Born in Mozambique and growing up in Australia, and now residing in America, Yara is a well-travelled and thus educated person. Her noticeable sex appeal has garnered her attention from magazines like FHM and her singing talent has brought her to a level whereby a mixtape buzz appears to be bringing her further up the music industry's ladder.
MVRemix: Tell me how you first got into singing.
Yara: Ive been singing for as long as I can remember, but I first got into the music industry when I was sixteen. I got introduced to several producers and artists through some people I knew and it all started from there.
MVRemix: How did you get your first break? How did you get noticed?
Yara: My first break came after I sang for an influential producer back home. I am originally from Australia. The producer liked my style so we started working on tracks together. After that it opened other doors for me to do shows and performances. I love doing shows its the greatest feeling in the world getting on stage and performing.
MVRemix: Tell me about the album you're currently working on.
Yara: Right now I have a lot of projects I am working on. But I do have specific tracks that will be on my album when it is time, and they are really hot. I took my time so I could find out exactly what I want to do with my music. I really want to express myself, and let people know what I feel and all my emotions. I want people to be able to feel what I write about. Ive gone through a lot of changes in the past year and I feel that I know myself better and Im confident about my writing.
MVRemix: With so many beautiful, talented, young singers trying to succeed - what separates you from the rest?
Yara: I think that every artist is separated from each other its just a matter of whether or not people are feeling them or not. I think its all about timing and keeping your material current or a step ahead of whats out there already, which is exactly what I plan on continuing to do. All I can say is that there is no one like me. I come from a different place compared to a lot of the other R&B singers out. That makes me unique and gives me a completely new style and sound. Plus everybody has a completely different personality, youll never find two people that are exactly the same, so if I do it my way and I just play me I know I will do fine. 'Cause really my image is just me, thats what Im pushing... Me.
MVRemix: Tell me about your musical influences in Mozambique and Australia...
Yara: Australian musical influences there arent many. Most of the music in Australia is imported. But there are some, for example, I like The John Butler Trio, Jet and Missy Higgins. I absolutely love Mozambican music it takes over your soul (laughs) and makes you feel so good. I play it when Im cooking cause its so inspiring. I grew up having African style birthdays, Christmas', Easters and any other day you can think of. It always involved loud music, happy unified people and crazy dancing till the next morning. Music and African Culture go hand in hand and have always been a big part of my life. My favorite Style would have to be Marrebenta.
MVRemix: How did you hook up with C.D. King Entertainment/Blueprint Records?
Yara: I told Chris Dwyer (C.D. King Entertainment, Corp./Blueprint Records CEO) I was an R&B singer so he told me to send him some of my material. I sent it to him and he liked it and told me he wanted to start working with me. From there it was history. We get along great and we really see eye to eye on the direction I want to go with my music.
MVRemix: In your opinion, is an artist credible even if they only thrive in the studio with technology?
Yara: If the artist absolutely cant sing, than in my opinion the only art that is being displayed there is an art of technology, not of the vocalist. But these days there are so many effects that are available to be used to achieve different sounds, styles or to take a vocal to the next level, and with that I see no problem at all. The artist can still sing.
MVRemix: Any opinions on what went on with Terry Schiavo?
Yara: All I will say is that if it had been me, I wouldnt have wanted to live but I wouldnt have wanted to die that way either. Who knows what she really wanted? I guess no one will ever know.
MVRemix: What are your thoughts on the industry in regards to sex appeal? Especially when younger artists emerge (especially Pop/R&B) and are objectified from the get go?
Yara: I think if I tried to say that sex appeal doesnt sell I would have to be one of the most misinformed people in the world. Its no secret that if you look good your more likely to sell more records. I aint gonna lie. I cant speak for other artists, but for me, I draw the line before I start to feel uncomfortable with the way Im portrayed. If as a new artist youre in a situation were you dont have that choice, then I think thats wrong.
MVRemix: Have fun with this one, a la "Fight Club" - "If you could fight any celebrity, who would you fight" and why?
Yara: I think Id smack Michael Jackson. Dont get me wrong Im a huge fan, and I love his artistic creativity and genius, but what is he doing? What has his life come to? It's real sad to me cause I grew up loving this man and now hes been reduced to well I dont even need
to go there. To me and a lot of other people, I feel like he smacked me already, so Im just getting him back [laughs].
MVRemix: If you were introducing someone who didn't know anything of R&B/Soul to R&B, how would you go about doing so? Who would you play for them to begin their journey?
Yara: Well I could only start them off from as far back as my musical knowledge goes so I guess I would start them around the 50s. Maybe some of Nat King Coles later material along with Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles. Then Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, and from there you could go anywhere really. Most of what I grew up on was from the Motown Era so thats what I would know the most about.
MVRemix: If you were alone on a desert island and could only have one thing to inspire your creativity, what would it be?
Yara: Nature in its purest form, the starry night sky, the ocean and its many moods. I think I would write a song called, The truth about being alone [laughs].
MVRemix: Do you have any non-musical creative aspirations?
Yara: I would love to do films. I think I would be a great actress. Also, one thing that Ive always wanted to do, is write a book about my experiences growing up.
MVRemix: Apart from your forthcoming album, what upcoming projects do you have in the works?
Yara: I have so many projects going on right now [laughs]. My schedule is real crazy I do promo appearances, shows, recording, so there is a lot of things I have going on. I will definitely have some collaborations coming in the future. Just be sure to look out for me and you can always keep up with everything Im doing at cdkingentertainment.com.
MVRemix: Any last words to your fans or potential fans that are going to be reading this?
Yara: To everyone that has supported me and continues to do so, thank you! Youre the reason Ive come this far and I got so much love for all of you.
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