Clarissa Cupero Planning to Come Back from Spain with More Songs in Her Suitcase
Clarissa Cupero rocked audiences in New York before she darted off to Spain for several months. Immersing herself in the culture, she is due back to the states with some new Spanish language and/or influenced songs. We took a moment to catch up with her and discovered that this young artist is ready for the world!
Tell us about your project. When did you start writing your music?
I always loved singing and I began piano lessons when I was 9. I took lessons for 7 years but I never practiced, every time the teacher would come to my house I would try and scramble to at least act like I knew what notes I was reading. I always wanted to do my own thing! Then later on after I quit drama club when I was sophomore in high school, I wanted to try something new. So I picked up a guitar at 16 and began writing. Writing in Spanish at least at the elementary level was something that I began doing almost immediately. It just kind of clicked! It’s a pretty normal story, though…no living out of a car or anything, just a girl next door living in a town famed for apples and onions. I was always very happy growing up always having fun with my parents.
How do your band members know one another?
It’s funny because until just recently, I really never had a steady band. I would use the studio band for gigs around the NYC area but now finally in my local town and surrounding areas I can say I have a great group of musicians playing with me. That’s what I love about Warwick, situated in Orange County (no, the East Coast Orange County ladies and gentlemen). There’s this one bar, The Copper Bottom that I always love to play at and it has a great network of musicians coming in and out. The venue is owned by Mark “Gus” Scott of Trixter and he always gave me opportunities to play. I met everyone there and now I have the pleasure of playing with John Collura (the Ataris), Phil Robinson (Autopilot Off) and Kevin McCabe (Sugarloaf Station).
Who are your musical influences?
Definitely Juanes, an amazing Colombian rocker with such a unique style. I idolize him because of his compassion for his people and country, his activism and his guitar playing. It so easy for anyone to start listening to Juanes and to become hooked even if they don’t know Spanish. He was my main influence to keep pushing at the crossover concept for a girl who is not a native Spanish speaker. I listen to a wide variety of music like KT Tunstall, AC/DC, Florence and the Machine, Hootie and Blowfish, etc.
You sing some of your songs in Spanish. How did that come about?
I started taking Spanish in school in the 7th grade but kept at it all throughout high school. It was my strongest subject and after I found out about Juanes in 10th grade I became that much more obsessed and listened to him non-stop learning more in the process, developing ideas. I finally put it to the test at the talent show and the response was awesome. The adrenaline I got from that night just kicked me in the head and said, “hello?!?! *light bulb* what a concept!” I have a passion for the language and I have an appreciation for all Spanish-speaking cultures. There always seem to be Latin singers crossing over (Juanes is an exception) but I never see (or have seen) a non-native Spanish speaker ever fully crossover to the Latin side. It’s challenging to get any label on my side with it because I guess they fear it being unsuccessful from acts that are more commercially promising. I like to keep everything as commercial as I can within reason. But more often than not, I feel that I have more emotional freedom when singing in Spanish. But I’ve been very grateful for it to have been embraced very well over the past few years. When “La Sombra” became a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest I became that much more motivated. I figured I was doing something right! Yes, it’s different and yes I’m a little timid but if no one ever does it how we will ever know? I feel that my songs are getting better, my Spanish is getting better- I’m ready to go.
Talk to us about the writing process for your songs. How are your ideas born?
I have no process! Honestly, more often than not I always write fragments of songs. Sometimes I piece them together after a while if they fit. Rarely do I finish a song in one sitting. Usually the guitar comes first just fooling around and sometimes a random tune pops into my head when I’m walking. It sounds dumb but it’s the truth. I use Garageband all the time to do rough recordings and demo drums to get a concept going.
What was your most memorable gig and why?
I’d say just recently in Sevilla, Spain. I’m currently here until May and I’ve been so lucky to be living with a dynamite host family. My host padre is actually a flamenco guitar player and he got me a gig at a local bar. I told all of my friends here and my parents came to visit and I “surprised” them with the gig (I can never fool my dad, he knew something was up). I had everyone there to support me including my host family and Sevillanos. Both of my families showed so much affection for each other despite the language barrier afterwards. The room was full of Spaniards and my American friends, all connecting with me in what I was doing. When I finished, they gave me a standing ovation and I was completely taken back. I was so happy my parents got to be there to experience that performance with me. That night I accomplished what I’m setting out on doing for my whole career. I finally had a bilingual audience.
You recently spent some time performing in Spain. How was the reception and feedback?
Just to expand on the previous question, that performance was so much fun for me. Everyone has been supportive and Spaniards were coming up to buy my cd’s after the couple of gigs I’ve had here. The language barrier doesn’t seem to faze them and not as many Spaniards know English as you think. But I like it better that way because it’s great practice for me to conduct shows in Spanish…it’s like I’m finally able to put to the test what I’ve been working on for the past few years. Living in Spain couldn’t have been better for me. I’m hopeful that one day I can do this on the international level in Latin America and throughout the U.S. But I have gotten criticism from one American industry person who said I have more of an American accent singing in Spanish. But then I’ve had Spanish speakers tell me that I sound like a native Spanish speaker. I realize that I don’t have the accent that a Colombian would or a Spaniard, but that’s kind of what I’m trying to accomplish. I’m an American embracing Spanish crossing over in the Latin market. Pronunciation is always the most important for me when singing so I always embrace people telling me how I can change the way I say a word to make it better.
Did you get inspired to write any new songs while in Spain?
Yes, I’ve already been writing some new tunes that I can’t wait to share when I get home. Some are English and some are in Spanish. I don’t write Spanish songs quickly, it takes me a little bit longer since I want to rhyme well and develop a good theme for each song. It’s so much fun!
What do you have in the works for 2011?
Amped up live shows with the crew and some new Latin cuts!
Where can we find your music or hear you play?
Keep checking the myspace for summer show schedules! Hopefully some NYC dates will find their way in there…I know some people don’t like playing in NYC for the pressure of the draw, but now being 21, I’m eager to play in places I couldn’t before!
