As you probably guessed, here on the IML blog we're always on the lookout for new and interesting music artists that appeal to tweens. You know, performers who might be a little different from what "everyone else" is listening to, or have unusual stories behind their music, or just people who we think might be future stars (so we can say, "Hey, we interviewed them way back when!").
So here's an extra-special one for you: 16-year--old Bera, who's combined his training as a classical musician with his love of jazz and soul, along with his multicultural roots, to create some beautiful tunes from the heart. And if you're wondering what's up with the white hair, that's his natural color (more on that later). His upcoming EP is called "Late Night Cruise Music."
IML: When did you first start playing music? Do you remember what really grabbed you about it, and how it made you feel?
Bera: I was born into music and started playing when I was just 1 year old. I couldn't walk or talk, but I turned on the radio and started listening. When I was four years old I started playing violin, and two years later I started on piano and drums, so I was always playing music. Music has always been a big part of me, like my best friend. I never really decided to pursue music as a career; everything happened naturally. It's the same today; I just do what I love. I never thought about making a song because it would be good for my career, I just followed my passion and thought that if one day it became a job or something I felt I had to do, then I would stop.
IML: You're a Paris native but you also spend time in the Republic of Georgia. How have the different places you've lived influenced your music?
Bera: The places I have lived have definitely influenced my music. First of all, Paris is like the capital of Europe -- with fashion and everything -- and Georgia is much closer to Asia, a very traditional and religious country. So culturally Paris and Georgia are very, very different, and so is their music. Georgian people are very melodic, using a lot of sounds and harmony, so that was my main influence when I first started playing. Then in Paris I had more classical training -- mostly piano and singing -- so that influenced my music and me personally, as well.
IML: Last summer you took part in the Camplified tour. What was that like?
Bera: It was beautiful, my first tour in the States! I learned a lot about myself and my music, and I think the kids really liked the songs. It could sometimes be a tough crowd, but the kids had good hearts and didn't seem to look at me as a stranger -- it was almost like I became a member of their family for the day. It was never a huge crowd, so I could always connect with the audience -- they were very receptive and we had a great time!
IML: What are some of the challenges you've had to face in life because as an albino (a person born with no pigmentation, or coloring, in their skin, hair, or eyes), you have different physical traits than most people?
Bera: Personally, I always liked the fact that I was different. It's good marketing! Of course sometimes people say things like, "Oh, man -- you are so white," but then the girls come over and say, "Can I touch your hair?" Really, the girls always liked it, so it never bothered me!
To learn more about Bera, check out his website at www.beraofficial.com.
So here's an extra-special one for you: 16-year--old Bera, who's combined his training as a classical musician with his love of jazz and soul, along with his multicultural roots, to create some beautiful tunes from the heart. And if you're wondering what's up with the white hair, that's his natural color (more on that later). His upcoming EP is called "Late Night Cruise Music." IML: When did you first start playing music? Do you remember what really grabbed you about it, and how it made you feel?
Bera: I was born into music and started playing when I was just 1 year old. I couldn't walk or talk, but I turned on the radio and started listening. When I was four years old I started playing violin, and two years later I started on piano and drums, so I was always playing music. Music has always been a big part of me, like my best friend. I never really decided to pursue music as a career; everything happened naturally. It's the same today; I just do what I love. I never thought about making a song because it would be good for my career, I just followed my passion and thought that if one day it became a job or something I felt I had to do, then I would stop.
IML: You're a Paris native but you also spend time in the Republic of Georgia. How have the different places you've lived influenced your music?
Bera: The places I have lived have definitely influenced my music. First of all, Paris is like the capital of Europe -- with fashion and everything -- and Georgia is much closer to Asia, a very traditional and religious country. So culturally Paris and Georgia are very, very different, and so is their music. Georgian people are very melodic, using a lot of sounds and harmony, so that was my main influence when I first started playing. Then in Paris I had more classical training -- mostly piano and singing -- so that influenced my music and me personally, as well.
IML: Last summer you took part in the Camplified tour. What was that like?
Bera: It was beautiful, my first tour in the States! I learned a lot about myself and my music, and I think the kids really liked the songs. It could sometimes be a tough crowd, but the kids had good hearts and didn't seem to look at me as a stranger -- it was almost like I became a member of their family for the day. It was never a huge crowd, so I could always connect with the audience -- they were very receptive and we had a great time!
IML: What are some of the challenges you've had to face in life because as an albino (a person born with no pigmentation, or coloring, in their skin, hair, or eyes), you have different physical traits than most people?
Bera: Personally, I always liked the fact that I was different. It's good marketing! Of course sometimes people say things like, "Oh, man -- you are so white," but then the girls come over and say, "Can I touch your hair?" Really, the girls always liked it, so it never bothered me!
To learn more about Bera, check out his website at www.beraofficial.com.
