What is your name?
My artist name is KERRIA however; my birth name is Karin Soiref. I chose to change my name due to the fact that barely anyone can pronouns Karin correctly. Also, a lot of times people from the music industry told me that my name Karin does not suit my style of music. Therefore, I decided to have a fresh start, change my genre of music, fashion style, and artist name.
KERRIA is actually a yellow flower which grows in the mountains. It is considered to be graceful yet tough. It also represents light due to its color. All of these aspects about Kerria the flower, really suited my character which is why it was a perfect fit to have it as my new artist name.
What is your genre of music?
My genre of music is a combination of pop/pop-rock/EDM-funk. I like to experiment with genres to create my own style.
Give us a little bio about you
I was born in Israel and moved to Gibraltar at the age of 15. I finished school there while having music education/vocal lessons on the side. Finished high school, I got accepted to London University of Contemporary Music Performance. There I finished a 3 year Creative Musicianship degree. In the meantime, I worked on my own material collaborating with amazing producers/song writers such as, Walter Afanasieff, Aleena Gibson, Fabrizio Sotti, etc.
What made you go into music?
I was always involved in music since a very young age. During the first years of school, I was apart of the school’s orchestra playing the clarinet and flute. Furthermore, at the age of 11 I joined a school choir and started having vocal coaching. At the age 13, I was in a professional jazz conservatory traveling to Turkey for European competitions. During the summer, I traveled to Chicago and New York for music camps. Moving to Gibraltar, I continued with vocal coaching and performed in various charity events.
Are you signed?
No, but I am working independently with a team of amazing people.
You released your new single ‘Night Now’ tell us more about it?
Night Now is about a young love at first sight. It often happens when you find love on a night out. The title Night Now is a play on words. Instead of ‘Right Now’ we changed it to ‘Night Now’ to emphasis the feeling of wanting to spend time together tonight and right now.
What was the writing process like?
Night Now is a song written by Aleena Gibson. Aleena and I knew each other from working previously. One day we were hiking and she showed me her new music she’s been working on. As soon as she showed me a demo of Night Now, I immediately asked her if she has a vocalist for this track. Luckily, she didn’t and I quickly jumped for the opportunity. Initially Night Now sounded different to how it sounds now. We played around with electronic sounds to make it a dance track. We also, played around with lyrics to make it sound simpler and more playful. The talented Fabrizzio Sotti joined the team and helped us produce the track properly to make it sound the way it sounds today.
What was the recording process?
The vocals were recorded more than once. First recording was done in LA based on the initial production. After changing the production of the track and making it more EDM, I had to re-record the vocals to suit the new vibe.
Who did you work on the single with?
Song writer Aleena Gibson, Producer/Musician Fabrizio Sotti, and sound producer Luca Pretolesi.
What message are you trying to get out there?
The message of the song Night Now specifically is that falling in love can happen anywhere and at any time. It can happen when you least expect it. It shouldn’t be judged at all because for every person its different.
Will we see an Album or EP this year?
I am planning to release an EP in 2019.
If so what can we expect?
You can expect music with a new sound – a combination of different genres combined together to create a new style. Deep lyrics are also the key of this project. I think most people will be able to relate to them.
Do you have gigs coming up? If so where are you thinking of heading?
Yes, I will be performing at national day Ukraine on the 22nd of September and at Music Box awards show Moscow, Russia on the 30th of September.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
Yes, but it will stay a secret for now.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Of course, I’m open for new collaborations. I like to experiment with different musicians, gain new skills, new opinions, and new potential projects. As of now let’s keep it simple, they can contact me via Instagram (kerriaofficial) or website (www.kerriaofficial.com).
What else do you have planned this year?
I am planning to release at least 2 or 3 more single before I release my EP.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, I can play the keyboard.
Who are your influences?
Its defiantly a long list. I love so many artists. Sia, Imagen Dragons, Meghan Trainor, The Weekend, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Alma, Jacob Banks, Woodkid, Tom Walker, RagnBone Man, Khalid, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Pink, One Republic.
Which TV channel would you like one of your songs to be played on?
MTV, of course would be a dream come true and or any other music channel really would be an amazing opportunity. I would also love to have one of my songs played in a film as I think quite a few of my up and coming songs will be suitable for that.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself having my own tour and releasing my third album.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I am a very family-oriented person, so I spend my free time with my family and closest friends.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in the music scene?
From a young age the song My heart Will Go on by Celine Dion, gave me the motivation to reach a high level of singing. The song Chandelier by Sia, was the song that gave me inspiration to write my own music and experiment with genres. Sia has been a very big influence in my work as to how I would like to portray strong lyrics and powerful vocals in a modern sound.
What’s the best advice you have been given?
Be true to yourself, embrace who you are.
…Because you were born this way – Lady Gaga
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry but just as an artist?
Make the music the hits your soul that others will also relate to. Don’t try to be anyone else but you. Create music that means something to you. I believe that it is a gift that we are all different individuals yet we all find similarities to relate to. I think we should express what we have in order to present the world with new excitements.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
If you don’t start somewhere, you’re gonna go nowhere – Bob Marley
Where in the hometown is a must go to visit?
You must visit the Rock of Gibraltar to see the monkeys living in the wild.
Your coming off tour;
1) Where do you go first?
Going home to see my family and loved ones
2) Who do you see first?
Parents
3) What do you eat first?
Homemade food
When you are at a gig, what are the 5 things you cannot forget?
My USB, headphones, outfits, phone, laptop.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes.
Instagram
Soundcloud: Kerria