 |
CHRISTINA MARIE Interview by Francis Tanneur |
Hey
Christina, how are you? First of all, I would like to wish you a happy New Year 2004.
What is the
best thing (not necessarily in music!) that I could wish you for the year 2004?
Hey Francis,
happy new year to you too. Well you could wish me a positive year, full of happiness
whether it has to do with my music career or just my life in general. I'll be sure to wish
you the same.
I wish you all the best (Wink).
Thank you very much for your kind
thoughts Christina.
During 3 years your notoriety never
ceased to rocket. Do you think it wasn’t too fast for an artist of your age? How did
you react to this fame?
Well, “Turning away” seemed
to take off quickly and my name in the Freestyle world was being heard. It was a very
exciting time for me. I don't think it was too fast for an artist my age. Artists are
coming out younger and younger each year, besides no one ever believed I was only 16 at
the time. They always asked me if I was around 23. They weren't even close! LOL.
Does this sudden notoriety change you?
I believe I am exactly the same goofy
person as before. I maybe even a little nicer and more careful of what I say and do,
because no matter what you say or do in public or even private, people always seem to find
out one way or another.
The majority of Freestylers know your
songs, but less your personality. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Well my name is Christina Marie (yes
that is my real name) I am 19 years old. Born and raised in the
How long have you been involved in music and singing?
Well singing has always been apart of
my life. Growing up and watching my Uncle Milo of Spanish Fly perform had made me want to
pursue this lifestyle even more than I wanted before. My mom had signed me up at the age
of 8 for a local talent show. After performing and watching the people applaud, I knew
this is where I wanted to be… ON STAGE. So I signed up for the talent show every year
until I was about 15. That year was when I had attended my cousin's graduation party, I
was in sitting in the backyard singing to all my younger cousins. When my uncle
interrupted me and said that it was time for me to audition for a record label, which was
looking for a female vocalist. So of course I ran inside and begged my parents to let me
audition. They of course said yes, and that's when Uncle Milo and I drove down to
You started your singing career with
Freestyle music. Your 2 singles and your first album were oriented to this genre. Why did
you decide to mainly sing in this type of music?
I love this type of music, it's fun to
dance and sing along too. Why else wouldn't I want to sing this genre of music?
Do you have a personal
definition of what Freestyle music is?
My definition of Freestyle music is
Dance music because of its up-tempo beats, and catchy melodies. It's music that expresses
emotions whether if it's a happy or sad message in the song, it can still be portrayed as
positive music, because it keeps you dancing at the same time.
Does any particular
artist convince you to get more involved in Freestyle music?
Well of course my Uncle Milo and Stevie
B influenced me. But I would have to say Angelina really caught my hear, and her being a
woman also gave me an extra push in wanting to get involved in this type of music. It was like a girl power moment for me. =0)
Even if you are a big fan of this
genre, you are certainly aware that Freestyle music got an underground music statute at
the beginning of the 90s. But however most of the tracks on your first full-length album
are oriented to Freestyle music. Are you not afraid to see your album only heard in the
Freestyle market and not in the…Dance music market for a larger audience?
Well at the time I was recording my
album, Dance music was starting to make a huge buzz in the music scene. This was a big
part of why I continued to look at my album in a positive perspective. It made me realize
“Hey your album could really be heard by many!” But even if it didn't go as far
as I would have liked, I was still completely fine with my album only being heard in the
Freestyle market.
Some artists as for instance Angelina
decided to propose a bigger variety of musical genres, and less Freestyle songs, in her
latest album. Do you think that you will do the same thing in your second album?
Yes, if I were lucky to get the
opportunity I'd love to explore different genres of music.
What kind of musical genre you will
desire to explore in your second album?
I want to go for more of the Hip-Hop
Latin sound. I want to do songs in Spanish too. I know my grandparents would be pleased.
I’d
really appreciate that you give to the Freestylers [who didn’t already listen to it]
the urgency to buy it?
I believe this album can appeal to many
different people. There are Freestyle tracks of course, but also the album has Trance,
Deep house and some even say Hip Hop oriented with a little touch of Latin songs.
