Exclusive Interview with OMG – Vinita!

 

We got a chance to sit down with a beautiful artist from L.A who is signed to a major label run by Ron Artest and she’s Indian! Trust me you need to check this interview out! Like, OMG! Yes her name is Vinita! Exotic, mysterious and powerful are just a few words to describe this talented Indian-American singer-songwriter. Vinita is paving the way for the South Asian community. According to YouTube, her single “Going Under” featuring cameos by Interscope Artist Lil Playy and Actress Taryn Manning,was voted #17 most watched musician YouTube video in India, #3 in Sweden and #24 in Brazil. This single was off her 2010 E.P. titled “Popular Science.”

After 2 years signed to an independent record label, she is currently signed under AMG Management. In early 2012, Vinita released her single, “Take Me For One Night” ft. Mann (“Buzzin” ft. 50 Cent) which was a huge success on the UK and Bermuda radio charts. Geared to take off in 2013 with her single “Whatchu Want” (available on iTunes and Amazon), her current project is a Remix E.P. from DJs around the world.  We got a chance to sit down with her and ask her about how she got into singing. Check out our interview with Vinita!

UA: Hello Vinita! Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where you are from and your background?

Vinita: I was born and raised in Los Angeles but the parental units are from India. I am a straight up confused desi. I am obsessed with music, fitness and animals. I do several impersonations and if you hang with me, there is never a dull moment.

UA: What kind of music do you enjoy singing?

Vinita: Pop and R&B. You might catch me singing ballads to the mailman or spitting ridiculous raps to the nail salon lady.

UA:Were you inspired by a musical artist that got you to start singing? Did you take any lessons before? Singing lessons?

Vinita: I might be a little obsessed with glam-diva Mariah Carey for many reasons. As a lonely Indian child, I spent many years locked up in my room listening to her albums, imitating her. I never had any vocal training, just Mariah. Her lyrics inspire me till this day. (I think my dad’s mom’s sister’s grandmother’s cat’s cousin sang professionally and I think I got it from her.) My favorite song of hers is called “Make It Happen.” I absolutely love her diva moments and I may have picked some up myself.

UA:What inspires you to write music?

Vinita : Samosas. Just kidding. I get my inspiration from things people are NOT doing. I am always thinking outside the box. I do write all my music. I think it’s important for artists to do that, because it channels who they are as an artist.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3w7t2tTIgUA

UA: If you were not pursuing music, what career would you choose in place of that

Vinita: If I was not pursuing music, I would pursue music. I don’t believe in “Plan B’s.” If you want to do something, then do it. No excuses.

UA: If you had to choose any artist that you would like to collaborate with, who would it and why?

Vinita: Mariah Carey. She is my biggest inspiration. That would be a dream come true. I wouldn’t mind a collab with the Biebs! I have major Bieber Fever. That is one smart man. I am dying to work with Neyo-his writing skills are fantabulous! Down the line I plan on working with Chris Breezy, FloRida, Jay-Z, Weezy and Nicki. *giggle* Actually I have to call Kanye back right now. Hang on. LOL.

UA:What’s currently playing in your iPod?

Vinita: Me, of course. Just kidding. Not really. Well, right now, I have some Christina Aguilera, Bruno Mars, Akon, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and of course Mariah. I love oldies too-Temptations, Shirelles, Otis Redding. People tell me I have an old soul.

UA: Is there any collaboration in the works at the moment?

Vinita: Right now, I am experimenting with different producers and writers. I love that dirty techno sound. I want to push myself and try new things vocally, so I am excited to see what will happen this year in the studio.

Vinita: 2013 huh – I just released a single on iTunes called “Whatchu Want.” Getting ready to release the follow up “Whatchu Want Remix EP” featuring Djs from around the world. We just shot the music video for the single as well. I would say a mixtape by the of March-ish. This year, I just really wanna do more shows, travel, work with new producers and expand the fan base into the Desi community. I am also featured, alongside Game and Jim Jones, on a few records on Metta World’s Mixtape “Passion”, releasing this year. I was lucky to be cast in a reality show called, “The Grind” produced by the talented Sunny Tripathy (Keeping Up With The Guptas). This show is about young entrepenuers and what they go through on the daily grind. We have cameras that follow us around and yes, yes, it’s quite entertaining! Stay tuned for that….. I was also selected as a performer for the Feb 21st RAW Artist Showcase held in Los Angeles, Ca. Keep a lookout for events.

UA: We heard you were part of the artest media group ran by Ron Artest from the Lakers, how does that feel being part of such a major organization and label ran by a NBA player?

Vinita: Metta World Peace is a great guy. Even though he elbows me most of the time, he is down to earth, spontaneous and the funniest person I have ever met. The most important thing he has taught me is teamwork. He really believes in me and always pushes me to do my best. Being a part of AMG (Artest Media Group) is fun! We are one giant family. We all work hard, laugh together, hike together and roll deep when we party. Haha. I am lucky to have Metta in my life. I wanna thank him for making me more hood. WORD, THUN! 😉

UA: Being South Asian, we are always known to be doctors, lawyers or accountants. Are your parents supportive of your singing and do you ever get any feedback from your music from them after you have done a song?

Vinita: As they say parents know best. –It took my parents awhile to realize that I wasn’t going in the traditional doctor/lawyer/engineer route. Vinita does what she wants and nothing stops her. Over the last few years, they have stopped asking “Why?” and started rooting for me. It feels great. My mom thinks every song on the radio is me, so she is clearly confused. My dad just says, “What are you singing about??” It’s funny, but YES, they do support me and they even come to my shows=)

UA: Last question, before we hit the fire round! You sang a track called “Whatchu Want”; tell us what inspired you to write that track?

Vinita: “Whatchu Want” was written about a male in my life. It describes the emotional confusion I went through with him. I wasn’t sure what he wanted, but I wanted him, so then he wanted me and I didn’t want him….it was a mess. LOL…

RAPID ROUNDS

-Fav Actor: Adam Sandler/Jim Carrey! Dang, Can I name two??
-Fav Singer: Duh, Mariah.
-Fav Vacation Spot: Italy
-Fav Cuisine: Sushi
-Designer: Chanel
-Instrument: Piano
-Color: Green
-Perfume: Flower Bomb
SOCIAL MEDIA:Are there any last words for your fans and readers? Where can they find you on social media?

Yes, Please check out my website www.iamvinita.com and follow me on twitter @OMGVinita. I do all kinds of crazy things, especially with Metta WorldPeace in my life. You don’t want to miss anything! My next show is on February 9th called “I Just Wanna Dance” at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Be sure to check out my music at soundcloud.com/omgvinita!

Thanks for speaking to UrbanAsian.com!