Gelli Hunyadi is a newcomer to the Houston music scene, having only played a handful of shows. Tonight, she opens for local rock band Pale at Full Throttle Coffee & Gallery in Spring–where she’s recently been honing her onstage skills at their open mic nights. Her musical taste is proof that not all kids today like crappy music (Laura Veirs’ website even namedrops her: “Best Fan Ever: Gelli at Walter’s in Houston”). Hannah Montana, she’s not…

I recently asked Gelli (sounds like “jelly”) a few questions for Houston Calling.

HC: How long have you been playing guitar and writing songs?

Gelli: Since the summer, sometime in June. I was bored and had a guitar that my dad bought me a few years ago and after meeting Laura Veirs, I decided to pick it up and start playing.

HC: How would you describe your music to those who’ve never heard it before?

GH: Indie/folk with some pop sound to some of the songs.

HC: What do you consider to be your primary musical influences? Why?

GH: Tegan and Sara, because I feel they are talented and write amazing songs. Laura Viers was a big influence because I found out she started playing guitar when she was 25, and I thought, “Wow! I can start now and not be behind!” I am also influenced by The Jonas Brothers because they are not afraid to do anything and they don’t let their youth get in the way of their music.

HC: What are some of your favorite musicians?

GH: Tegan and Sara, Laura Viers, The Lovely Feathers, The Rentals, Weezer, Giant Drag, Metric, and The Jonas Brothers.

HC: What’s the best show you’ve seen in Houston so far?

GH: The Lovely Feathers with Metric in November 2005. They were electric.

HC: What are your top 5 albums of 2007?

GH: Tegan and Sara’s “The Con,” The Rentals “The Last Little Life EP,” Copeland’s “Eat, Sleep, Repeat,” and although not a released album that I know of yet, Ben’s Brother’s song “Stuttering” and Young and Restless’ “Young and Restless.”

HC: Any covers in your setlist?

GH: “When You Were Mine” by Prince, and “Call It Off” by Tegan and Sara.

HC: Being in high school, you have somewhat of a built-in fanbase. Do you have any plans to get the word out about your music in other ways (website, MySpace, etc.)?

GH: Yes. I plan on using MySpace, call boards in the hallways, and word-of-mouth. So far, I’ve made 4×6″ cards that I give out with information about my upcoming performances…

HC: Tonight’s gig is your first opening for other bands. What can people expect from your performance?

GH: They shouldn’t expect it to be Hannah Montana or some kid playing pop songs. They should expect more than that (I hope!). I am funny, I put thought into my songs, and at least two out of five of my songs are from personal experiences (while the others are written for my friends or for fun).

HC: Any favorite local musicians?

GH: I haven’t had a chance to see or meet any local musicians yet since I’m only 14, but my dad has been exposing me to more music and taking me to more local performances. Ask me this question at the same time next year, and I promise to have a better answer for you!

I’m sure you’re curious, so try to make it out tonight to Full Throttle in Spring to catch Gelli open for Houston rock band Pale (be sure to buy a copy of their Mandatory Ambulance EP — it’s great). Showtime is 7pm. Cover is $5. BYOB (and bring money for coffee).

In the interests of full disclosure: I work with Gelli’s father, EJ.