1. Hello Yakira, how are you ?
Hi! It’s so great to be with you today! Happy New Year!
2. How long have you been singing for?
I have been singing since I was 6yrs old in different talent shows and events in the many different cities I have lived in. And since the age of 16 I have been performing and working in the entertainment department at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
3. Who are some singers that influenced you?
I consider myself a very versatile and well-rounded person since I love all kinds of music and being from a Hispanic background I have had many singers influence me through out the years. Since Spanish is my first language and being from Dominican Republic merengae has made a big impact on me so I love Miley Quesada, in salsa I love La India or Brenda k star because they were also freestyle singers and me being from Bronx, NY it has always been a big part of my life. Many others like Mary J. bilge, Selena, Sade, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keyes and many others have also influenced me.
4. If you were to compare yourself to any signer, new or old who would it be and why?
Vocally I compare myself to Selena, Alicia Keyes, and Fergie.
5. How long have you been making music?
I have been a student at Full Sail University since 2007 in the recording arts program where I finally started making my original tracks. And now in process of finishing my B.S. in Entertainment Business
6. What are some of the things that you have learned about the music industry?
That not only should you be talented and original, you must also be extremely business savvy and know as much as you can about the music business and know that with out investor to fund your project you really can’t get it off the ground. Studio time, beat’s, photo shoots, etc… cost money…
7. When people find out that you sing and want to work with you, how do you decide if you are going to work with them or not?
Since I love all kinds of music I get a lot of offers to do collaborations with artist in different genres of music, it is picking the right song that fits your voice and the other artist voice without changing the kind of artist you are that is the challenge.
8. Tell us about some of your accomplishments with your music……
I have been very blessed these past few years because I have been able to share my gift with many in very special events. I sang the National Anthem at the Orlando Magic Game, have done many performances at Club 57th West in Down town Orlando. On Reverbnation.com I am number 8 on the Latin/Hip Hop charts and the number 1 vocalist in Latin/Hip Hop Charts in Central FL. I am also featured in La Nina’s new exclusive entertainment magazine FL Magazine.
9. What do you do for fun?
I love the sun and going to the beach, love the movies and hanging out with my friends.
10. Do you go out a lot?
Since I am single and have no kids I go out more then any regular woman would if she were in a relationship. Don’t get me wrong I love to stay home and chill just don’t like to do it by myself all the time.
11. Are you from Orlando originally?
No, I was born in Bronx, NY and lived there and Washington Heights in Manhattan until I was about 12yrs old then I lived in Tampa for about 3 yrs then finally moved to Orlando in 1994.
12. What sign are you?
I am an Aries!
13. When was the first time that you knew you wanted to sing?
Since I have always loved to sing and dance I guess I have always known but probably really knew that I was good enough to perform when I wanted to go audition to be on the kids show Kids Incorporated and the Mickey Mouse Club.
14. What do you do to prepare for a recording session?
I make sure I get plenty of sleep the night before and drink hot tea with honey and lemon. I also make sure I am preparing for my session and go thru all my music that I will be recording.
15. If you could have done anything different in life what would it be?
All together I have been able to earn 3 degrees: I have an A.S. in Medical Insurance billing and coding, A.S. in Recording Arts and in process of finishing a B.S. in Entertainment business. If I could change anything it would be that I would have taking advantage and went with my gut feeling and have gone away to College in California where I know I would have had many more opportunities in my field of music.
16. How do your female friends react or support you when you are in the spotlight?
The real girlfriends that I do have support my dream 100% and they know if I get on we will all get on. Plus most of my girls are in the entertainment field and help each other as much as we can in our strong female movement we are starting.
17. If there was one thing the world should know about you what would it be?
That I would love to be in love and start a family!
18. Whats your nationality?
100% Dominican
19. What’s your favorite restaurant?
Fugi sushi cause I love seafood
20. Who’s your favorite clothing designer?
There are so many but I love baby phat for every daywear.
21. Do you watch any shows on cable?
Yes I love Jersey shore cuz it’s tee shirt time!! But I also like to watch CSI, or House.
22. Nicki or Kim? Why?
Really come on now Kim all day I like my Hip Hop real and original not fake and copy cat!
23. Is there any talent that you would like to work with and haven’t yet?
I would love to work with Pitbull, Snoop Dog, Method Man, Red man, Marc Anthony, and Shakira.
24. What’s been your most valuable lesson that you’ve learned about the industry?
Always be able to know who you can trust and be able to separate your associates and entertainment friends from your family and real friends!
25. McDs or Burger king?
Mc. Donalds
26. Coke or Sprite?
Coke
27. Summer or Winter?
Summer
28. How can people get a hold of you best for any collabs or features?
You can reach me at [email protected]
29. Any last words/ shout outs?
Yes first I like to thank you for your time and love you have shown me! I want to give a big shout out to La Nina and FL magazine for all the love and support thru out the years. Big shout out to all local artist that stay on the grind day in and day out: The Holliwoodz, G-live RocknRolla, The Dezel Head bangers, Ms.Wiz and her team. Big shout out to my favorite DJ’s and mix tape kings V.O.S, DJ Chino and DJ Irene Pardo and my favorite radio host Ricky Padilla for always showing me love!!! Muahhhhhhh!
Facebook link : www.facebook.com/yakirasinger
Twitter link : twitter.com/YakiraSinger
Email address: [email protected]
Website link: www.reverbnation.com/Yakira