Personally, I think that it’s a
terrific and thrilling album that will delight every Freestyle buff, whatever their
Freestyle tastes.
You have been well surrounded by
producers and remixers such as Willie “Valentin” Rivera, Shonn “Moox”
Bennett and of course by the Vazram Records’s producer/owner: Mario Vazquez.
How did you manage to work with such
different Freestyle producers?
Actually it was Mario who made it all
happen. He knew which producers to work with. And they all did an exceptional job on the
album. Many thanks and props go to them for their hard work.
With Mario Vasquez, did you define the
job of each producer? I mean, which producer will work on this song rather than on that
song?
Honestly, being only 16, I didn't
really pay attention to the producers of any song. It was just the artist, who stuck out
to me. So I didn't know which producer was good for each song. That's why I had a very
smart and talented producer Mario who knew that answer.
How was your
first day at the recording studio?
Very anxious, and nervous. I wasn't
sure what to think about it. I've never been in a recording studio before that, so I was
very excited and shaking. But very focused at the same time because I wanted to prove I
was ready and willing to work.
How many months did you need to record
the album?
The label wanted to hurry up and get
the album out there while the single was still hot. We managed to record the album in a
little less than 3 months. Very short of time, but I'm happy with how the album came out.
Do you have
any particular anecdote during the recording of your album?
Lots of water and tea with a touch of
lemon and honey.
You’ve worked with one of the most popular Freestyle producers “Willie
Valentin”. In the future, do you have any producers that you would love to work with?
At this time I'm happy with the team of
producers that helped make this album. So I'd love to continue working with them.
What
is your main goal into the music industry? Most particularly in Freestyle music.
I would love to be able to share what I
love to do with everyone. Being heard and respected by fans is my ultimate goal in the
music industry. As far as my goal for Freestyle music, I just want to keep it going. The
fans of Freestyle music are very loyal and I appreciate that, so satisfying them is my
goal.
You met Mario Vazquez thanks to your
uncle John Milo. Why did you decide to work with him and to distribute all your
productions on his excellent label?
I figured if my uncle thought VazRam
Records was a smart label to work with then I'm all for it. I was young and really had no
idea what to look for in a good label or not. But I'm very glad I hooked up with them.
Thanks to you and also to Make Believe,
Vazram Records became in
3 years a very respectable Freestyle
label to the eyes of Freestylers and professionals. Could you tell us a little bit more
about Mario Vazquez and why did he create his own record company?
From what I've seen, Mario is a
hardworking, focused, and risk-taking kind of guy.
I'm not well informed of why he decided
to create his own record label. But it was a smart move for him, because Make Believe and
Christina Marie were the results of his decision.
In your
album, I was very surprised not see any duets. Is it a personal choice? With which
artist, you would love to do a duet with?
Not a personal choice, because I'm up
to do a duet with Angelina anytime!
If it’s not a personal choice, why
you didn’t do any duets?
To tell you the truth I don't know why
no one really suggested it. Maybe Mario felt I should come into the scene by myself first.
So that people could get to know who I am before I record a song with any of the awesome
Freestyle legends and have people say “Okay I know who's singing that verse, but who
in the heck is that girl singing the other?”
Does a song represent something special
to you?
Well the song “Tear drops” on
the album reminds me of an old boyfriend I had and when he broke my heart. =0(
But it's okay, because I "turned
away".
About your album, do you have any
favorite song(s) that you enjoy more than others?
Well I'm very happy with how all the
songs turned out. But “Turning away” is my favorite song, I think because it was
the first song I recorded and heard on the radio, that is a memory that will stick with me
forever.
Even if you are extremely
“young” in the music business, you nevertheless already did a bunch of live
performances especially in
I feel my best when I'm on stage. I can
release any negativity when I'm up there singing. I don't ever have to relax before going
on, because I never get nervous. I absolutely love being on stage.
During one of your tour into the
nightclubs or simply during an outdoors concert, do you have any stories that maybe
happened to you?
Well there was one nerve wrecking
situation that happened to me. The Tuesday after a weekend show I did with Lil’ Suzy
at a club called Polyesters in
What is your “all time favorite” Freestyle song? Why?
