INDEPENDENT ARTIST GIANLUCA ZANNA SURPASSES 18 MILLION YOUTUBE VIEWS — WITH NO MAJOR LABEL BACKING
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 3
Zanna Records CEO and EDM Artist 'Luca' Proves Independent Music Can Compete — and Win — in the Streaming Era
SEDONA, AZ — What does it take to rack up 18 million YouTube views without a major label, without a promotional budget from a corporate machine, and without compromising your artistic vision? For Italian-American musician, songwriter, and record label founder Gianluca Zanna — known to fans as Luca — the answer is simple: relentless belief, independent hustle, and music that connects.
On March 2, 2026, the Gianluca Zanna Music YouTube channel officially crossed the 18,000,000 views milestone — a landmark achievement for an independent artist operating out of Sedona, Arizona under his own label, Zanna Records.
The milestone comes amid a string of high-profile media features that have put Gianluca on the global radar, including coverage in Rolling Stone US, Rolling Stone UK, Forbes Scotland, Entrepreneur UK, Music Connection, and television appearances on PIX 11 NEWS New York.
“One year ago, someone in the music industry told me that labels look for numbers before they even listen to your songs. I said to myself: screw that. I will learn how to get the numbers — while I keep creating my music.”
— Gianluca Zanna, Founder & CEO, Zanna Records
Rather than wait for industry gatekeepers to validate his art, Gianluca took matters into his own hands. He taught himself the mechanics of digital music marketing, audience growth, and YouTube optimization — all while continuing to write and produce original music across multiple genres. The result is a catalog of over 150 original singles achieving global radio airplay across 1,000+ stations in 39+ countries, and now, 18 million YouTube views achieved in just a matter of months.
Performing as Luca in the EDM duo Luca and Claudette alongside singer Dr. Claudette Renee Lyons, Gianluca has built a brand that blends high-energy electronic music with a positive, uplifting message — a combination resonating with audiences worldwide. The duo is represented by JJ Entertainment in Hollywood.
Gianluca’s journey is as extraordinary as his music. Born in Italy, he became the country’s youngest music publisher before emigrating to the United States in 1998. His path included military academy training, work as a bodyguard, a stint performing as a Roman gladiator on the streets of Rome, and eventually building a new life — and a new industry — in America. Today, he is also a Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Krav Maga Black Belt Military Instructor.
“Never Give Up,” Gianluca says. “Believe in your music. Believe in yourself. This milestone is proof that you don’t need a major label’s permission to make your mark on the world.”
He credits his partner and co-creator, Dr. Claudette Renee Lyons, whose unwavering belief and creative collaboration have been instrumental in the duo’s rise.
About Zanna Records
Zanna Records is an independent music label founded and operated by Gianluca Zanna, based in Sedona, Arizona. With a catalog of over 150 original singles spanning EDM, pop, and rock, Zanna Records has achieved worldwide distribution, global radio airplay across 1,000+ stations in 39+ countries, and major media recognition — entirely on an independent basis.
The label’s flagship recording act, Luca and Claudette, is represented by JJ Entertainment in Hollywood.
MEDIA CONTACT
Zanna Records
Website: www.zannarecords.com
Zanna Records Last months achievements
Featured in Forbes Magazine Scotland for corporate music ventures
Named Rolling Stone USA America's Next Top Hitmaker finalist
Profiled by Music Connection Magazine in "When Dreams Cross Borders: The Gianluca Zanna Phenomenon"
Documented by Rolling Stone UK chronicling his journey from Italy to America
Recent chart success: "You Are My Destiny Future Remix" featuring Claudette Lyons reached #3 on Amazon's Best Sellers Dance & Electronic Charts in October 2025, surpassing Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, David Guetta, and Pitbull
“You Are My Destiny” featuring Claudette Lyons original version remixes and latest Zanna's Songs have collectively exceeded 16 million YouTube views in the last few months only
Gianluca Zanna Featured in February 2026 Billboard Magazine Italy
Gianluca Zanna and Claudette Lyons Featured in December 2025 Entrepreneur UK
Gianluca Zanna and Claudette Lyons Featured in PIX 11 NEWS New York
Wake Up America song by Gianluca Zanna Gianluca Zanna’s “Wake Up America” Globally Licensed for awarded Pulitzer Public Radio Program “This American Life” just broke over 16.2 Million streams on Tik Tok
"You Are My Destiny" Selected for National Radio Distribution by Top Hits USA 2 months in a row October and November 2025 distributed to over 1000 radio stations in the USA
"You Are My Destiny" feat Claudette Lyons Takes European Radio Stations by Storm with over 5000 airplays on Stations in 39 countries (all warmmusic.net monitored)
Luca & Claudette Sign Major U.S. Representation Deal with JJackson Entertainment
Claes Cornelius former historical Mega Records co-founder and A& R Executive (Ace of Base) joins Zanna Records team
Over 679k monthly listeners on Youtube Music and growing with no promotional budget but just organic reach
"You Are My Destiny" feat. Claudette Lyons Breaks Into Billboard Top 100 Spotify Playlist Climbing Legendary Artists Without Major Label Backing
ZANNA RECORDS' "YOU ARE MY DESTINY" REACHES EARTH'S MOST REMOTE AUDIENCE: ANTARCTICA
Luca and Claudette get Billboard presence in Times Square NY and Las Vegas strip
Gianluca Zanna feat. Claudette Lyons' "You are my Destiny" Soars to #1 on North American College and Community Radio Chart
MoodMedia Brings Global Hit "You Are My Destiny" to 500,000 Commercial Locations Worldwide
Gianluca Zanna starts production of his latest Rock hit “Live with No Regrets” The new analogic version will be recorded with legendary musicians from the 80s and 90s in Los Angeles March 2026 Vocals: Kevin Martin (Candlebox) - Drums: Robin Diaz (Courtney Love/Hole, Live, The Band), Bass guitar: Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy, Whitesnake) Executive Producer: Danny Saber (Michael Hutchence, The Rolling Stones, Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Marilyn Manson) Guitar: Robert Sarzo (Hurricane)
Zanna Records latest music video “Looking for You – Silent Era” feat. Luca and Claudette breaks the first 800k views in less than 3 weeks with no promotion
February 2026 Signed legal representation with Los Angeles Entertainment Attorney David Helfant
It’s amazing to see an independent artist like Gianluca Zanna reach such milestones without a major label. It reminds me of when I was looking for cheap assignment help UK to help me manage my time and academic projects. Sometimes, going the independent route, whether in music or academics, can be more rewarding when you get the right support. Zanna’s story is inspiring for anyone trying to make it on their own. Your Post makes me smile.