Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlina Ricca.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a singer-songwriter, dancer, actress, musician, and choreographer based in Los Angeles. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, I moved to LA to pursue my career as a performer. As a recording artist, my music can be described as a sultry blend of jazz, R&B, and pop, often featuring my alto saxophone. I am very excited to announce the release of my debut album, “Life’s Seasons”, which is available on all streaming platforms as of March 29th!
Music and performance have always been in my life. My earliest memories of music were at my nonno and nonna’s house. I cherish these memories, all of us dancing and singing in the dining room after dinner. My nonno and nonna inspired my love for music, dance, and performance. As a little girl, I became passionate about performing and knew I could pursue it if I wanted to!
When I was two, I began studying dance, eventually dancing competitively. At age eleven, I began vocal training and picked up the alto saxophone through the school’s band program. As I reached my teens, I participated in the high school’s musicals, finding my love for musical theatre. I was a proud “band kid” in high school participating in the marching band, jazz band, and choir, always hanging out in the music wing. My original plan to study engineering in college changed my senior year. The hard work and passion I felt through my extracurriculars encouraged me to follow my dreams. I decided to study Musical Theatre at AMDA College of the Performing Arts. I spent my first two years of college at the New York campus. I learned so much and after graduating from the Associates program I was thrilled to learn more! I came to LA with the same curiosity as I did my freshman year; a new city with plenty of new connections. I graduated from AMDA College, here in Hollywood, earning my BFA in Musical Theatre.
Since graduation, I have released my first studio singles, “Winter Blues” and “Summer in New York”, which are on, “Life’s Seasons”. My most recent single is “SOS” with a music video in the works. I also would love to invite readers to my upcoming gig in LA! I will be playing Breaking Sound Unpublished at Rudolph’s Bar & Tea on April 10th at 7pm (ticket info: https://tixr.com/e/135270).
Along with music, I have danced for Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder Celebration and played “Vanessa” in the upcoming movie, American Spark. I continue to use social media to spotlight my love for performing with monthly themes such as “Love Thru the Decades” and “12 Days of Song”. I enjoy using social media as a tool to spread my passion and to inspire others to follow their dreams!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road is never smooth, unless you finally hit the highway, but even highways come to an end! Honestly, I am working through a struggle right now. I just graduated college last June, and I am STILL adjusting to “real life”. Nothing you learn in school prepares you for post-graduation! I keep myself busy, creating a packed schedule that includes practicing my craft, auditioning, working, and creating content for my audience. Although I juggle a lot, I still have the feeling I am not doing enough, and that I need to do more.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As mentioned earlier, I am a singer-songwriter, dancer, actress, musician, and choreographer. I also can say I am a director/producer now that I have directed and produced my own music video for my single, “Summer in New York”. There is so much to do within the entertainment industry that I find myself putting myself out there in every outlet. The best way to describe everything I do is I create and story tell! I love storytelling whether it is my own work or another’s. I take pride in my different talents and believe I have something special because of it. I have always stayed true to myself and inspire my audience to do the same.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Aside from the beaches, mountains and plenty of sunshine, I love that Los Angeles has plenty of opportunities. I find people here are always looking to network and start up conversation with strangers. I LOVE that! A lot of the amazing opportunities I have experienced have been through connections I have made within the industry.
My dislikes…traffic is the most obvious answer, but I truly dislike how far I am from home. I know I am just a plane ride away, but I wish I could see my family every weekend. They are my rock!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlinaricca.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlinaricca/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlinariccamusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWdeJH2b83AzNGuBavDFLrA
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PIN0E3dYQXlEkhgjSaJL3?si=4rx73DU3SoO7-n4bz_xLAg
Image Credits
Heather Tabacchi, CarlaTina
