I was fortunate enough to be able
to conduct an interview with music sensation: Kristine
Sa. It was a very great experience, as I hold her
in such high esteem. She is one of the few Asian-American
artists out there that have managed to break out into
the recording industry with her skill and talent alone.
Her music has had a profound impact on me and has
managed to touch my very soul. Some of her songs are
so deep and heartfelt that, believe it or not, have
helped me cope with a turbulent time in my own life
and ultimately brought me back from the precipice
of depression… looking towards tomorrow.
Her music is a manifestation of her
self and her experiences. Her music is described as
a mix of pop, poetry, electronic and industrial. Kristine’s
debut album “I NeverKnew” is her story
of a broken heart and the recuperating aftermath.
Her style is unlike any other genre out there. As
of now, her album has reached many in the US, and
is beginning to branch out t other parts of the world
including Europe, Asia, and Australia. She…is
Kristine Sa.
Enjoy the interview.
[Daniel]:
Hi Kristine, how are you?
[Kristine]:
Hi Daniel! I'm doing alright, thanks. You?
[Daniel]:
I'm doing pretty good, thanks for asking!
[Daniel]:
First of all, I would like to thank you for taking
time out of your busy schedule to speak to me. I’m
a very big fan of yours and I’m honored to be
able to conduct this interview with you.
[Kristine]:
Wow, thank you! I am honoured to do this.
[Daniel]:
For the record, how old are you?
[Kristine]:
Proudly 21! =)
[Daniel]:
Ahh... the good ol' 21! I take it you've gone out
and celebrated like anyone else?
[Kristine]:
It's funny, because here in Ontario, 19 is the legal
drinking age, so turning 21 was kinda dull. I feel
so jaded. lol. On the 21st birthday, I had some wine
with my family. Really it was just my Dad and I drinking.
It was nice!
[Daniel]:
19? Wow, that's very interesting. I really didn't
know that. You got an early start, AND you got to
drink with your Dad? That's cool, not many Asian parents
will actually drink with their kids! At least, mine
wouldn't! Haha!
[Kristine]:
I guess I am very lucky!
[Daniel]:
So, How did you first get your start in music? Give
us a little history lesson on the beginnings of Kristine
Sa!
[Kristine]:
Haha, alrighty. I've actually been singing in school
since elementary. My family is very musical; I guess
I picked up on that. Then, when I was 17, an old friend
of mine contacted Nemesis Records and suggested that
they take a look at my personal website. At the time,
I had a little geocities homepage with pictures, shoutouts
and poetry etc. It was just a space to share some
artwork. Basically, Kingmin (the CEO of Nemesis) emailed
me afterwards saying he really liked my writing and
asked if I also sing. I said, YES! I conveniently
had a demo recorded VERY roughly on my computer at
the time. It was a cover of Toni Braxton's "Unbreak
My Heart". It was the only song I had the full
intrumental version of. Anyway, I sent that along
and I've been working with Nemesis ever since.
[Daniel]:
Amazing! Haha... I remember those Geocities homepage
days! Everyone used to have one! Is there any chance
we'd be hearing that demo anytime soon?
[Kristine]:
LOL! Oh goodness I hope not. In my ears, it was awful!
[Daniel]:
Haha, Well, it had to have been pretty good if Nemesis
Records decided to bring you on board! I say that
bad boy makes it onto your upcoming CD.
[Daniel]:
What originally inspired you to sing and write your
own songs? (Besides your family.... any feelings at
the time, experiences... etc...)
[Kristine]:
Now looking back on it, I think I started because
I felt my voice was not good enough for songs that
had already been written. To be honest, I was really
insecure with my voice but I knew I had something
I really wanted to share, so when emotions ran high,
I resorted to writing. I started with poetry, and
then fumbled around with a keyboard that I pretended
was a piano, haha! And then somewhere after several
bad piano tracks, I guess I got the hang of it.
[Daniel]:
That's very admirable. Most people will either sing
because they have the talent, and some just won't
sing if they don't feel they've got it.
