Where were you born, and what was your childhood like?

I was born in Melbourne , Australia out in the suburbs. My parents are Italian so my childhood was very family orientated. I lived within walking distance of most of my family. I went to a Catholic Girls School too! AHHHH But I was always dreaming of the big, wide world. Dreaming of playing Woodstock like my hero Janis Joplin.  

Do you come from a musical family?

My Dad is a hairdresser and my Mum is a fashion designer...not really musical but artistic I guess. They really loved music, especially T rex, The Sweet and Suzi Quatro.  

You were very young (13) when you signed your first contract. How did this come about, and was there a long development period before the first album was ready? 

I was signed after I was heard singing at an Italian Festa Della Madonna in Melbourne- w h ere people auction o f f their homemade cheese and wine for charity. My uncle run's the event so he got me to get up and sing. I sang "Jumping Jack Flash" the Rolling Stones Classic. Little did I know I guy from mushroom records was in the crowd. He signed me after he heard me perform there!

What did it feel like when the album was released? Was it everything you had hoped for?

It felt like a lot of different things, nerve-wracking, exciting. I knew I was taking a risk, putting my work out there and that thrilled me in a way. 

Sweet About Me was incredibly catchy and also very popular.  How much of the arrangement were you responsible for?

I co-wrote the track with Brian Higgins and Miranda Cooper. I spent many hours in the studio picking it apart with Brian even mixing it. I knew the track was special when we were writing it. We wrote many different melodies over the top of that one piece of music. Sweet About Me is like a grown up Nursery Rhyme. 

Were you able to live a normal teen life, despite the demands of the music industry?

I went to school until year ten and the I moved to London ...and I was flying up and down from London and even L.A from when I was 14 on my school holidays. I have a very close family and that ’ s what kept me grounded. Did I have a normal teen life? I got to go to my school formal.... I'm not sure if it was completely  .

Your new album Ten has a much more pop music vibe and some dance cross-over.  Is this a new direction for you?

Yes, I set out to do something different this time. I wanted to make a "Modern Disco" record. I initially thought I would write A New Orleans Piano record...but my piano chops aren't up to the same level and Dr. John and Professor Long Hair. Donna Summer was a bit inspiration while I was writing the record. Her collaboration with George Moroder is one of the greatest musical collaborations of all time. Their music sent people into a trance. 

Did you pen all of the material yourself?

I co-wrote the record with Brian Higgins, Dallas Austin, Greg Kursten and The Invisible Men- a great team of producers.

Tell us about the single Hearts Don’t Lie …

The Bass line re-mind me of Betty Davis- I'm a great fan! The Bass line is really the heart of the track for me. The chorus was inspired by the Bee Gees...I am a big fan of them.

Who have been your biggest musical influences?

Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, Suzi Quatro, The Sweet 

Is there someone you’d really like to work with (i.e. music producer/singer/band)?

Annie Lennox! 

You said in a previous interview that Ten was an attempt to “smother yourself in gold paint”.  What did you mean by that?

I wanted to paint my body- literally for a live performance.  

Do you feel there is less pressure to make this album sell strongly, now that people know who you are?

Not really, I feel there is more pressure this time round. People are expecting this album to do well. 

Do you already have ideas for the next record, or do you expect a typical ‘third album hiatus’?

Yes I am thinking about the next record all the time, how can I make it different? What sound do I like? What image am I going to project to the rest of the world?

Who would you liken yourself to as a musician?

I'm not sure I aspire to be like Annie Lennox- A talented singer, songwriter and a great performer with attitude.  

Have you had any experiences that have jaded your attitude towards the industry?

Plenty, being young in this industry can be hard sometimes. When I feel like I have not been taken seriously I make sure I fix that. 

What inspires you?

You can find inspiration in everything- Paul Smith said that. I read that quite when I was in Amsterdam and it is true. There is so much inspiration around the corner, out the window. Even the little dog asleep on the side of the road is inspiration to me. What's he thinking? What has he seen? 

You’ve recently returned from playing the Grand Prix in Melbourne , where you met Lewis Hamilton and got a kiss on the cheek from John Travolta… Do you have a penchant for fast cars and famous men? And what are these two guys like?

haha Lewis Hamilton is very sweet. But I was super excited when I met John Travolta! I was very emotional! haha It was just before I sang the National Anthemn (w h ere they forgot to turn my microphone on, on TV) I had to try not to let out the waterworks. 

Where are you currently based, and is there anywhere else you would consider living?

In London- I love the music scene here. I would love to try Amsterdam .

How often does your schedule allow time to see your family?

Well I only really get to go home for a week at a time- maybe a longer break at the end of the year if I'm Lucky. The problem is I have to work when I go home! AHHHHH! I catch up with my family when I am at home- we eat and eat and eat and eat. RAVIOLI YUM! 

And when free time permits, what are your favorite things to do?

Go for a walk, read under a tree, watch old movies... 

Are you dating anyone at present, and what do you look for in the perfect man?

No Not dating at the moment. Th ey’d have to be funny, strong minded and a great coo k . Also an appreciation of music. 

Do you get hassled sometimes by guys (fans)? Is it hard to keep such attention in perspective?

 Well only really on facebook!

What about addictions?  Smoking?  Shoes? Cheesecake? Facebook?

 Chocolate!

Are you living your dream yet?

 Nearly.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in music?

 Maybe I would be a museum tour guide- I love History.

You’ll soon be going on tour in the UK supporting Leona Lewis. Are you a big fan of hers, and excited about the prospects?

I think Leona Lewis is a flawless singer. I'm very interested to see what kind of show she puts on. I am rehearsing starting tomorrow. I am a little nervous! 

Are you a fashionista? How would describe your personal style, and who are your favorite designers?

I am inspired by many different people- Bianca jagger and Isabella Rossellini . My favorite designers are Dolce and Gabbana and Halston. I love 70's inspired looks.

Are you tech-savvy, and what gadgets can’t you live without?

 My I -phone it has the internet and my i-tunes!!

What can we expect next from you? What goals have you set for yourself?

 I would love to make a country record. I would also like to tour in the USA

What advice would you give to aspiring young singers/musicians?

 To trust your gut feeling- the one in the pit of your stomach.