It's a Celebration - interview with singer and songwriter Larina Doreen
On November 23, 1996, a “starr” was born by the name of Larina Doreen Burris in long island NY. Larina is the youngest of five siblings was raised in a multi-talented family. At the tender age of eight, Larina began writing her own songs. At age ten, she began recording professionally in her brother Reginald's project studio. Larina’s musical talents also include playing the keyboard as well as the guitar. At the age of 14, Larina began modeling in a local competition called the American Mall Model Search(AMMS). At the age of 15, Larina released her first single “Unusual ” and newest single "My World" at the age of 16 which are available on iTunes and amazon and can be heard on internet radio as well as other stations. Larina continues to work hard and diligently on her music. We have conducted an interview with her.
When was the first time you wowed the audience with your musical talents? How did you feel then?
The first time I truly wowed the audience I was 13 years old. I was in a youth concert that featured several ages and several different talents. I remember feeling just a little bit nervous, but I was more excited than anything. I had been singing self-written songs and when I ended off the songs the audience cheered. I heard from many people after the event that they loved the mature sound and tone of my voice, people were shocked at how well I could sing at just 13 years of age. Hearing this type of feedback from individuals was inspiring.
How long have you been modeling?
I was always kind of a natural when it came to taking photos, however, it was when I was 14 that I realized that modeling was another talent I loved to engage in. At 14 was when I participated in a local event called the American Mall Model Search (AMMS), this was the first time I ever walked a runway. Walking the runway felt almost empowering in a way, and modeling became similar to acting except it was silent.
Do you consider yourself a multi-talented person? What is your greatest strength?
When thinking of talented individuals in reference to myself, I would say yes I am multi-talented, not because of everything that I can "do" but simply because of the passion I have for my music. I started singing when I was 6 and writing songs when I was 7, around that same age I began playing the piano. But I didn't stop there, at 14 I asked for an acoustic guitar for my birthday, not knowing how to play it at all. I taught myself how to play the guitar and kept practicing until I'd gotten better.
One of my greatest strengths is true artistry, the simplicity of being able to create and write songs that can change someone's life or even just alter their attitude and outlook. I enjoy knowing that someone can listen to my songs and become inspired.
What do you think is the most challenging aspect about music releases as a teenager? How did this experience change you?
Now that I am 20 years old when I listen to some of my music I released as a teenager I can hear the changes. Releasing music as a teenager has its pros and cons. When I released my first single on iTunes I was only 15 years old, as I got older I improved vocally and lyrically. One of the biggest challenges when releasing music as a teenager is that you have to realize, you're still growing. Sometimes, you listen to other singers on the radio and their voices sound so mature and you want that sound. You have to keep practicing and know that everything is going to fall into place. These kinds of experiences help give you confidence as a teenager because you have to believe that you can succeed in doing what you love.
Tell us more about your EP 'It's a Celebration', 'Funnel Cloud'. How long did you take to write them?
I am totally excited to be releasing my very first EP, entitled "It's a Celebration". I release a new song every month. My project has many different genres involved, R&B, Pop, Trap, and also some dance. I love the diversity of this project because I feel that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Every song on my project tells its own story and while some of the songs were written very recently others were written months, maybe even a year ago. Funnel Cloud was the first release from my EP and I'm glad that people enjoy it a lot, it took me 45 minutes to write the entire song. As soon as I heard the instrumental, the lyrics just started flowing and I knew I had to get to the studio to record this song, making it the first release on my project.
Where can we download 'Rise Up and CHARGED'? Where is your music available?
All of my songs that I release from my project including the tracks that are already released are available for free download on my Soundcloud page, Some of my earlier music is available on Itunes and Amazon as well.
More info:
Website: http://www.larinadoreen.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS6xIjmXb3zlKccOExmJ-dw
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/Larina-Doreen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LarinaDoreen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LarinaDoreen/