[Daniel]:
Is there a particular message you try to convey in
your music?
[Kristine]:
Not necessarily directly, but in an indirect kind
of way, I would like to portray an image of truth
and honesty. I guess maybe share with others what
I am feeling and hopefully I can tap into something
they're feeling at the moment. Maybe, I can offer
some kind of comfort or emotional release. That's
the idea, I think. It's really not too intentional
when I am writing. When I am writing, I am often so
caught up in the emotional trip that there's no room
for logic or intent.
[Daniel]:
Let me just say that you've done an excellent job
with your music and it's good to know that you pour
your heart and soul into your content.
[Kristine]:
Oh thanks so much, Daniel.
[Daniel]:
You’re welcome.
[Daniel]:
Out of all your songs that you’ve recorded,
which one is your favorite or holds the most meaning
for you personally?
[Kristine]:
All of my songs in general? Or just the ones that
have been released?
[Daniel]:
For now, the one's that have been released on your
"I Never Knew" album.
[Kristine]:
My answer always changes for this question. LOL. When
I listen to the album now, I find that I listen to
"We" and "My Heart Still Breaks"
a lot more than the other songs. Mainly because these
two songs were so close to me. I guess, the lyrics
speak pretty clearly on how close they are. They still
paint a very vivid picture for me, of what those experiences
were like. Like a snapshot of my heart at that time.
So, I would say, they are my favs recently.
[Daniel]:
Didn’t you also record a song called Ocean’s
Sky?
[Kristine]:
=) Yes. That was so long ago! It was written with
a friend of mine before I hooked up with Nemesis.
I am so embarassed when I talk or hear about that
song.
[Daniel]:
No wonder I didn't see it on this last album!
[Kristine]:
Haha. Yeah.
[Daniel]:
Well, I think it's a pretty good song.
[Kristine]:
I love the song still, but don't get me wrong; I just
can't bear to hear myself on it. I think someone else
with a brilliant voice should take it on. =)
[Daniel]:
Will you ever be incorporating your native language
into any of your future songs like in Ocean’s
Sky?
[Kristine]:
Oh yes, most definitely. I've been playing with it
forever; I just haven't found the right track for
it yet. I play with languages all the time, it's quite
fun to mix and match. In the future, there will be
more incorporation of those flavours.
[Daniel]:
You've also done songs in Japanese, like "Suteki
Da Ne" from Final Fantasy X, what was it like
singing in Japanese for you?
[Kristine]:
I love singing in Japanese though I don't always fully
understand everything I am singing, I love the feel
of it. "Suteki Da Ne" was a song that moved
me, touched me, changed my life... to say the least.
I was absolutely obsessed with FFX so, when I did
the cover, my goal was just to try to reflect how
much I LOVE this song. I love letting myself drown
in this song whenever I get the chance to perform
it.
[Daniel]:
I take it you've played FFX-2?
[Kristine]:
I am in the middle of it. Eeee! There's never enough
time! I am dying to find more time to spend with it.
[Daniel]:
Hahaha! I haven't picked that up for myself yet, as
I know that'll keep me from everything else in my
life. I hope you're having a good time with the game
so far.
[Daniel]:
On average, how long does it roughly take to write
the lyrics for a song?
[Kristine]:
Usually if I don't finish it in one go, I never return
to it. (I usually get in trouble for this habit a
lot. hehe.) Like if I start writing and I am really
into it, the song finishes itself pretty quickly.
Usually, within an hour... I think. I'm not so sure;
I've never really timed myself. But yes, when it goes
well, it goes pretty quickly.
[Daniel]:
How long did take you to develop and finish your first
album “I Never Knew?”
[Kristine]:
The songs on "I Never Knew" were written
over a long period of time. They were songs I had
written before I met Nemesis, so I would say the album
took all my 19 years of living then. My actual work
with Kingmin, OmegaRed, and Steve LaCerra was over
a period of about 2 years.
[Daniel]:
Wow… 19 years? Well, I'd say it's definitely
been worth it!
