Interview: Double Page Spread

(I later on altered the amount of text to fit accurately onto my double page spread. Some sentences were also changed to anchor its appeal to a younger audience).

Title: Under the skin of... Christina B

So Christina, what inspired you to start singing?

Well, ever since I was about 10 I used to get really excited about watching those singing programmes on the television every Saturday night. It was always my dream to be like the girls on the shows, with all the makeup and great comments from the judges. I think that because the people around me always tried to put me down and discourage me from going along with my dream of being a pop singer had given me the drive to carry on. As I got older though, I started to realise how hard it would be to emerge in the music industry as an upcoming artist. Okay, don’t laugh at me but, I really admire the way Justin Bieber started from nothing, to becoming one of the most known pop artists around the world through his videos on YouTube. This kind of idea is what I have been using to help me become noticed.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

[Laughs] Omg, I can’t believe you’re asking me this! [Long pause] Well, I’m only telling you ‘cause your special but, one time I was auditioning for a place on X-Factor [covers face], I was so nervous, everyone was. I was getting so much support from my family and friends at the time backstage, but all I could think about was whether I could sing or not with this feeling in my stomach. When the stage director called my name, honestly I thought I was going to pass out. So, I got to the stage, four pairs of eyes just on me, not including the hundreds of people behind the judges! As soon as I started to talk I could just feel bogey running down my nose [laughs hysterically] I tried to wipe it but my nose wouldn’t stop running! One of the stage directors came and gave me a tissue! Worst day ever.

What has helped you to emerge in the music industry as a pop music artist?

My main source of being noticed has to have been social media I guess. From the very beginning my aim was to get as many views on my YouTube videos as possible for me to get noticed by people who could help me in terms of getting my music to the professional standard. I got so into making videos with my sisters and friends, I started to make my videos more fun and interesting and tried to connect with my subscribers on YouTube as much as I could. As I did, the views on my videos gradually increased. I was so pleased. Of course I had A LOT of help and support from family and friends as we all shared my videos on Twitter and Facebook and stuff like that. I started to get back into contact with a friend who knew the director of a record label and he helped me get to perform in different clubs and venues. This really helped me expand my fan base. Honestly, since then my life has schedule has been full of performances. I have my good friend to thank for this great experience.

Speaking of fans, what are they like?

Aww, you know, I’m not being vain or anything, but I think I have the best fans in the world! Just the other day I was performing in London with my crew and there was a group of girls waiting at the exit with my branded T-shirts on holding gift bags and cookies! I couldn’t help it, I started crying, it seems silly now but I felt really emotional to know that there were people out there that have been supporting me all the way. I signed their t-shirts and took some pictures with them. I couldn’t possibly ask for better fans. I love them all to bits.

What’s your favourite part of being famous?

I love it all to be honest. You would think that I’d be used to travelling by now but, I get so excited when I have an upcoming tour or performance somewhere. Ask anyone, I get more excited about the packing rather than the sights I’m going to see. I’m such a weirdo aren’t I? [Laughs] But yeah, on a serious note, I love the amount of support I get from every single member of family, fan and the people in my team. It really drives me to see them happy, that’s really the reason why I think I get really passionate when I sing. Then there’s the side of me that gets really crazy on stage and most of my videos, I guess it’s the idea that I have to be really fun and catchy with my songs.

Do you ever listen to your own songs when you’re bored?

[Laughs] Not necessarily when I’m bored. This sounds so sad, but whenever I’m in the car with my girls I can’t help but blast my song ‘Base Up’. I think my sister got me addicted to my own song! Is that even normal? Whenever I see her, she’s listening to it.