Faith Rivera

Pop singer/songwriter Faith Rivera prefers to let her music do the talking for her. Faith's music is a celebration of multicultural music fused with comfy grooves, catchy hooks, upbeat lyrics and soulful vocals and is embraced by audiences globally. Having worked with some top artists including Luther Vandross, Jon Secada, Deborah Cox, Jackie Velazquez, Sheila E. and more, the sky's the limit for this talented songstress!

Stage Name: FAITH RIVERA
Band: FAITHGROOVE

Age: 30

Location: Long Beach, California, USA

Music Genre: Positive Pop

When did you realise that music was your passion?

I started playing the piano from the age of 6, but didn't realize it was my passion until I chickened out from going to Berkely College of Music in New York and was at another college in San Fran thinking I'd take the safe road and be a communications major. NOT!

I ended up writing and performing a song called "Don't Let the Music Die" (about going for your dreams) at the college talent show and was overwhelmed by a standing ovation…I knew then there was no denying my true passion for music.

List three musical influences:

- Prince
- Alanis Morrisette
- Years of playing Church Music

How many years have you been performing?

I'd say my first piano recital was 24 years ago…I haven't stopped since then! Professionally, I'd say for 12 years.

Do you write your own material? YES!

Have you found the Internet to be helpful/useful in fast-tracking your music career?

TOTALLY…though MP3.com has recently been bought over by a corporate giant, its site and other indy artist sites have brought so many fans and different opportunities to me that I would have never found otherwise. Not to mention all the great networking I can do online to target my music to so many different markets (women organizations, positive sites)

In following your dream, who has helped you along the way?

I'm fortunate that my family has really been there for me from my very first recital. Included in this tight circle, is my hubby and my best friend, Nolan who's been my #1 guy since the 11th grade. My career is really HIS career as well since he put so much energy, time and resources into helping me realize my dreams.

Along the way there have been so many incredible fans and mentors…and really, I'd say everyone I've come in contact with has helped me to be the person I am today and to realize my highest potential. Even seemingly bad circumstances allow us the chance to define who we are in relation to it.

Is there anything you wish you could change about the music industry?

If anything, I wish the music industry would allow more opportunities for "non-commercial" artists and music. In specific, being an Asian American, I would love to see more Asian artists achieve commercial success in music. I wish the industry was not so image-driven, and instead content- driven (great songs, unique artists with something refreshing to say, etc.) The change most likely has to come from the listeners, the general public. We need to demand more from our music that feeds our souls and minds daily with messages…if we say we want a more loving, color-blind, non-judgemental society, then our music and all our art needs to reflect this.

What advice can you offer to other budding young artists?

Always know who you are, set specific goals, continually work on improving your craft, dream big, and go for it with LOVE (not fear) no matter what the outcome!

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years time?

Travelling the world with FAITHGROOVE, my band, and spreading my positive music through new albums and live concerts!

Where can people purchase/listen to your music?

To Listen: http://www.mp3.com/faith
To Purchase: http://www.faithgroove.com/

GIRL'S 60 SECOND QUIZ

Full Name: Esther "Faith" Rivera
Nickname(s): Faith, Faithy Girl, E, Esta Bunny
Star Sign: Aries

Fave Food: Pizza
Fave Film: Matrix
Fave Actor: Johnny Depp
Fave Animal: Puppy or Kitty

Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Empowering, idealistic, creative
Best Feature: Hair
Worst Feature: Non-waistline

Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Oprah
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, Movies, Body Pump, Decorating my new pad
First Job: I leid people in Hawaii…that is, I put flower leis on tourists as they arrived off the planes.

A Talent You Wish You Had: A really good memory
The Best Advice Given To You: Go with LOVE not FEAR!
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: My water bottle
If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be? Smurf
If you were told you had a minute to live, what would you do? If I had a phone or email, I'd contact all my loved ones, make sure they knew I loved them and appreciated their presence in my life, and then ask them all to live their life passionately, to dream big, and to work towards a more loving world!!! If no way of communicating, then I'd just snuggle with my hubby!


N.B.: If you would like to nominate a Star of Tomorrow, email michelle@girl.com.au, include a brief biography of the person you are nominating and tell us why they are the next big thing!