[Kristine]:
Haha, perhaps I am exagerating, but thank you.
[Daniel]:
Well, personally, I felt that your song “Beautiful”
was great. It’s got this haunting surreal feeling
of calmness. Was that originally a poem, and how did
you initially conceptualize this song?
[Kristine]:
Um yes, it was a poem. And I was given the beat to
work with by Kingmin. The funny thing is, I didn't
want to work with it at first. I thought it was such
a good track that shouldn't be messed with. I thought,
I can't possibly sing over this. But then, over time,
I couldn't resist. So, instead of singing over it,
I spoke.
[Daniel]:
Being an Asian artist, did you have any problems breaking
into the recording industry?
[Kristine]:
Well, it's a rough road right now as we are working.
It's hard for this society to recognize us as artists,
as opposed to doctors or mathematicians etc. Maybe
I am being a little too bold in stating this, but
I really do think that the path is narrow. But luckily,
it has been opening wider lately. There's kind of
been an Asian fetish in the North American industry
right now, so perhaps in time it will go beyond the
fetish and everyone will really discover what's underneath
all that.
[Daniel]:
I agree. And it's really apparent right now with the
success of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The Asian
influence seems to permeate into just about everything
now.
[Kristine]:
Kill Bill, The Last Samurai, ALL Missy Elliot tracks,
haha.
[Daniel]:
Haha, Yes, excellent examples!
[Daniel]:
Are there any musicians/artists that you looked up
to growing up?
[Kristine]:
Yes, powerful female figures such Jewel, Sarah McLachlan,
Celine Dion are a few. There are so many. Basically,
strong women with big hearts inspire me.
[Daniel]:
I see, it's all about the female singers! What about
say... the new generation like Britney Spears and
Christina Aguilera?
[Kristine]:
I love watching them too, and their careers are quite
inspirational. They know what they want, it seems,
and they know what they excel in. To me, that's great.
All the more power to them.
[Daniel]:
Are there any of these female singers that you would
say have influenced your style of music?
[Kristine]:
Almost all music influences my style, from pop, adult
contemporary, country, hip hop, classical, alternative,
to jazz... everything. I am rather unsure of my own
genre, actually. Haha It's silly.
[Daniel]:
I'd say you're a mix of a bunch of genres! But no
complaints here!
[Daniel]:
Has there ever been a time while recording your album
“I Never Knew,” where you felt like you
couldn’t do it, and that you had to give up?
If so, what did you do to pick yourself back up?
[Kristine]:
LOL! Plenty! I actually always say that I will give
up, but eventually I admit that I am too damn stubborn
to quit. So... that's what picks me back up, my own
stubborness.
[Daniel]:
Haha... It get's the best of us all sometimes!
[Daniel]:
Is there anything that you’ve learned while
recording “I Never Knew” that you plan
on implementing in your next album?
[Kristine]:
I can safely say, that everything I learned while
recording that album, all the mistakes I made, I have
avoided them all. I don't think I've made any of the
same mistakes. However, there are always new ones.
So here's what I've learned: It's all about the process.
We all just keep aiming towards bettering our work,
there's always room to learn and improve. I also learned
not to beat myself up too hard when I feel like I've
failed.
[Daniel]:
What sort of mistakes are we talking about here?
[Kristine]:
It's funny, I can't seem to name one of the top of
my head. I'm sure if we starting talking to Kingmin
about this, he'd have tons of examples!
[Daniel]:
Can we expect a DVD release of a concert of yours,
or a compilation of your performances any time soon?
It’d be great to have something like this!
[Kristine]:
To be honest, I am not sure when that will happen.
I've been lately locked up in a studio at school working
on various stuff, or locked in my basement, also working.
Haha. I'm a little unaware of the rest of the world.
But yes, a compilation can be expected, I just don't
know when.
[Daniel]:
Great! I hope we get one soon!
[Daniel]:
You’ve made quite an impact in the music industry
now, what are your plans now?
