Giovanna: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

Music

A scouse Italian or an Italian scouser – Giovanna’s become a much loved staple of Liverpool’s music scene.

Best known for her monthly residency on NTS residency, which she’s been helming for over four years, Gio brings a whole lot of joy with her eclectic selections that usually bounce between new wave, synth-pop, Italo, oddball disco and house jams.

She brings other selectors along for the ride too – there’s been musical cameos from the likes of Dar Disku, Amaliah, Talking Drums and fellow Scouser Macca, who dabble in the same sonics as she does.

Some of those artists have also joined her at Sisbis, the non-profit party she founded in Liverpool to help raise money for Refugee Women Connect. Though the party has taken a bit of a hiatus since the pandemic, she’s had a hand in bringing the likes of Nabihah Iqbal, Carista, Donna Leake and Flo Dill up to Merseyside, and all for a great cause.

We’re happy to have her contribute to our ‘Shine A Light On’ series which, in typical Giovanna style, throws a load of different flavours into the mix… Approached like her radio shows (even with a lovely little intro in there) she moves through the motions from blissful new age guitars, synth-pop and leftfield disco through to sweet, soulful garage and old skool electro…

Ransom Note · Giovanna: The 'Shine A Light On' Mix

Who are you, where are you and what are you

My Name is Giovanna and I’m a person

What does your music sound like?

Really good

Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

I asked a mate to do this but he didn’t reply

Where was the mix recorded?

Lovely Liverpool

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

At your best friend’s place

What should we be wearing?

The Catania football shirt

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

I would love to be able to record mixes at mine in pjs. It’d be really comfortable and I’d feel at ease.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Maybe Detroit In Effect – A Detroit Story (Maaco Version), I don’t know can’t choose. It depends I guess. I also REALLY love E-Prime – No Guest List Tonight.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Can’t really pick one but I find myself listening to Nabihah Iqbal Dekmantel mix (311) and Rotation 021 by Sofie K before going out loads. I also love Flo Dill and Macca NTS breakfast shows.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Bet they are all annoying, I’m alright

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

Never had one

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

In a club environment the track you end on and in a mix the track you start on

What were the first and last records you bought?

First: Pra Que Vou Recordar – Carlos Dafé

Last: Down & Out LP – NTS

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Delish

If it was an animal what would it be?