I love “Can you feel the
Beat” by Lisa Lisa. Because I love her strong voice and I can feel the beat while
driving in my car, singing along to it. LOL
What is your “all time favorite” Freestyle producer? Why?
Sean “Moox” Bonnet is a very
talented producer. It was truly an honor to be able to work with him. I mean have you
heard his stuff? LOL
Yep, I did listen to some stuff he did.
I got the same feeling that you! (Wink)
What is your “all time favorite” Freestyle remixer/DJ”? Why?
I would have to say "The
Mixtress”. She is an extremely talented and hardworking woman. Her energy-level is
awesome when she's spinning in front of crowds. I really respect that she made it as far
as she did especially being a woman.
In your opinion, why are the women so
rare in the DJ/remixer’s profession especially in Freestyle music?
It's a shame it seems women aren't
recognized for their accomplishments as much as men are. Not in just being a DJ or
remixer, but any profession it's rare to find women who are actually at the top. It's sad
but sooner or later us women will be the dominant ones and will rule this world! LOL
What is your “all time favorite” Freestyle female singer”? Why?
Angelina, she's beautiful, talented and
really sweet!
What is your “all time favorite” Freestyle male singer”? Why?
Come on…my uncle
I was sure that you will name your
uncle first! LOL
Do you have
any particular message to give to the Freestyle community and to your fans from all around
the world?
Keep up the positive love and keep
freestyle music alive. I would love for it to be around for my kids and grandkids to hear.
What advice
or message would you give to future artists?
Keep your mind focused, keep out all
negativity's if you know that singing is what you want to do, then keep your head up
strong and be determined to work hard. There will always be hard or slow times in this
profession, but never give up on your dreams.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I would have to say that my favorite
hobbies are singing of course, but most of all hanging out with my friends just sitting
back laughing… Friends I think are the best hobby anyone can have.
If you have
to describe yourself in a few lines, what would say about you?
Um… well I'm definitely goofy,
very out-going, I love to laugh and especially make people laugh. I can pretty much be
anywhere and in any situation and make it funny. I'm real easy to talk to and get along
with. I seem to click right away with many different people. Also if you know about your
zodiac signs, I'm a true Leo, I can be very headstrong at times and I love being the
center of attention.
The year 2002
was very loaded and intense for you: a single, a full-length album and a bunch of live
performances.
However, the
year 2003 was very quite. Did you decide to take a break?
The year 2002 was a very exciting and
exhausting year for me. I had worked hard on the album and the performances were great. I
really miss that year, because I was always doing something. But then it just kind of
started to die down. Everything seemed to just stop for me. I mean I was still doing
performances here and there, the single “Turn the lights down low” was still
playing pretty much everywhere, but I wasn't as busy as I was in the past year and it was
frustrating for me. Because I never took a break, it just seemed like I did. But I was
there waiting for any news regarding performances or interviews. But nothing! Yes 2003 was
a very frustrating time for me, so I'm wishing this year will be better and very BUSY for
me.
What are your upcoming music projects
for the year 2004? Can we expect a new single, or maybe a new album?
We are currently working on a pop track
that I wrote; it also has a Hip-Hop flavor to it. We're thinking of releasing this track
and another dance track I wrote called “Fantasy” at the same time. So we can
give a little something to everyone because they are two different styles of music. We'll
see which will go further. I'm really excited about this idea. We're also talking about
making another album; it will be just Moox and myself working on this project. Mario says
I have to do all the writings, so it's going to be a very exciting year.
Anything else you want to talk about?
Let's see…Well I just would like
to thank you Francis again, and to all the fans out there you guys are the ones that keep
us going! I'm also very blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love to do best. Keep
Freestyle music alive!
My most sincere thanks to you
Christina.
Also, thanx again to Mario Vasquez for
helping us to do this interview.
Well thank you again for this
opportunity for fans to get to know me. Yes let's not forget to thank Mario, because we
all know he will be there right when we need him. He's always right on top of things. LOL
THE END
Copyrights
Freestylemusic.com. Published in January 2004.