Arlene Zelina – Dream of Me

By starrymag | December 13, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) It’s a mix of Pop/R&B/Hip Hop, but I like to think that my sound has elements from all different genres.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I’ve always been inspired by a variety of artists across different genres. I grew up listening to the big American diva’s. Whitney, Mariah, Celine, Aretha, etc. They really shaped my thoughts on music – always wanting my songs to be vocally driven. Add a splash of Michael Jackson and a bunch of new artists and that’s what gets me inspired.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Dream of Me.”

 

A) This is one for the ladies! It’s about taking control of your imagination and living out your wildest fantasies. It’s about being confident about who you are and who you want to be and having fun with it.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think they are loving the overall R&B vibe. Who doesn’t love a good baby-making song? [laughs]

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

 

A) It changes all the time! Sometimes I am moved by certain beats or melodies and other times certain words just come to me and that builds the basis of a song. Right now, I’ve got some really great tracks on my hands so I’m starting with the music!

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

 

A) I’m very particular on how I want my songs to sound so I definitely have input into the production side. The producers I have worked with have been amazing – they are always so open to creative input; however, I always trust their judgement because they are the experts!

 

Q) You have done some amazing song covers! How do you go about selecting them?

 

A) I definitely gravitate towards Top 40 tracks because they are fresh, new and popular. My favorites are when I challenge myself to turn a dance track into a ballad. I also love to do a throwback here and there.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Arlene Zelina performance?

 

A) I like to make my performances super interactive and personal. I want them to feel a part of the entire show!

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) Absolutely! This is just the beginning. I’m currently working on a bunch of new music that I hope to release early 2019.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

 

A) I’ve performed at some of the most amazing venues in the world – from stadiums to TV sets and everything in between. One of my favorites was performing at the YouTube Next Generation event in Sydney at the iconic Luna Park. The stage production was incredible and the whole ambiance was magic!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) There are so many artists I would love to collaborate with for different reasons. The list is endless, but Post Malone would be a super fun one right now!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I think we can all agree that Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” is on repeat right now. I absolutely love a solid pop song and she nailed it with this latest one. I’m also listening to a lot of throwbacks – slow jams that inspired “Dream Of Me.”

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) It’s a way that you can truly show who you are on a personal level with no filter. I love that I can talk directly to the people that actually listen to my music. I also include them in my decision-making process for covers so they get to be a part of the process and the whole journey.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I still can’t believe people listen to my music! I am forever grateful and never take it for granted. They are the only way I can keep doing what I’m doing. So THANKYOU x 10000 and more.