Name: Gianna Sollitto
Major/Minor: Communication Major, Professional and Creative Writing/Marketing Double Minor
Year: First Semester Senior
Hometown: Scituate, RI
HC: What is your role in The Bottom Line?
GS: I have the privilege of serving The Bottom Line as Business Manager, as well as a member of the soprano/alto section(s)! As Business Manager, I manage all of The Bottom Line’s bookings, as well as manage social media, among tons of other stuff. I love it!
HC: What is your favorite song you have ever performed with The Bottom Line?
GS: I mean, everyone in TBL jokes that “Title” by Megan Trainor was our favorite song we have performed, and while it is super upbeat and fun, I have to say our ICCAs set list is by far my favorite. I think all of the songs showcase what we can do super well, and also really reflect who we are as a group.
HC: What was it l like when you found out that you would be competing in this year’s ICCAs?
GS: I was in my Digital Marketing class frantically refreshing the webpage until it finally loaded. When I saw our name on that list, tears literally welled up in my eyes and I definitely made some sort of awkward exclamation—some sort of weird shriek for sure. I just felt the accumulation of all of our dedication and the long hours we have worked come together when we got that news. I knew immediately the road to the ICCAs and performing in them would be an experience I would never forget.
HC: If you could describe The Bottom Line in one word what word would you use?
GS: Passionate. I know each and every member of this group is completely dedicated, which makes all the difference in ICCAs prep.
HC: If you could pick one song for The Bottom Line to perform what would you choose?
GS: Yaaas I love this question. Either “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles, “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver (performed by Birdy), or “Samson” by Regina Spektor. Something that will have the audience in tears for sure.
HC: What other acapella group are you most excited to compete against?
GS: I’m super excited to compete against Hawkapella because they are incredible!
HC: What is your go-to song to sing in the shower?
GS: Lately my guilty pleasure to sing in the shower is “Too Good” by Drake… kind of embarrassing. But Sara Bareilles’ “I Choose You” is usually always my go-to shower tune.
HC: Who is your musical inspiration?
GS: This is a tough one! Probably my vocal inspiration would have to be Amy Winehouse I think. I love her music and she was one of the greatest talents of our time. She is probably what every alto aspires to be. Howvever, the band that made me discover my love for music in general and inspired me to sing was Fall Out Boy. Sounds weird, but the lyrics in their first two albums really moved me and Patrick Stump’s voice is just incredible.
HC: Who do you think is The Bottom Line’s biggest fan?
GS: DEFINITELY the moms of our members. My mom (Gina!) comes to nearly every performance and after the shows, goes and downloads the originals of all of the songs we perform and sings them in the car. Also Danielle’s mom, Wanda, comes to everything and always tries to feed us. We have some awesome group moms.
HC: What are you most excited for about the ICCAs?
GS: I am excited to finally get on that stage with some of my best fricken’ friends!!! Seriously, I just can’t wait to get there and do what I know we are capable of doing – and in the process, show everyone who we are, have a BLAST, and give the performance of a lifetime.
HC: What is the biggest challenge about the ICCAs process so far?
GS: Probably choreography. We have never done any choreography as a group at all before, so this has been a challenge – especially for me! I’m definitely not a dancer.
HC: What’s one thing you want people to know about The Bottom Line?
GS: We might come from a primarily business-focused school, but we are serious members of the local college music and acapella communities!