Poppie Platt catches up with rising popstar Lina to talk supporting Little Mix, the eternal power of Avril Lavigne and childhood epiphanies where she just knew performing was her calling.
Lina has continued to light-up the international pop music scene since winning Israel’s The Voice back in 2013. With tracks ‘Can’t Keep Falling’, ‘This Ain’t About You’ and ‘Dance Sucker’ all reaching Top 10 positions in the UK music charts, inthemiddle catch up with Lina ahead of her support slot with the planet’s biggest girl band, Little Mix. A triumphant return to Yorkshire and a first show in Leeds marks the occasion as a personal career highlight for the singer.
Hi, Lina! Were you excited to perform in Leeds on Saturday, have you ever visited the city or Yorkshire before?
Hey! Leeds was amazing. I was in Sheffield last year, I had some writing sessions with Eliot Kennedy and Karen Poole. Loved this city and the vibes! Can’t wait to come back!
After winning The Voice (Israel) in 2013, were you surprised at how much international success followed, with ‘This Ain’t About You’ and ‘Dance Sucker’ reaching Top 10 in the UK music charts?
Yes! It was crazy. Don’t forget about ‘Can’t Keep Falling’ that made it to #4! I’ve been aiming to get to the UK music industry, but I never imagined it will happen so fast. I have the best manager and team here, and I’m so grateful for them.
So, you’ve opened for such massive acts as Queen & Adam Lambert, Will Smith, and now Little Mix. Does performing at shows internationally with such diverse acts show that you’re more than just a typical ‘pop’ singer?
I think it showcases my personality. I grew up listening to so many different music genres, and was influenced by so many artists, and it’s such a great privilege and honor to be chosen by international massive acts and share stages with them.
Do you think that 2017 is a good time to be a female pop singer? Opening for Little Mix this Saturday, do you still consider female music artists to be a strong, positive role model for young girls and aspiring artists?
Yes! Always and forever.
Us women- we have so much power. We’re intelligent, sensitive, gentle, yet strong. We don’t see black and white only- we have a full palette of colors.. and I believe that every female artist who had made it that far in her career gave up on so many things to fulfil her dream and inspire others.
Growing up, who would you cite as your biggest musical influences?
The first three albums that I bought were when I was 12 years old. They were- I’m Not Dead by Pink, Futuresex/Lovesounds by Justin Timberlake, and Under My Skin by Avril Lavigne. I believe these three were amongst my favourite artists who really influenced and shaped my musical taste and style.
Was there a particular point when you remember thinking “that’s it, I want to be a performer”?
Yes. I remember when I was 6 years old I came back home after a Ballet recital and told myself, “I want to be a performer. I don’t care if it’s dancing, acting, singing, or playing, but stage is my favourite place on earth.
Poppie Platt
[Feature Image: VEVO]