Fast rising LA based pop singer/songwriter has recently released her new music video for latest single ‘Mania’ and here we speak exclusively to her about her new music, musical inspirations, future plans and much, much more;
Growing up who inspired your love of music?
Both my parents helped to foster my love of music. My mom is from Puerto Rico and always had a deep cultural appreciation of music and family that she passed on to me. My Dad and I have watched old black and white movies together since I was little. In particular Swing Time with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Astaire serenades Rogers with “The Way you look Tonight.” That was all it took to start my life long love affair with music.
Can you remember the first record you purchased?
The first album I purchased was Frank Sinatra’s ‘Nothing but the Best’. Sinatra was my first musical love.
What was the first concert you attended?
My dad took me to my first concert when I was four or five. It was a Britney Spears concert, but I honestly can’t remember much more than that.
Who are your all time musical heroes?
My all time musical hero’s are Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, [Frank] Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, John Mayer, Barbara Streisand, Dolly Parton, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, and The Eagles . The list is a little lengthy so I’ll leave it at that.
If you you could collaborate with anyone who would you choose?
If I could collaborate with any artist (that’s alive because by now it’s probably clear I love Frank Sinatra) it would be Dr. Dre. In today’s musical scene more than ever producers rightfully acknowledged as artists in their own right. I love the way Dr. Dre is almost genre-less in his production. He has a wonderful way of mixing old and new, classic and trendy
What’s the inspiration behind your new single ‘Mania’?
My single ‘Mania’ is all about personal insecurities and self criticism. It is about the battle we face when we struggle to love ourselves. I constantly find myself fighting between being a perfectionist and accepting myself as I am. The feelings of frustration said struggle creates inspired me to put pen to paper.
Can you talk us through the ‘Mania’ EP?
The ‘Mania’ EP is all about the Mania of growing up, and learning what it means to be an adult. It talks about everything from boys to family issues, and overall lacks one solid musical genre. It’s pop and soul and R&B and Indie rock all at once. I felt the lack of genre focus and broad range of lyrical content played into the chaotic nature of youth. This EP being my first will always hold a special place in my heart.
Can fans expect to see you on tour soon?
Fans won’t be seeing me on tour just yet. But it won’t be too long. EP 2 is currently in the works as well as some special performances.
What do you hope to achieve over the next ten years?
I have joked with my family for as long as I can remember that my goal was world domination. As great as that would be, my future goals are to make a real difference in the world no matter how small, and to never take this life for granted. Specifically I want to help raise awareness about mental illness, and destroy the stigma surrounding the issue. I want people to know they are not alone, and that it is okay to get help.
Make sure you follow NYA on twitter @ThisIsNYA to keep up to date with all her latest music and tour news!
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