Mika Newton

Ukranian singer Mika Newton taught herself to sing by imitating artists she admired. Today, the Eurovision finalist is living in Los Angeles and is signed to Randy Jackson's label. Through Randy she met one of those very artists she idolised, Canadian legend Celine Dion. Newton took time out of her busy schedule to chat with Music News about Eurovision, her development as an artist, and future plans.

Music News - As a child I understand that you taught yourself to sing by imitating artists on the radio. What can you tell me about those early moments in your life? Who were the famous artists you imitated?

Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Witney Houston, Bon Jovi. I was learning to sing by imitating them and famous Ukrainian and Russian vocalists. Then I started begging my mom to invite her friends over so I could perform for them. Those were my first shows.

Music News - Which artists have inspired and influenced you?

Celine Dion, Steven Tyler, Bon Jovi. I feel so lucky to have met all of them while living in LA. When I was a kid I could never imagine this could happen. My absolute "dream come true" moment was meeting Celine. I grew up on her songs and won so many competitions as a kid with Celine Dion's songs. Randy introduced me to my childhood idol at her Vegas show, it was absolutely surreal. She is a significant person in my life. We had a really nice conversation. Celine's energy is incredible, I was happy to meet her.

Music News - You represented the Ukraine in Eurovision in 2011 and were one of the finalist. What can you tell me about that?

I was so honored to represent my country. The months before the contest were super busy - rehearsals & promo,touring full time (we went to Armenia, Austria, Netherlands, England among other countries). The best part was that I got an amazing chance to share my heart and my music with such a large audience. It was incredible! I was able to meet and become friends with a lot of great singers from around Europe. The worst part was probably the fact that because I was so busy getting ready for the contest, that I didn’t have any time to spend with my family. Though I felt their support and it was really important for me!

And, of course, I would do it again! It was one of the best experiences that I’ve ever had!

Music News - In 2011 you moved to Los Angeles from the Ukraine. How has your journey been, thus far? How are you adjusting to life in LA?

I love LA, it's my home now. I've been here for almost 2 years now and I feel like this city became a part of me. People in LA are very nice and open, that's what I love. If you are a hard worker - this city will help you to achieve your goals. So many people come here and work as hard as they can to make their dreams come true, they inspire each other and it creates an amazing vibe in the city.

A lot of my friends are actors, singers, directors. I love the creativity and creative collaboration, that's why this city is definitely good for me. I opened myself a lot, started to write my own music and lyrics- I've never done that before moving here, being in America has inspired me.

Music News - As a Ukrainian singer, has it been difficult to transition into English lyrics?

In reality, it has been difficult because there is a different way of feeling the song when it is in a different language. It took me some time to learn the language and fully comprehend the intricacies of phrases and details. But after I felt the breakthrough with the English language, I started really loving the English lyrics because a lot can be said in just a few words.

Music News - You're currently signed with Randy Jackson's label. How did this come about?

In 2011, right before the Eurovision, I got invited by JK Music Group to come to LA for the first time for a recording session with the Grammy Award-winning Walter Afanasieff. They introduced me to Randy and I got a chance to spend some time with him at the studio and sing for him. I went back home for Eurovision and right after my success at the contest I was offered to move to America and start my career here working with Randy on my first album. It's finally ready and is about to be released this fall!

Music News - I read that you described Randy as 'something special'. What's it like working with Randy and what advice has he given you about the music industry?

Randy is an amazing musician and I respect him a lot. He's very open and positive. What is really great about him is that he can see you as an artist and helps opening you more and more. I can definitely call him my mentor. Looking back to the days when I just started working with him I can see how much I grew, it's been an amazing journey.

We've chosen really great songs for my album, both uptempo and ballads. The main advice is to stay true to who I am and to be real with my audience. very often it is challenging, because it’s not the easiest path to take. But it’s always very rewarding!

Music News - In 2012, you released your debut American single, Don't Dumb Me Down. Can you tell me more about that?

“Don’t Dumb Me Down” is a song with a very empowering message. When I first heard it, I instantly knew that I can relate to it myself and wanted to make it my first single. I know how easy it is for people to underestimate you, only because you are blonde. People tend to think that if you are pretty, it’s unlikely that you have some brains too. I come across this opinion all the time! Therefore, don’t judge a book by it’s cover! There are many beautiful and smart girls who can stand up for themselves. And this is exactly what I tried to show in this song. The song is positive and fun, I really enjoy singing it.

Music News - What hurdles have you had to overcome to get to where you are today?

The career of an artist comes with a lot of ups and downs but that is what makes an artist strong, I believe through every challenge, I've become stronger, and also I can put all my emotion into the songs and performing.

The hardest thing was to learn the language. I didn't speak English when I moved here, it's been two years and I still have so many things to learn. I think the biggest hurdles I've faced were emotional. But the road is still long and I am ready to face every challenge.

Music News - You recently performed some acoustic shows in LA. Can you tell us about that?

This was absolutely wonderful! I enjoy live performances so much. I performed at Room 5 and The Hotel Cafe, really intimate music venues, where a lot of artists where starting out. I had a lot of friends, industry people and fans come check out my new live program. Preparations and rehearsals were intense, as it is so important for me to express myself and connect with people on stage. After each show, I felt complete bliss and desire to do it again and again. Live performance is like a breath of fresh air for an artist. I'm preparing for my next show with the full band at the moment.

Music News - What are you currently working on?

There is so much work! I am currently rehearsing with the newly formed band a lot, with whom we have all bonded so much in a short time. Two music videos that I shot lately will be released really soon- one for the song "Magnets" (my first experience co-writing the song), another one is the video for my second single "Come Out And Play",we shot at the FOX studios just a couple of days ago. I am looking forward to releases of both with such anticipation! I foresee full summer of live performances around USA and Europe.

Music News - What is next for Mika Newton?

Next comes highly anticipated release of my debut album in September across the USA. I feel that 2013 is a magical year, it has had a great start to it. I am working non-stop and feel that more fantastic things are just around the corner. I am also getting very connected to my newly growing fan base in the USA. See you at the next show!

For further information, check out Mika Newton on Facebook!!

http://www.facebook.com/OfficialMikaNewton