Diandra Interviews Christina LaRocca: Defining Soul In Sound (Part 2)

In the first part of my interview with Christina LaRocca, it was clear to see that she is strong, but you can also see that she is visionary. Music is the perfect platform for her because she is both open and eager to tell her truth. Thus, in the next half of our interview, Christina defines soul and it bond with sound to create, again, what most human beings want to share about themselves: their stories.

Diandra: When did you first fall in love with music? Was there a moment when you said, “Yup, this is it for me?”

Christina: I have been singing since I was a child. Can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel like music was a huge part of my life. But I think it was really when I got a scholarship to the Wagner College Choir for “Vocal Excellence” that I was like – okay – if they want to give me money to sing – maybe others will too. Touring with the choir was my first experience on the road. We always had a blast, and I’m still very close with the friends I made – just got off the road with a couple of them as a matter of fact in Stevie & the Lion. Alto power for life!!

Diandra: You found a lot of inspiration out west traveling through the Rocky Mountains and Nebraskan fields. What is one thing you feel nature can teach artists/ humanity?

Christina: Since moving out wes,t I’ve spent more time in nature than I have in my whole life. Living in a city like NYC you forget how important it is to break away from the madness and reconnect to it. I have 3 chickens (Pearl, Thelma and Louise) and a garden that we’ve grown heirloom tomatoes, swiss chard, cucumbers and more in our backyard in LA. It feels like a mini-farm sometimes. Seeing how long it takes to grow a tomato, or what goes into an egg – makes you see how delicate and fleeting life really is. From seed to fruit it takes 90 days to grow an heirloom tomato. If one of the chickens is having a bad day she won’t lay anything for a while. We live in a world where now you don’t even have to talk to the take out person anymore and food just shows up at your door in no time at all. With no concept of the process of where your food comes from – people tend to loose respect for it.

This and the vastness of this world – it makes you realize how small we are. Time goes on forever in the desert. We too, are just a grain of sand. It is humbling.

Diandra: Performing Americana and Soul, what aspects of yourself do you feel connects most to these genres’ essence?

Christina: Having soul doesn’t really attribute itself to any one genre. It’s more like a timbre or quality in my opinion, and more about pouring yourself into what you are singing. I believe being soulful in anything you do, is what connects people. It opens yourself, like an invitation for others to join in, letting them know you have let your guard down, and they are welcome. Americana is the genre I’m feeling most these days. I play a guitar, and they just go hand and hand. Artists like Chris Stapleton and Maren Morris have really been blending soulful vocals over Americana music these days…this is the niche I am going after.

I just released an official music video for “Child of the Sun” and the director, Jacob Voelzke, truly captured the essence of blending soul and Americana as well. You can watch it here!

Diandra: Americana is so much about being a storyteller, and describing the journeys of “being human” to discover/learn what that actually means. How would you define humanity? If your life is an adventure, what do you want its ultimate lesson to be?

Christina: Love. Learn to love yourself, those that differ from you, the birds in the sky, the creatures on the ground, the trees of old, and the earth under your feet. There is so much we do not know, and never will, but if we have love, then we have everything.

Diandra: You have written songs like “Child of The Sun” and “ I Am Only Human” that really speak to recognizing and owning one’s flaws and greatness. How do you feel music helps you do both? What is your advice for those struggling to “own” themselves?

Christina: Music is the language that allows me to translate what my soul needs to say. It’s cathartic. For those looking to find their path in life – do what you love, don’t let your ego get in the way, and don’t be afraid to fail. The greatest rewards usually come from taking the greatest risks.

Diandra: Coming into 2018, what do you hope the year brings for you as an artist? How do you hope to grow creatively and personally?

Christina: I’m jumping back in the studio in a couple of weeks and looking to finish up an album with Robb Torres who produced and recorded the Child of the Sun EP. He is such a talented musician and we had a great time working together.

I am also a featured singer on an upcoming album called Gimme Some Light for Ryan Martin (an incredible songwriter from NYC) being released on High Moon Records in April. It’s truly a beautiful and timeless album that we can’t wait to share with the world.

Aside from that I want to tour as much as possible, see as much of the world as I can. I will be hitting the rockies/west coast loop again this March and am working on a European run for May. Currently I am looking for representation as well – a manager and a label that fits my vibe. If you are out there – come find me!!

For upcoming tour dates: www.christinalaroccamusic.com