About Gala
Proudly original and ever-defiant Gala has always been the kind of woman to forge her own path.
An outsider from the get-go, Gala left Italy as a teenager and landed in Manhattan. While studying at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Gala wandered the NYC underground photographing artists and eccentric club-goers. Ultimately, her camera was
the key to her success. In exchange for a photograph of a European DJ she recorded her first demo. In no time, with no formal training, no industry connections, but huge amounts of attitude and determination, Gala became a dance floor icon. “Freed from Desire” became an international pop classic.
The song has since become a worldwide viral
sports anthem, spanning its reach across all sports genres. From World Boxing Champion Tyson Furry to national soccer teams such as Ajax and the Red Devils have used the song as their hymn. Referred to as a “cult artist” for her minimalist look and haunting voice, Gala suddenly disappeared at the top of her success leaving behind an air of mystery.
Longing to break free from a record deal that left her no artistic control, she left her European record company and moved back to NYC, this time settling in Brooklyn. She immediately formed her own label, Matriarchy Records, and set out to redefine her sound, her life and her career. PARALLEL LINES is Gala’s most recent release in 2021. The PARALLEL LINES video is a collaboration with American animator, TED speaker, and free culture activist Nina Paley.
Gala at a glance
Gala (Gala Rizzatto) was born in Milan, Italy, in 1975 and later moved to New York, where she began her music career. Her debut single “Freed from Desire” was released in 1996 and reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1997, followed by “Let a Boy Cry” and “Come into My Life”. Decades later the song found a second life as a football chant, sung by fans and teams across Europe — including England’s Lionesses.
Booking Gala means a live performance of the original “Freed from Desire” by the voice on the record, for festivals, ’90s nights, corporate events and private celebrations. Send an enquiry with your date and city and we’ll confirm availability: Check Gala’s availability.
Where is Gala from?
Gala was born in Milan, Italy, and began her music career in New York.
Planning a ’90s dance-divas night? Gala pairs naturally with Tina Cousins (“Pray”) and Rozalla (“Everybody’s Free”).
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