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Check our interview with talented singer Manika, who is currently the host of the TLC Network’s Global Beauty Masters and DASH Radio’s “Manika’s Love Line.”
Her new single/video “How Can I Love” hit #7 on the U.S. Billboard Singles Sales charts. The music video has over 523,000 views and she’s received more than 8.75 million spins on Pandora.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Check out “How Can I Love” video[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd_Pc5Rt3Tc”][vc_single_image image=”21869″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
Hi Manika, please tell us a little about you!
I am a Las Vegas girl born and raised 😛
What is your musical background? Do you have a musical family?
Music has always been my life…music is where I feel most comfortable, free and alive. I started off participating in my school’s music and theater program for as long as I can remember. When I was 13,14,15 I competed in the National Performing Arts Festival in New York City and won most outstanding performance awards for all three years. That was when I knew not only did I LOVE music, but I could actually do it for a career. Shortly after, Frank DiLeo (Michael Jackson’s long-time manager) flew down to Las Vegas to tell me he wanted to manage me!
Do you ever get nervous?
I always get those nervous-butterfly tingles and I love it! That means it’s gonna be a great show 🙂
For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 3 words
Fun, Daring, Relatable.
Do you have or had acting classes?
Yes! I trained with quite a few acting coaches. Brian Reise is definitely one of my favorite teachers.
How did you get started in the industry?
After Frank DiLeo started managing me things really took off. My first single was released featuring Young Money’s Lil Twist and later that year I headlined Pepsi’s Shop Til Ya Rock tour. Shortly after that I toured North America performing on tour with none other than One Direction! My inner fan girl was screaming.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
My family and fans. They are my light, joy and happiness in life.
Now tell us about your hit “How Can I Love”?
“So many people (including my fans, closest friends and at times myself) have gone through times of being self-conscious, unhappy and depressed.
‘How Can I Love’ really captures those feelings. I hope it can help people who are going through those hard times and difficult emotions cope better. Depression, pain and darkness does not discriminate. People of all ages, genders, sexualities, races, countries, financial incomes, and walks of life can experience it. Thank you so much to my brave fans in the ‘How Can I Love’ music video for motivating people to feel better about themselves by letting them know they are not alone in their struggles. Every individual is beautiful and deserves love… not only from others, but from yourself.”
What’s the feeling of being in the Top 10 on US Billboard single sales charts?
I can’t believe it! I am freaking out! I just feel so blessed to have such amazing fans and great support. And I am just so glad that people are enjoying my songs!
When you record the single did you think it will go so big that is almost 9M spins on Pandora and over half a million on Youtube?
You never know which song will just really connect. And this one just really did. So many people are dealing with issues and feelings described in my song… and I think it’s reassuring for them to know that they are not alone. I never even planned on making a music video for this song originally. But so many fans and new fans were freaking out over this song and tweeting saying how much they relate that I decided not only to create a music video…but to include THEM in it.
Now how was touring with One Direction?
AMAZING! They are so cool it was so fun getting to know them. And of course there was the performing in huge arenas ever night in front of like 20K people… wow what an experience! I actually wrote a tour diary about my experiences that I will be releasing to my website soon.
Best advice ever given?
Embrace your uniqueness…whether in your music, style, fashion, ethnicity… embrace it! 🙂
Name one your strengths?
Compassion. The more you help others, the more things seem to go your way 😉
What are the 3 things you can’t live without?
My phone, my studio (does this count as one? LOL) and tofu!
What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
Do what makes you happy! That’s what life is all about anyway…being happy 🙂
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
It’s between “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot, “My Humps” by Black Eyed Peas, and “Just Lose It” by Eminem.
Do you support any charity?
Many. Here are a few I was heavily involved with: When I was 15, I wrote and published a book and donated all my proceeds ($15K) to the ASPCA Animal Shelter. I also have donated song proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Plus I have traveled the Clark County School District giving free writing workshops.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love doing fun arts and crafts like painting or pottery (even though I suck at it LOL). Oh and anything I can do that involve my pets!
Five years from now you will be….
Las Vegas will always be my home… but my career and especially touring takes me a LOT of places nationally and internationally… so who knows 🙂
Where we can follow you?
And my official website ManikaOfficial.com
Quote: “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” —Ayn Rand
Travel Destination: Anywhere with beautiful landscapes and views.
Book: Harry Potter nerd for life!
Drink: Something sweet that will make people seem funnier (Margarita Maybe? LOL)
Song: “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson
Sports Team: LOL whenever I do watch sports on TV I just rate the guys or girls butts.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21871″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
