Oriana

Interview:

WF: When did you first start singing?
O: I always struggle with this question! I think I’ve been singing forever. But I discovered I had talent when I was 6, and started pursuing a career when I was 18.

WF: What did your family do to encourage you?
O: My mom always had music playing at home, and my dad always encouraged me to take music lessons. Although they encouraged me to be a doctor even more.

WF: Who else in your family sings?
O: No one else has pursued it professionally, but my grandmother had a beautiful voice.

WF: What kind of music do you listen to today?
O: I enjoy all genres of music, but I mostly listen to RnB.

WF: What embarrassing songs might I find on your iPod?
O: Haha…probably something by Michael Bolton. But for the record…I don’t think anyone should be embarrassed by the type of music they listen to. It took me years to not care what people think!

WF: Where would you most like to perform?
O: At the Grammys.

WF: Who would you most like to open for?
O: Wow that’s a tough one. Probably Alicia Keys.

WF: If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?
O: Graphic design. Definitely something creative!

WF: Do you play any instruments?
O: I use piano when I write songs, but I can’t play fluently. Boy do I wish I stuck with those lessons as a kid!

WF: Who are your musical inspirations?
O: I refer to Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey as my musical “trinity”

WF: If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?
O: I’ve actually just started dabbling in reggae! But to be honest, I wouldn’t mind dabbling in may more genres. Why limit yourself?

WF: What genre of music can’t you stand to listen to?
O: Heavy metal…I just don’t get it! It doesn’t bring me joy the way other forms of music do.

WF: What hidden talents do you have?
O: I’m not bad at drawing…

WF: Do you enjoy writing music and/or lyrics?
O: I do. It is work, but the best kind of work! And really great therapy. There’s nothing like writing a good song after a bad day.

WF: What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
O: When I was in grade 7, I sprayed my best friend with “silly string” in a can, and was called to the principal’s office. Apparently it was “hazardous”.


At the Canada Rocks 4 Japan benefit (left to right): Oriana, Carlo Coppola, Karl Wolf, Franca Abate, Tatyana D'voce, Justin Nozuka (Photo: Jeff Knights)

WF: What are the five things you can’t live without?
O: Love, Music, Sushi, Chap Stick, and my iPhone.

WF: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
O: Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.

WF: What is you favorite song to belt out at the bar/in the car/for karaoke?
O: Mariah Carey, Vision of Love

WF: 5 years from now you will be….
O: Touring J

WF: For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words:
O: Melodic with an aesthetic depth.

WF: If I was to turn on your iPod right now, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?
O: Lisa Stanfield – Been Around the World; JoJo – How to Touch a Girl; Kiley Dean – Who Will I Run To; Lindo P – Let’s Get Married and Frank Ocean – Girlfriend’s Best Friend.

WF: If you could open for any artist on tour right now who would it be?
O: Beyonce – she’s just so awesome.

WF: What’s your favorite thing to do when you aren’t writing/producing/playing etc?
O: Eating and watching a good movie with my fiancé.

WF: You write all of your own music; where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the process?
O: Most of them are based on some sort of personal experience, but occasionally a certain project calls for you to write a song about something you haven’t experienced. In those cases I try to call on stories I’ve heard from friends, and put myself in their shoes. My favourite part about the process is the release of pent up emotions; it’s almost as effective as talking about your problems with another person.

WF: Do you ever get nervous? Do you feel your education helped prepare you for working in the industry?
O: I only get nervous before a gig that is of a type I’ve never done before. For example, the first Raptors anthem I did, I was so nervous! But 3 years later and it’s a piece of cake, which is great because that calm allows me to revel in the excitement of it. I think education prepares you for many things in life. It has helped me interact with people professionally, conduct business properly, manage my time and keep my work organized. - What's Fab Magazine

Last night was the 10th anniversary of Film Jam. A great event supporting local artists. Although we are the impartial media, we were secretly rooting for Oriana. Not that we didn't like the other acts (who were awesome as well), but this is our chick from the Scarborough days, so...BRAP! She killed it too!

After an energy charged performance from the first act of the night, Oriana throws down some smooth soulful vocals over her DJ's hard basslines.

Two more sets later, the votes are tallied and the winner of the Film Jam finals (and the $10,000) is none other than Miss Thing herself, Oriana. Not that we were surprised. She's been killing it since her highschool Christmas shows, so this was just the same ol' same ol'. For more on Oriana's music, check out her myspace at myspace.com/orianamusic. - Blunt Magazine