From Stage Flips to Stevie Twirls: Step Into Lindsay Giova's Magnetic Musical Universe

By Joanie Cox Henry

Pour Some Sugar on She: Lindsay Giova is sweetening every performance with authentic energy. Photo By Susie Fineberg

In the vibrant South Florida music scene, singer-songwriter Lindsay Giova stands out as a multifaceted performer whose authentic energy and passion captivate audiences wherever she performs. Between her dynamic performances with her high-energy '80s cover band Mixtape, her mesmerizing embodiment of Stevie Nicks in the Fleetwood Mac tribute band True Rumours, and her ongoing original compositions, Lindsay seamlessly blends her many talents into a unique artistic expression.

Finding Her Voice

Lindsay's musical journey began at an early age, influenced by her piano-playing grandmother. "I was singing, I guess before I was talking or maybe learning language at the same time," Lindsay recalls. "My grandmother was an organist in church and piano player, so she kind of taught me piano from a young age."

Though she initially rebelled against formal piano training as a child, music found its way back to her through poetry. "I started writing poetry, and I would hear them in a melodic tone... It's a song, not a poem," she explains. This realization reconnected her with her musical roots. "I remembered my piano," she mentions. " And so I would go back and, you know, just put basic chords and whatever I remembered from it, behind the words that I was speaking."

This organic approach to songwriting became "a saving grace for me dealing with being a teenager and growing up," she shares.

Balancing Passion and Practicality

Unlike many artists who might exclusively pursue their creative side, Lindsay describes herself as balancing both creative and practical aspects. "A lot of artists are very right-brained... and they're missing that logical, rational component," she observes. "For me, I was very good at school. I was a straight-A student, but here, I was just longing to go off and pursue my dreams of being a musician."

This duality led her to pursue business-oriented degrees while simultaneously working on her music. "I was in a studio in Miami recording my debut album at the same time as I was in my master's program," she says. "I would go to school during the day, and I'd come home at night and write and record and be around musical people, and it just felt so much more like me."

Performance Philosophy

What makes Lindsay particularly captivating as a performer is her commitment to a genuine connection with the material she performs. "If I'm singing a song, I'm relating to that song. I'm a very lyrical person," she explains. "Sometimes I'll say this song isn't a good fit, just because I don't necessarily like the message or the vibe, or just not where I'm at... I want to be able to really feel it, because if I feel and I connect to a song, the audience also responds similarly."

This philosophy extends to her continuous introduction of new music into her repertoire. "I get bored easily, honestly, as an artist," she admits. "I have to constantly be introducing new material... keep it fresh, keep it fun, and not get bored and not stifled as an artist."

Festival Energy and Performance Style

Lindsay Giova particularly enjoys festival performances, where she gets to connect with new audiences. "The energy of festivals is just a little different, because you're getting a lot of people that are not there to see your band," she explains. "There's a different energy for that—it's an energy thing that I really thrive on."

Her performances with Mixtape feature impressive stage moves, including "handstands and back bends," creating what she describes as "a very acrobatic, energetic show." By contrast, her portrayal of Stevie Nicks with True Rumours requires a completely different approach. "It's like this whole way of just pulling that focus and attention with... she does her twirls, but for the most part, she's very static on stage... in her essence," she notes, admiring how Nicks commanded attention "with just that energy."

What a Feeling: When passion for music meets yoga-powered stage moves, Lindsay Giova happens. Photo by Michael Key.

As a yoga instructor, Lindsay stays naturally limber and ready to perform. "If I go more than 24 hours without a big stretching, moving my body... my body feels it," she says. "I'm kind of always warmed up."

Musical Influences

Growing up in the '80s, Madonna was a significant influence. "I probably just naturally know all the lyrics to every Madonna song ever," Lindsay laughs. "I love her chameleon aspect and her ability to just be free, and she pushed boundaries."

She also cites Stevie Nicks as a significant inspiration, particularly since joining True Rumours. "I've definitely found a new appreciation for her... learning her moves, and taking in her energy," Lindsay shares. "She has a vibe about her that is just untouchable."

Original Music and Future Projects

Despite her busy schedule with cover bands and tribute performances, Lindsay continues to develop her original music. "I'm always writing original music," she says. "Right now, there are lyrics and musical ideas that are trapped in voice memos on my phone and notes on my phone."

Her creative process adapts to her busy life as a mother and performer. "I might be driving down the street and I get an idea and I'm like, hit record, okay... just sing the idea," she explains. She also values collaboration, noting that sometimes she feels "uninspired with myself writing at the piano" and reaches out to musician friends for fresh perspectives.

Looking ahead, Lindsay feels drawn back to her original compositions. "I'm feeling that itch to get back to the original side, or even pull it in, weave it in, in a cover situation here and there," she says. "I definitely see more recording coming up."

Beyond the Stage

Beyond her musical performances, Lindsay offers a variety of services that showcase her talents. She also brings her holistic approach to wellness through personal yoga instruction.

To learn more about Lindsay Giova, visit Lindsaygiova.com. You can also visit https://mixtapebig80sradio.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/TrueRumoursTribute/ for her latest list of shows.

South Florida Concert News goes on camera with Lindsay Giova! Watch our heartfelt conversation here:

Check out some videos of Lindsay Giova's live performances: