| Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
exposed vocals is a great platform for artists to receive recognition for what they are doing to make their mark in the music world! I happened to be connected to Exposed Vocals via social media
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Growing up in New York, I was exposed to a wide variety of music and culture. While I loved to sing, my main focus was classical piano and that was my major all through college. At the age of 21, I had gotten into an accident and broke my finger. To cope with depression from not being able to play my main instrument, I started writing songs and practicing vocals in the same practice rooms where i practiced piano. I started performing the songs I wrote in various venues and decided that even when my finger healed, I would continue singing! My big break came when I auditioned for the Korean spin off of American Idol and came in as a finalist in 2011. Out of two million people who auditioned, I came in as the last soloist standing, and 4th overall. Since then I’ve recorded with notable artists in the Korean music industry and performed all over Asia.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
I recently debuted in the states using the name, Christina Love Lee. I believe my brand and the music behind it is all representative of love. It’s my mantra, my way of life — to do all things with LOVE.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I think it’s an incredibly great way for independent artists to make their presence known in the industry. People want to sample what you’re about before they can decide to trust your music and your ability to deliver good music.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
every major artist has publicity and a marketing team behind them. I know funds may be an issue for start-ups but before you can pay for your next luxury item, invest in a publicity/marketing team to make your presence known! Keep connected to outlets such as Exposed Vocals to give your band/brand shine! It’s about investing into your brand and your empire before you can reap its benefits.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
artists can be super critical of themselves. I have made more mistakes trying Not to make them than I have when just going with the flow. I try to handle mistakes with grace and the secret that’s worked for me is: if you know you’ve made the mistake, own it and maximize your mistake so that it seems as if it were planned into your act!
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I haven’t toured recently but when I did tour Asia, we would have fans follow us to every stop we made on the tour bus. One morning we woke up extra early to avoid fans crowding our bus and by the time we made it to our destination, they found a way to get there before we did! It was so amazing. Fans are incredibly so loyal, it’s amazing — the lengths they will go to prove their loyalty to you, and all they ask for in return is good music and LOVE behind your music and craft!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
sometimes, I find myself being okay with failed love experiences, because it’s new ammo for writing songs. I also make it my business to find a muse; the way my mind works when I find the perfect muse, is quite amazing.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
currently I use soundcloud, artistEcard and my personal website, christinalovelee.com to share my musical journey.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
: Bubble butt is a song that I love to work out to.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I would spend the money traveling, and having my Eat, Pray, Love journey. If make it my business to visit underdeveloped countries and bring free shows + music therapy to them. Yes, music therapy — it’s what I do side-by-side with performance.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I usually record at different studios that come equipped but I do plan on starting my own home studio with equipment.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I love social media, it’s a great tool for exposure and promotion. However, I’m traditional in a sense because I still believe in personal interaction, the power of word-of-mouth and being connected to communities that support you for who you are.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
my dream would be to perform at Madison Square Garden with Mayer Hawthorne. I look at him as my male counterpart. His style, music and old soul describes me to a T.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
currently, I am working on building my artist name by promoting as much as possible, teaming up with people who believe in my artistry, and delivering music in a way that will be easily accessible. I have a music video that I filmed in The deserts of California. I’m excited for that realease. The song is called LOVELIKELEE and blends r&b, pop, and EDM. Trippy, huh?
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I would be wallowing in sorrow!!!
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
my first album was New Kids on the Block. I was literally in tears listening to the whole album. I also made up my own dances and would perform it in front of my dolls.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I am currently a full-time Ph.D. Student and so far so good! I make time during the day to focus on music work and set aside a portion of my day to also concentrate on my research work. During the weekends, I am a music director for a great non-profit organization and I’m able to balance it fairly well. The best part is that all of this, including my research, involves music and how the world can benefit from it.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
noise, good noise. I’ll be making a lot of it. It’s been a long time coming but I’m proud to say that I’m on a steady track to making my impression in the industry.
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