NYVC Artist Spotlight: Isa Marina
Posted Monday, May 17th 2021 by Kacey Velazquez
Isa Marina is a New York based artist who's making waves in Latin Pop and R&B music. She recently sat down for an interview with NYVC's Kacey Velazquez to talk about her background, her new singles, "Down" and "Paid Up," and what's next for the burgeoning star.
Hey Isa! Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from and where are you currently based?
Hi! My name is Isa Marina and I’m a Latin Pop/R&B singer-songwriter from the Bronx, NY, currently based in NYC.
How did growing up in NYC and being surrounded by your Dominican and Afro-Cuban roots influence your music career?
My culture is very important to me, and I’m very proud of my roots. Being exposed to so many different environments and locations has also helped me become more well rounded as a person.
Who are some artists who have influenced you the most in your career and why?
There are so many! But I can narrow it down to Selena Quintanilla, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Prince, Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Rihanna, Maria Callas, the list goes on. They’ve all inspired me in different ways, within various aspects of my process.
You're a classically trained singer! Tell us about that experience and how it helped shape you as an artist
It was a truly rewarding experience! It taught me to have discipline with my craft and patience with myself along this journey. I learned a lot about my instrument on a physical and at a mental level. It truly made me appreciate the art of Bel Canto so very much.
You've performed at acclaimed venues like The Theater at Madison Square Garden and The Bitter End. You're also an alumni artist of Sofar NYC and have been on two tours. So awesome! What are some things you love about performing live?
I love entertaining the crowd, interacting with them and my band, on stage. I also love the ability that my band and I have, to completely arrange my songs to create more musical and exciting versions of them for live settings. It’s a fun way to play around with ideas and keep the repertoire fresh every time.
In 2018, you founded your own record label, Norwood Entertainment. What advice would you give to other artists who want to start their own labels and explore their entrepreneurial side?
Definitely give yourself the opportunity to learn the business aspect of your craft. It can save you a lot of headaches and misfortune in the long run, and it can also open you up to so many positive opportunities to expand your brand even further than just the musical aspect.
You've released amazing music recently! Where do you find inspiration for your songs?
Real-life experience has been the primary influence for my music. I’ve definitely gone through a phase of personal evolution, where I’m finally truly loving myself, and am more confident. That is why I chose “Down” and “Paid Up” as singles because I want everyone around to feel that too. We should always feel good about who we truly are, no matter what.
What else can we expect from you in 2021?
Definitely more new music, videos, and content! For now, you can watch the visualizer for my new single, “Down”, and stay tuned for a ‘Paid Up’ video coming your way soon.
Find out more about Isa Marina at www.iamisamarina.com.
Connect with Isa on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify.
Connect with Kacey, or submit your music at Kacey@NewYorkVocalCoaching.com.
Kacey Velazquez
Kacey Velazquez is a seasoned vocal coach, songwriter, and recording artist from New York City. Kacey has been involved in the arts her whole life, getting her start in musical theatre. When she was just thirteen years old, she began songwriting, recording, and performing her original music at acclaimed venues in New York City including The Bitter End, 54 Below, The Cutting Room, The Astor Room, and the St. George Theatre.
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