Krista Marina

Photo Courtesy Of Krista Marina 

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Born, raised, and currently living in Southern California.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR YOUR HOMETOWN?
The vibe. It's the perfect balance between the excitement of an urban city and the culture of a small town.

WHAT WERE YOUR INFANT ASPIRATIONS?
Growing up I wanted to be a singer, film director, and actress. I used to spend hours by myself writing scripts and songs to go along with them.

WHAT HAS BEEN A PIVOTAL MOMENT?
There have been multiple pivotal moments these last few years. One that stands out, though, was my summer kick-off show this passed June. The turnout and audience was on another level. That night, I played a bunch of new songs that I was a little nervous to share but ended up getting an encore and felt more connected with the audience than ever before. As an artist, the most important source of validation is your audience and followers, so seeing their receptiveness to my new music meant the world. It truly felt like a turning point!

WHY MUSIC?
There's nothing like it. Growing up, I always heard Armenian music around the house and that's what initially caught my ear. Every art form has its unique ability to express and connect, but music inspires me the most because there are less restrictions. With a painting, you're usually restricted to the size of the canvas. With a film, you're restricted to equipment or a budget. With music, I can't think of any significant restrictions. One could argue that you're restricted to certain music notes, but even that isn't true. In Armenien music, for example, the notes are often chromatic— meaning, they don't follow typical note patterns. Besides, nowadays anyone can record and release music without spending much money. I'm lucky to live in a time where musicians have the tools to do that, at any stage.

HOW WOULD YOU CLASSIFY YOUR SOUND?
I would classify my sound as alternative pop with jazzy and bluesy undertones. Lately, I find myself mixing in more R&B influences as well.

WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE THROUGH YOUR LYRICS?
Honesty. If I only had one word to describe my lyrics it would be honesty. No matter the subject or story of the song, I'd like to think I write with an honest tenderness. That's what makes song writing so cathartic - you're allowed to be vulnerable. And that's what connects people because there's no wall or guard up when you're writing.

IS THERE A SONG OR MUSICAL PASSAGE THAT NEVER FAILS TO MOVE YOU EMOTIONALLY?
Yes! There are two specific ones that hit me most. The first one is the line in my song "Babe" that says "The hardest part of loving you is not being able to." The second example is basically every line in "Tragic Enough," a newer song I haven't officially released yet.

WHAT OR WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?
My experiences have had the greatest influence on me, especially my lyrics. Specifically, the experience of my first real heartbreak. That's what drove me to release my first EP. I felt compelled to share my story because it's such a unique one. If I didn't have songwriting, I'm not sure how I would have coped with that entire experience.

WHAT’S YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
It varies, honestly. Sometimes, it feels like I'm on automatic and my brain just takes over and next thing I know, I've regained consciousness and there's a full written song in front of me, the train of thought when I'm writing often takes me to a different place. Sometimes the lyrics come first, then the music. Other times the music comes before the words. And once in a while, it's just one underlying thought or feeling that drives the writing process of an entire song.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Definitely minimalistic. Lots of neutrals, clean-cut lines, and dainty jewelry.

HOW DOES YOU AESTHETIC TRANSLATE IN OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE?
It plays a huge role in my life, especially because music is essentially a recorded aesthetic. A well decorated space is like a well produced song. There's a good feeling to it. My music writing/recording space is the most aesthetic space in the house and I do that intentionally! It has lots of lights and warm colors, with a giant Persian rug on the wall. When I walk in, I automatically feel ready to create. I do my best to translate that feeling into other aspects of my life like my room, my style, the regular restaurants/coffee places I choose to go to.

HOW DO YOU GET STAGE READY, ANY BEAUTY RITUALS YOU SWEAR BY?
I love this question. I usually do my makeup first, then get dressed. Makeup is usually focused on the eyes. I don't wear that much makeup, but I make sure the look is centered around my eyes and eyebrows. Lipstick goes on last, before perfume of course. My hair is a mess to work with, but I always let out my big curls for shows! It helps me feel fully myself.

HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?
I rarely do spend a day off but when I do, I'll sleep in, go to the gym, catch up with friends or watch a movie. I love new experiences, whether it's meeting someone new or going to some random, new place. I usually end up writing or working on music too, but it's not for work. It's a different experience to write solely for yourself with no deadline, no objective or end-goal. Just you and your thoughts in a present moment.

HOW DO YOU RETURN TO CENTER?
When I feel off, or not fully myself, I try to do one of two things to get back on track: stop what I'm doing and go for a run, or force myself to take the rest of the day off. Sometimes, I just need to mentally shut off for a little in order to fully be present and focused when I get back to work.