(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Dubai-based singer Clarita de Quiroz talks about her upcoming debut album Speak.Delete.Repeat. ahead of her performance in the city tomorrow
Not many Dubai-based musicians can say they’ve collaborated with the likes of Emeli Sandé shared the stage with Elton John or been signed to a record contract with Sony Music.
So when local singer and composer Clarita de Quiroz releases her debut album Speak.Delete.Repeat. on April 14 the career high occasion will be the culmination of the many years she’s spent chasing the spotlight.
As a powerhouse vocalist and keen instrumentalist De Quiroz has been a fixture on the Middle East’s underground music scene for years. Tomorrow night she’ll even be opening for Scottish singer Paolo Nutini in his concert at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Accompanied by her piano the Filipino-Spanish and Dutch-Irish artist will be showcasing the many influences that have impacted her musical stylings. From soulful ballads to R&B crowds can expect a hypnotising mix of flavours from the up-and-coming star.
What does it feel like releasing your debut solo album?
In all honesty it’s a scary feeling. You put your heart soul time and effort into something that is so personal and having the platform for people to listen to it for the first time is very daunting. But it’s also very exciting having recently been signed to a major label and finally putting my album out there which has been in the works for a few years.
What’s the story behind the album’s title Speak.Delete.Repeat.?
The album title is actually a line from one of the songs called Beautiful Losers. Speak.Delete.Repeat. is about our need as humans to communicate even at the risk of repeating ourselves. If anything the act of communicating is sometimes more important to us than the people we are communicating with.
What type of music can people expect to hear on your new project?
Classical instrumentals slight rock pop tracks and a lot of soul. I have been very true to myself as an artist writer and composer on this album. When you see me perform live this is what you would expect to hear especially on tracks like Addicted Blanket of Secrets and Beautiful Losers. If you like artists such as Emeli Sandé and Adele you might possibly like this album also.
What was it like collaborating with Emeli Sandé? Any other collaborations to look forward to in the future?
Emeli is a class act and still maintains her humble personality. I worked with her when we were both studying at the University of Glasgow and she always impressed and inspired me. She has an amazing writing ability as well as vocal ability. I am also working with Lebanese pianist Michel Fadel which is an honour because we share the same musical interests.
Is it difficult getting your music heard in a country like the UAE where mostly international artists dominate the scene?
It’s very difficult but it’s nothing that hard work and dedication can’t fix though. With the support of friends in the industry and label backing hopefully this will change. I feel that over the last year more local acts are being signed to record labels here in the UAE and getting good radio play.
Is it ever scary putting music out there to be judged?
Extremely - we are always judging or getting judged. But I do believe that if you’re one hundred per cent happy with what you have produced and are proud of your work the differing opinions will be accepted gracefully and positively. I would rather be judged on something that is true to my art than be judged on something that didn’t reflect me as an artist.
From Elton John to Kelly Roland you’ve shared the stage with some pretty big names. How do you define career success?
I don’t really think of it in terms of my career because success is not necessarily based on millions of record sales. I believe it’s performing in front of others and having them listen to your original music and getting that incredible response. If people like what you do in your true form I think that is success in itself.
Your ethnic background features a pretty wonderful mix of cultures. Does it influence your music in any way?
I don’t think my ethnic background has had a big impact on my music to be honest. However it brought me to the Middle East which has inspired a new love for Arabic music which probably wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t living here or born in the UAE.
Clarita de Quiroz will be opening for Paolo Nutini tomorrow (April 10) at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Tickets start at Dhs350 available from platinumlist.net.