Mexico City-based film composer and songwriter Oriana Gidi steps into a vibrant new chapter with her latest single 'Frozen Spiderwebs'. Featuring Joe Dart of Vulfpeck on bass, the track captures a playful, imaginative spirit while showcasing Gidi’s signature ability to blend cinematic composition with richly layered songwriting.
The song’s origins are as striking as its sound. Conceived on a London Underground platform after Gidi noticed a frozen spiderweb, 'Frozen Spiderwebs' grew from a fleeting moment into a whimsical, sonically expansive piece. Built around an eclectic palette, including stone marimba, congas, piano, sampled flute, synths, and layered vocals, the track feels both intricate and joyfully unrestrained.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano! Since I was 4 years old I would sit at the piano and play and sing for what felt like hours. I was so excited about the newfound possibility of creating music with my bare hands. At some point my musical explorations became slightly more structured and intentional, and I now call this lifelong fascination a career.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was little my mom played lots of Fiona Apple, Jorge Drexler, Joni Mitchell and Suzanne Vega around the house. As a teenager I had a kind of emo phase where I listened to Lana del Rey and Melanie Martinez religiously. To be fair I still love them both! Then I discovered film music and became obsessed with Danny Elfman, Thomas Newman and Alexandre Desplat.
What was the first album you remember owning?
To be honest it was probably a Big Time Rush album. I was obsessed with them too. I have had eclectic tastes from childhood!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
So many, but the two that come to mind are: “This Animation” by Kristine Leschper, because it has the most insane, beautiful chorus melody I’ve ever heard, and “Living Room” by Andy Shauf, because of its very unique lyrical style and beautiful storytelling.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really anything specific that I always do, I think part of the fun is that the process changes every time.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lots of Juana Molina and El David Aguilar lately.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Maybe Fiona Apple, that would be really fun.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The feeling of writing and entering a kind of flow state is high on the list. You don’t really know where that inspiration or creative energy comes from most of the time, it’s often elusive and unpredictable, but when it does hit you just have to ride the wave and enjoy the feeling.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Feeling like you have to keep up with changing industry expectations that are often not aligned with what you want to do, for example, prioritize having a social media presence and cater to the algorithm. Even so, I still try to handle that in a way that still feels authentic to me.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
A teacher once told us, “music doesn’t love you back”. What he meant by that is, you’re the one that has to put in the work and pour your time, energy and passion into music, and understand that music itself can’t give you anything in return. You can’t treat it like it owes you something. You have to keep finding the joy and purpose in it, when it’s easy and when it’s hard.
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Oriana Gidi's new single 'Frozen Spiderwebs' is out now. Check it out in the player below.