Today we’d like to introduce you to Masina.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Masina, that’s me! I was born and raised in Hawaii, the land of culture, music, singing, dancing and storytelling. I’ve been singing since before I could talk. I literally can’t think back to a time where music and singing was foreign to me, its always been in my blood and in my bones! I was singing, dancing, playing piano and performing from as young as five years old, it was just my thing. I was chosen for solos in church, solos in school performances and at family talent shows. My mom decided to put me in a local children’s choir and I got to travel the world because of singing – everywhere from England, France, China, and Italy!
I started writing my own music when I was 14. Whenever anyone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up the answer as always, a singer, duh. When it came to choosing a college to attend, I decided not to go to a regular university. I auditioned and was accepted to The American Musical and Dramatic Academy – AMDA! I knew that I could sharpen all of my skills in one place and become a well-rounded performer. As I studied musical theatre, I gained such a love for it, but songwriting was always my purest form of expression. Some nights I’d spend hours in the piano studio’s just playing and writing to my heart’s content.
After graduating, I started teaching musical theatre and performance, but after years of devoting my energy to others, I finally decided it was time to invest in myself. I wrote smoke, got it recorded and shot the music video all in the span of five months. Although I’d been writing for years, I had finally evolved into the version of myself that had the confidence and strength to be completely vulnerable. Yeah, read that again, STRENGTH to be VULNERABLE. I had to believe in myself enough to invest in myself and realize that putting music into the world was an achievement in itself. Not gaging my success by monetary value is what truly gave me the freedom to pursue my dreams! I decided I am enough, I decided I’m worth it, and I decided that I’m taking my future into my own hands.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh boy, smooth? pfffffff. Far from it. Although I am very blessed with a supportive and amazing family, which I will never take for granted, and I’m blessed with many great working opportunities and a network of loyal friends, my struggles were far from absent. The first struggle was conquering insecurity. Although the term, deciding I’m enough, is simple to read and simple to say, it’s far from simple to achieve. Many of us, myself included, have trauma from our childhood experiences that fostered hidden insecurities and triggers. I wasn’t ever the cool kid. I was bullied a lot and never felt like I fit in. I just lived in my own little bubble world and made the best of what I had, kind of accepting I was never meant to be “part of their world” 😉 But in adulthood, some of those deep insecurities resurface when you have to bet on yourself. When you have to be open to criticism, comments and opinions. But one thing about me, I got fire, and when it burns…it burns hot.
Then there were emotional struggles. All I’ll say is this, a song like smoke doesn’t just come from NOWHERE lol. Babygirl had to feel some tough things but nonetheless, she learned from them. And then there was the physical struggle. A week before I shot the music video for smoke, I got Laryngitis. Not just the raspy laryngitis either, the – I can’t speak even if I tried and when I did try, I sounded like Rick Ross – laryngitis. As a singer, being disconnected from your voice is like being disconnected from your heart. I was so afraid that my lack of voice would show up in the music video for smoke, but luckily, as I steadied my own heart I was able to sink into my emotions and still be in touch with myself during the shoot. But hey, struggles make us stronger. So I’m grateful for every single one I’ve endured and I’m ready for the future struggles! Bring it on!
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
Masina. Don’t forget it. One word – like Rihanna lol. I’m an upcoming artist – a songwriter/singer. Yeah, I typed it backwards. I identify with a songwriter before I identify with a singer. There’s just a different side of me revealed in the music that I write that doesn’t manifest itself anywhere else, whether I’m performing other music or musical theatre, the songwriting side of me is my baby. That’s why I decided to name my EP “Storyteller” My ancestors used music and dance to keep tradition alive and to tell stories. I will keep that same energy. No matter what I do. Whether singing, acting, dancing or songwriting, the story is the most important part to me. The message. The heart. What sets me apart? My vibeeeeee. You’ll know it when you hear it 🙂
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Energy. The Energy I give towards people I interact with to foster positive and growing relationships. The Energy I cultivate individually to keep me driven and passionate. The energy that I pour into my music & most of all the energy that I can convey through my music, hopefully touching not just the ears but the hearts of everyone who gives me a listen. My energy oozes passion, My Passion breeds work ethic, & my work ethic inspires respect.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.masinamusic.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xomasina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xomasina
Image Credit:
Alex Harper, Victor Guillen
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