Ariana Grinblat
Ariana is a Russian-American multi-platinum pop/R&B recording artist. She was signed with Sony Music Russia in 2000 at the tender age of 15, and her career as a singer blossomed quickly earning her some impressive nods including 6 Russian Grammies, 3 Song of the Years, and a nomination for Best Russian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Her debut album "I'll Do It All Again" sold a remarkable 500,000 units, making her the number two selling artist in Russia in 2002 behind the internationally scandalous girl group t.A.T.u.
When asked what she attributes to her success in the Russian market, Ariana confidently responds that a big factor was the fact that she is bi-cultural. "Even though I was singing in Russian for the Russian market initially, my delivery was always very American. Whether it was the 'charming' glints of an American accent that would come through, or the actual songs and genre I was representing, it had a very international sound. So, essentially, it sounded like American pop, but in Russian, which my audience really responded to. It was like I was a foreigner they could call their own." Her goal was to pioneer R&B in Russia, but she was best known for her romantic power ballads, including her break-out single "Under the Spanish Sky" which earned her her first two Russian Grammys, making her the youngest recipient to date (she was 16).
She went on to record her second album in 2005 called "Without Compromise" which included another award winning cover song entitled "Romans," a duet with famous rock artist Aleksandr Marshal from the 70's rock opera "Juno and Avos." "It was an honor getting to reinterpret such a classic song. But with that comes immense responsibility and sensitivity to preserve the integrity of the original version. Too much deviation, and you can upset a lot of people." However, Ariana's fears never came to fruition, both the original composer and lyricist gave their blessing of the reincarnation of the song before it was officially released, and soon after, Ariana had two more grammies under her belt.
After taking a few years off, multi-platinum recording artist Ariana released her new single "You're Not Alone" in late 2012 in an unexpected new genre for the soulful Russian American vocalist, whose hits included power ballad "I'll Do it All Again".
"Taking time off was the best choice I could've made, because now I'm ready to dive head first into my musical passion -- the world of EDM. It's been an amazing journey, and I'm finally ready to share it with my patient and loyal fans all over the world!" says Ariana of her return to music. Her new single "You're Not Alone" is a delectable mix of vocal progressive house and dubstep with a hint of her current influences, Nadia Ali, Medina, and Kaskade. "Typically, in EDM, the focus is on the DJ and the vocals are like a complementary accessory to the song. I'd like to help change that, and bring the focus back to the singer and create a harmonious marriage, if you will, between the two sides. I think it could really be something glorious."
In terms of her plans, Ariana doesn't plan to only focus on her own project. "Because I've been in the music business for so many years, I always saw myself developing and producing talent as well as my own music. This is why I try to surround myself with as much young talent as possible -- because that's where the future of music is at. Jack Wilson, who co-wrote and co-produced my new single is a rising star...you can quote me on that!" Judging by the buzz her new track created -- she knows what she's talking about!
When asked what she attributes to her success in the Russian market, Ariana confidently responds that a big factor was the fact that she is bi-cultural. "Even though I was singing in Russian for the Russian market initially, my delivery was always very American. Whether it was the 'charming' glints of an American accent that would come through, or the actual songs and genre I was representing, it had a very international sound. So, essentially, it sounded like American pop, but in Russian, which my audience really responded to. It was like I was a foreigner they could call their own." Her goal was to pioneer R&B in Russia, but she was best known for her romantic power ballads, including her break-out single "Under the Spanish Sky" which earned her her first two Russian Grammys, making her the youngest recipient to date (she was 16).
She went on to record her second album in 2005 called "Without Compromise" which included another award winning cover song entitled "Romans," a duet with famous rock artist Aleksandr Marshal from the 70's rock opera "Juno and Avos." "It was an honor getting to reinterpret such a classic song. But with that comes immense responsibility and sensitivity to preserve the integrity of the original version. Too much deviation, and you can upset a lot of people." However, Ariana's fears never came to fruition, both the original composer and lyricist gave their blessing of the reincarnation of the song before it was officially released, and soon after, Ariana had two more grammies under her belt.
After taking a few years off, multi-platinum recording artist Ariana released her new single "You're Not Alone" in late 2012 in an unexpected new genre for the soulful Russian American vocalist, whose hits included power ballad "I'll Do it All Again".
"Taking time off was the best choice I could've made, because now I'm ready to dive head first into my musical passion -- the world of EDM. It's been an amazing journey, and I'm finally ready to share it with my patient and loyal fans all over the world!" says Ariana of her return to music. Her new single "You're Not Alone" is a delectable mix of vocal progressive house and dubstep with a hint of her current influences, Nadia Ali, Medina, and Kaskade. "Typically, in EDM, the focus is on the DJ and the vocals are like a complementary accessory to the song. I'd like to help change that, and bring the focus back to the singer and create a harmonious marriage, if you will, between the two sides. I think it could really be something glorious."
In terms of her plans, Ariana doesn't plan to only focus on her own project. "Because I've been in the music business for so many years, I always saw myself developing and producing talent as well as my own music. This is why I try to surround myself with as much young talent as possible -- because that's where the future of music is at. Jack Wilson, who co-wrote and co-produced my new single is a rising star...you can quote me on that!" Judging by the buzz her new track created -- she knows what she's talking about!
