cool as the music itself. I had the chance to interview Ghita (pronounced Rita) and she explained the meaning behind her latest single ‘Brand New,’ her number one rule when it comes to facing manipulative people in the industry, and what she has in the works for this year.
FEMME RIOT: Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What inspired you to become a musician?
Ghita: I’ve always wanted to be a musician but everything really started for me when I moved to LA two years ago after graduating from Berklee College of Music.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
It’s honest, it’s pop but with a rnb touch and I have a love for soulful pop, something I’m working on at the moment.
Where do you draw inspiration for your music? Do you have any musical influences?
I guess most of my inspiration comes from my actual life, I love to travel and meet new people. When an idea pops in my head, I write little notes on the plane, on the train or sometimes when I’m seating at home doing nothing.
You are quadrilingual (amazing!) and although you were born in Casablanca, you grew up in Morocco, Spain, and Switzerland. How did being exposed to so many languages and cultures impact your music?
I loved growing up in Morocco but I also loved the fact that I left pretty early (at the age of 15) because I needed to see more of the world, I learned how to live on my own – far away from my family. That definitely affected my music. Every place has its own genre of music and I take inspiration from everything and that has become a part of me over the years. I got influenced a lot by rnb and rap in the US, especially in LA and now I’m obsessed with it.
From studying at Berklee College of Music to opening for Maroon 5 at the Mawazine Music Festival in Morocco, you have experienced many amazing things in your career. Has there been a ‘wow’ moment you have experienced when you realized that all of your hard work was paying off?
Yes, definitely at that show ha! It felt like a dream was coming true and that gave me a lot of motivation to keep going. I spent 2, almost 3 years now in the studio working on new music. I’m excited to release my new music and start touring.
I really love ‘Mindfvck’ and I can totally related to the lyrics, specifically the opening lyrics: “I get way too attached / My friends say I get way too attached / I fall in deep and leave just as fast.” I’m an all-or-nothing person and my feelings about people change on the daily! Can you tell us more about this track and the inspiration behind it?
So Mindfvck was one of those songs that I wrote really fast. I woke up one day and was feeling really strange about a date I had the previous night. I had a lot going through my mind and wanted to write about how my feelings towards a person or a feeling can change so fast. I guess that’s part of being 22.
‘How Low’ is such a banger and I’m absolutely obsessed with it – the drop is SO GOOD. The lyrics are quite dark, focusing on the manipulation and control that powerful men can have over young women in the competitive entertainment industry. I think this is a very important issue and I love how it’s brought to light in this song. How do you ensure you stay true to who you are and aren’t manipulated by others?
Thank you!! I honestly do my best to speak up and not let others talk over me or make me feel uncomfortable. That’s like my number one rule. I don’t care who you are or how you can help me, if you don’t respect me or my music I won’t work with you.
I don’t care who you are or how you can help me, if you don’t respect me or my music I won’t work with you.
You also collaborated with Mickey Valen on ‘How Low.’ What was this experience like?
Mickey is a good friend of mine and he’s amazingly talented! He made like ten versions of the drop until he found the perfect one. He’s the type of producer that loves challenges and he’s really passionate about his work.
Have you faced any challenges being a woman in the music industry? Do you have any advice for other women who are facing adversity in their own lives?
Yes, SPEAK UP, stand up for yourself and don’t do something if you feel uncomfortable no matter how good it may sound. Work to surround yourself with good people.
Don’t do something if you feel uncomfortable no matter how good it may sound.
Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Brand New’! Can you tell us more about this track and the inspiration behind it?
Thank you! “Brand New” is a song I wrote about a really passionate relationship. I wrote the song while still in the relationship when I could feel the end was coming. I wanted to find a way to feel empowered about what I was going through. It’s my most sensual song so far and I feel like I’ve really opened up.
Your EP is going to be released later this year and we can’t wait! What has the creation process for this EP been like? What can fans expect?
It’s all songs I’ve really connected with while writing and recording them. They all mean something really special to me and will forever highlight a specific chapter in my life.
What songs are you currently listening to?
Mmmh.. I love Bazzi and Sabrina Claudio at the moment, I have been listening to their songs on repeat lately. I’m also re-listening to some Sara Bareilles and Christina Perri.
I want to thank Ghita for doing this interview! I’m SO excited for her EP! You can stay up to date with Ghita by following her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Looking for a song to take you into the weekend? Listen to ‘Brand New’ below! WARNING: You will probably become addicted to it but it’s worth it, I promise.
FEMME RIOT 