[Kristine]:
This may be a boring answer, but I just plan on continuing
to work. I just want to keep writing and singing and
telling my story. Hopefully, I can reach another heart
or two. That's the plan for now. Oh, and get my degree
of course! I am one year away.
[Daniel]:
That's a smart plan; finishing school should always
be a top priority. Do you have another job besides
singing that pays the bills? Like... a fast food job,
computer technician, nurse, etc...? And what major
are you working towards if I may ask?
[Kristine]:
At this point, no... My family is VERY supportive.
=) I am so lucky they love me still. I am currently
in an Acting conservatory program so I working towards
a BFA in Acting.
[Daniel]:
Acting? Wow, does that mean we'll be seeing Kristine
Sa gracing the big screens one of these days?
[Kristine]:
=) I am humbly working as a young actor.
[Daniel]:
Do you have any words of advice for any aspiring singers/songwriters
looking to make their mark on the industry?
[Kristine]:
Yes, dream big and follow those dreams! Work hard,
and be stubborn, don't quit.
[Daniel]:
Can you tell us anything about your new and upcoming
album and when it will be released?
[Kristine]:
Well, we are working on it right now and aiming for
the end of this year. We're trying hard to work as
quickly as possible without rushing it. It's coming
along.
[Daniel]:
What was it like working with KastXL providing the
background vocals for his debut track "Triad"?
[Kristine]:
It was really fun. He's brilliant with his words;
I admire that, so it was easy doing the track. Plus,
I got to just sing sing sing. The track is exciting,
I'm glad I got that chance. He just takes it all over!
[Daniel]:
Cool, I really enjoyed "Triad" as well,
and thought it was a very original sounding song.
I hope to hear you do more collaborations with other
artists in the near future.
[Kristine]:
Me too.
[Daniel]:
So I hear you’re a fan of Asian Cinema. What’s
your favorite Asian movie, and why?
[Kristine]:
HERO. It's absolutely beautiful. I cry every time
I watch it!
[Daniel]:
Do you have any favorite Asian entertainers?
[Kristine]:
Well I have favorite Asian pop stars. I adore Hamasaki
Ayumi and Amuro Namie. I also like Amei and Phuong
Thanh.
[Daniel]:
Have you heard of our website “Kung Fu Cult
Cinema?”
[Kristine]:
Yes! I checked it out the other day and thought; I
could totally procrastinate with this site!
[Daniel]:
Haha... I’m glad you like the site. Careful
though, a few of us can be a little rowdy in the forum!
But don't worry, we're one big happy family (most
of the time).
[Daniel]:
Do you have any hobbies or activities that you like
to engage in, or anything that that helps you alleviate
your stress (if any)?
[Kristine]:
I write... it's so lame. I write a lot. It's a great
relief when there's no one to talk to. I like playing
pool and have been known to be quite competitive with
it. I love playing literati on Yahoo games. I am there
pretty often without anyone knowing. It's fun! Overall,
I am very competitive. Careful. LoL!
[Daniel]:
Uh-oh, I'll have to be careful when I play Literati!
[Daniel]:
What's your favorite alcoholic beverage?
[Kristine]:
I love fruity martinis or just a Smirnoff Ice will
do.
[Daniel]:
Smirnoff Ice is delicious, as are fruity martinis.
But I wouldn't be caught with one though!
[Daniel]:
I’d like to thank you once again for taking
some time out of your busy schedule to conduct this
interview with me. Good luck to you, your music and
your schooling, and may luck be with you always.
[Kristine]:
Thanks for talking with me. It was fun! Maybe we will
have a Literati battle one day and not know it.
[Daniel]:
Haha! Perhaps we will have a battle one of these days!
It's been a pleasure Kristine!
Special
Thanks:
Mai Lien (Nemesis Records Retail Sales Manager)
Kingmin- aka: Minh-Dan Pham (Executive Producer and
CEO Nemesis Records)
Kristine
Sa Official Web Site: http://www.kristinesa.com
Nemesis Records Official Website: http://www.nemesisrecords.com
Daniel
Nguyen
03/22/2004
