10 Questions with ... Lori Giamela

1. What got you into the music business?

Music surrounded me throughout my childhood. It was something I always had a passion for but never thought it could turn into a career. My cousin was the Washington DC Promo Rep for Columbia Records while I was in college. I would shadow her and be her plus one to all the shows and thought what a great job she had! Upon graduating from college, I moved to NYC and was fortunate enough that Elektra Records was looking for their next Rhythm assistant.

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

Crazy enough I wanted to go into medicine, specifically Genetics. I was always intrigued by science but could you imagine me in a lab for 8-10 hours without speaking?

3. Biggest personal lesson learned from Covid-19 pandemic?

Slow down and take a beat.

4. Doing more takeout or cooking during the pandemic?

Cooking

5. Who were some of your mentors in the business?

I have been fortunate to work with some of the best in the business. From my first day in the industry with Joe Hecht and Greg Thompson to my Def Jam days with Rick Sackheim to the guys who brought me to RCA, John Strazza and Joe Riccitelli. It should be noted that I was also fortunate to work with some of the strongest women, Marthe Reynolds and Paula Tuggey, that taught me that I had every right to be in the room and have a seat at the table.

6. Bucket-list vacation spots?

Italy, Armenia and Greece

7. If you were not in music/entertainment, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

Running Giamela’s Submarine Sandwiches, of course!

8. What do you like to do with your spare time?

Read, cook, workout, and have one white wine

9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

Real Housewives Of New York City

10. Who/what inspires you, personally?

My parents and my brother.

My parents are two of the hardest working people I know. Self-taught and self-made, they have always put their family first. My brother’s drive to be a partner in a law firm before 40 all while creating a beautiful family with three littles puts me in awe, every day. He finds a way to balance career and family, something that is no easy task.

Snacking seems to be a Covid-19, Work From Home sport. What's your “go to” snack food?

Cheese Plate

You and your RCA partner-in-crime, Kevin "Inca" Valentini...who is the better...

Dancer? Me, obviously
Singer? I’ll let Kev have that
Driver? 1000% Kevin Valentini