As her uncle Chico Debarge gears up for his comeback album, 19-year-old Kristinia Debarge is preparing to introduce the world to the next generation of the Debarge family legacy with her Def Jam debut. Check out my interview with the California songbird below.
With a lineage like hers, you'd think Kristinia would be feeling some pressure as she prepares for her currently untitled album to hit stores this Summer. Instead the young singer knows how to count her blessings.
"I look at it as a bonus," Kristinia tells SOHH Soulful. "A lot of people ask if it feels like there?s pressure there because it?s a lot to live up to. They were very successful people and they are really respected in the game to this day for songwriting and talent so I am just happy to be part of the family and looking forward to all the great things coming my way."
Debarge just turned nineteen in March, two days after signing her long awaited deal with Def Jam -- a milestone that she says has been a goal for some time now.
"I signed two days before my 19th birthday which was March 6th. It was like FINALLY! I felt like it was about time because I had been trying to get a deal since I was twelve. I met with the head of Island Def Jam when I was 16 and he really loved me and my music. When I signed I felt like I reached my goal because I had told my mom I either wanted to get signed at 16 or 18. I?m really excited to see what?s going to happen. We shot the video and it should come out soon so I?m excited. It?s going to be a big deal for me so I can?t wait."
Influenced by a diverse collection of artists, including Bob Dylan, Mariah Carey, Nancy Wilson, Led Zeppelin and Aaliyah, Kristinia is also a songwriter who has penned much of the material for her debut, with a little help from one of the best in the business.
"I?ve written most of the songs on the album with Kenny," Kristinia says, before elaborating, "which is Babyface. We?ve been writing a lot of songs. Some of the songs were already written for me, like ?Goodbye? . I am going to be writing more and I hope to be writing for other artists as well."
In addition to Babyface, producer Damon Thomas has also contributed to the project, and Krisitinia is also hoping to enlist another very famous talent to feature before the album is wrapped.
"I?d love ot work with Ne-Yo," Kristinia admits. "I?m trying to work that out right now. I think he?s so talented. I believe he?s going to be someone everyone will remember. He inspired me lyrically and melodywise. I would love to work with him. That?s something I have to do. I?m pushing for that."
Check out the behind the scenes footage from the making of Kristinia's video for "Goodbye" the first single off the album:
Kristinia Debarge Behind The Scenes of Goodbye Music Video
I love this girl's attitude, she's so sweet it's refreshing. What do you guys think of Kristinia? It has to be a challenge working with Babyface and having a father who achieved such a level of success in his own career. Do you think she has what it takes to make a name for herself? Talk to me y'all!
I think she has the x factor as simon puts it. She totally has it! I see her in this business for a long time.