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CG ShopMotivational Woman Story: Maria Mena Written by: Jennifer Mosscrop |
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| Written by CG Girl |
| Friday, 09 October 2009 03:35 |
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MOTIVATIONAL WOMAN STORY “RISING STAR ALERT: MARIA MENA TAKES ON AMERICA” BY JENNIFER MOSSCROP RISING STAR ALERT: MARIA MENA Takes On America By: Jennifer Mosscrop After conquering the Norwegian pop charts, singer/songwriter MARIA MENA faced the tough decision of whether to attend college or pursue her singing career. “Education is really important,” Marisa says, “but I had a chance between school and living out my dreams.” Maria’s dreams are becoming a reality as she works hard to make her name known in the United States. Her American debut album, White Tuna Blue, was released on Columbia Records this past summer, and her single, “You’re the Only One” is moving up on Top 40 radio stations across the country. “Education is really important,” says Maria. She plans on enrolling in an intense private program in Norway. Of course, school’s not a distant possibility for Maria. She plans on enrolling in an intensive private program in Norway where she’ll be able to finish school at home, in a short period of time. Maria’s first Norwegian album, Another Phase, went platinum in 2002, catapulting her to celebrity status. She performed for thousands of fans on TV, and was nominated for three Spellemannpriser Awards (equivalent to the Grammy Awards)-all by the age of 16! Academic intensity is nothing new to Maria. Her hit single, “My Lullaby,” a heartfelt ballad about her parents’ divorce, was hot when she started high school. “I remember the first day of school,” says Maria. “There were so many people sitting around and talking loudly. But as soon as I came in the room everyone got quiet and stared at me.” Stardom and school don’t always mix well. “It was hard making friends in high school; everyone had opinions about me before we even met,” she explains. Her music teacher became her confidante. “She was really supportive, “she says. “She’d let me borrow the school’s music books.” Her tunes served as an escape for Maria, whose music is a breath of fresh air-it’s pop with heart. She incorporates an array of musical styles into her songs such as jazz, soul, and R&B and writes her own songs-a rare gift in the pop arena. It is this unique mix that allows her to stand apart from the pack of over-produced, recycled pop tunes that smother your sounds system. It’s hard not to notice Maria’s heart in her work. Each verse exposes another aspect of the 18 year-old Songstress. “I have a weird way of writing songs,” says Maria. “I hum melodies in my head and sing them to my producer [Arvid Solvang]. I communicate well with him; he’s my best friend.” “I couldn’t imagine doing anything but music,” proclaims Maria. “If I had to do something else, it would be something creative, like design. Or I’d be in school getting a degree and dreaming about music!’ |
