Featured Artist: Czarina
This month we chat with Czarina who hails from Melbourne, Australia via the Philippines. Czarina first entered Melbourne’s R&B scene back in 2002. But music has been running through her veins since she was a child. Through joining various choirs and even a family band at age 16, Czarina gained more insight into her love for creating music. She even formed part of a vocal group where she arranged the harmonies. This increased exposure to music led her to obtaining support slots for touring Filipino artists, gaining Czarina a strong reputation in the Filipino community. She even sang on Channel 9’s program, ‘StarStruck’, in 2000, performing a version of Monica’s, ‘Angel of Mine’.
All this finally led to Czarina hitting the studio and recording her own original songs. Working with some of Australia’s hottest producers, singers, dancers and MC’s at the time (including JWess, Digga, Israel, Randolf Winston & Vince Calingasan), Czarina began to stamp her mark on the scene with her smooth, melodic and catchy R&B / Pop tunes through her energetic and sexy live performances in some of Melbourne’s hottest clubs, including The Next Blue, Saratoga, Club Odeon and Club Matrix.
Being influenced by the likes of Janet Jackson, Mya, Usher, Aaliyah and Justin Timberlake, her new musical direction is more an extension of her old self, rather than an entirely new path.
Czarina has written all the songs for her Album Demo (15 tracks) and has been hard at work in the studio with Damion recording and polishing off the project (which features local MC’s: Lipz, Cee-For and the recently signed, GMC).
Q. When did you first know that creating music was for you?
When I was about 19 I realised I could actually write songs! I’ve always loved writing poems growing up. Music and singing have always been part of my life though.Q. What inspires you? What makes you want to write songs that make people sit down and think?
Life experiences, family & friends inspire me most. Past experiences have lead me to feel and think the way I do now, and I believe that we only have one life to live so we should definitely make the most of it. Not take important people in our life for granted. Do what we enjoy doing and work hard. My husband & parents are extremely supportive, and my son makes me aim higher so that as he grows up he’ll also know that he can do anything.
Q. What styles and influences are on your latest album?
R&B mainly (ie. Janet Jackson / Justin Timberlake influences), however, because I bring a lot of positivity in my songs as well, I am also very Pop oriented (like our lovely Kylie).
Q. How did you come up with your band name?
OOh! That’s an easy one! I used my real first name! hehe 
Q. How long of you been playing your instruments/singing and did you take lessons?
I’ve probably been singing since I was 5 years old really but nothing as exciting as what I do now. I used to be in choirs and bands growing up, and took a few singing lessons, but no formal training.
Q. What’s your favourite colour?
Purple!
Q. Do you have a day/square job as well as music? If so what is it?
Yes I do, I work full time in an insurance company in the city.
Q. What did you think of the last Harry Potter book?
Actually I’m only up to the third book now (started reading the series a few weeks ago - held off all this time because I didn’t get into the craze of it, BUT now I’m a huge fan.) so once I finish all the books, I’ll let you know what I think of the last one! Loving it so far though!!!
Q. The best thing about being an artist is?
Getting feedback from people saying that they love my songs! Hearing them say that they can relate to a song that I’d written. Myspace is a wonderful tool for artists as feedback is world-wide! The hype of performing as well and
the fact that I can listen to a whole album which is all mine!
Q. Why did you choose Musicadium to digitally distribute your music?
Musicadium had the most user friendly website, most competitive price and kind and efficient staff.
“I chose Musicadium because they had the most user friendly website, most competitive price and kind and efficient staff. Even before signing up completely, I had emailed Kley so that I understood the way it all worked, and he responded quickly and didn’t seem to mind that I had asked SO MANY questions! I have since then been dealing with Michaela who has been fantastic! I was so surprised when she had told me that they were having a press
release done in regards to my being in the top 30 of the NA2R competition, and again now with the feature! I’m glad that I chose Musicadium because they are not just getting my songs out there, they have been extremely supportive in all aspects of my music.”
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Czarina Czarina
Release Date: 01 Jan 2007 |
