Its been an interesting journey so far for Lithuanian born pop singer Loreta. Performing since the tender age of 4, Loreta has taken the stage at some of the biggest and most famous venues in Europe. Not too long ago, she moved across the pond to seek stardom in the Western hemisphere. Recently, Bestnewbands.com caught up with Loreta to discuss her musical influences, her love of art and her plans for the second half of 2010.

BNB.com: How have you found the transition from Lithuanian pop music to American pop music to be? Has been difficult?

Loreta: There wasn’t any transition, because the only music I ever listened to since the day I was born was classical and American pop, soul and R&B music. It felt only natural to write and perform such music, as it is what I knew, loved and wanted to sing.

As we all know, Michael Jackson is one of the greatest artists ever. What made you decide to want to tackle one of his songs, “Stranger in Moscow,” in particular? Does it hold a special meaning for you?

Michael, was my first love, the artist I admired and wanted to learn from the most, so I wanted to do a tribute to him as a thank you, but “Stranger In Moscow,” was the perfect song for me, because for most of my life (being a child star) I felt misunderstood, very lonely, different and judged, and when I heard this song for the first time, I got the chills and I couldn’t stop crying. The song made me feel that I’m not the only person feeling this way.

The American pop landscape changed dramatically over the past decade. What do you find to be your biggest challenges in breaking into this market?

As an artist, I think the business is much more challenging, but there is so much freedom to just do what you want. You can really be yourself these days and not be the artist that someone else wants you to be. There is nothing more rewarding and inspiring than the direct relationship you can have with your fans. The business changes and you just have to adapt to it and find positive and creative ways to make it work.

 

Who are some of the artists that have had a profound effect on you? What album made you realize that you wanted to make this your career?

Michael Jackson, George Michael, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin.

It was the Thriller album that had the most impact. I loved it so much and I would listen to it day and night and learned all the dance moves, vocals and harmonies. I used to watch Michael’s videos and be in awe. He was the first artist that had a very profound effect in my development as a musician. I realized I didn’t just want to be a singer; I wanted to be a writer, a pianist and an artist that takes total creative control of her career. I wanted to be a credible artist that people respected and give something back to the world. That is the reason why I only write songs when I am truly inspired. Every song I write, has very deep meaning to me, it is always about true experiences and how I feel. When I perform a song, I like to relive those moments and give it my all and that’s what people connect to and relate to.

 

By the age of 7, you performed at the some of the famous venues in Eastern Europe?

I did, some with my parents and alone as well. It was amazing. I was 7, but I was an artist in my own right. I am still very proud of that and I don’t know how I did it, but I was determined and completely fearless. I just remember how much I loved performing, it felt like the only place where I could be myself and do what I love and share it with thousands of people.

 

Learning and speaking fluently in three languages is no easy task. Why did you decide to do this?

I actually speak four languages and it wasn’t a choice. Growing up in Lithuania, by the age of 3 I already spoke two languages, Lithuanian and Russian, and most people in my country speak more than one or two languages. Then I moved to Spain and I learned Spanish, then moved to London and learned English. I love speaking several languages and that’s why I am recording my singles in multiple languages. It is the best feeling when you perform in a foreign country and you speak their language.

 

Being a lover of all things artistic including photography and painting, what is your true passion and why is this so?

Music always has been and will be my number one passion. I was surrounded by music 24/7, as both of my parents are well known and respected artists. I did my homework with music in the background; it was the biggest part of my growing up. When I write lyrics and music, it is the only way that I can express what I truly feel and who I really am in my heart.

 

You’ve lived all over the world, from Vilnius to Los Angeles, what is your favorite city and why? Is it the culture, the people or the vibe?

Every city I lived in is special to me, but Vilnius, London and Los Angeles are my favorites and most special for different reasons. Vilnius was a city I was born in, it’s where I grew up and started my music career. There is so much culture and beauty there, and I miss it very much.

London was life changing for me; I was taking care of my career and future all by myself, of course with the support of my parents. I loved the city, the people, and their sense of humor. The culture is very diverse; everyone fits in, no matter what race, color, and religion. The theaters, museums and the architecture are amazing and are a big part of my life and education.

Los Angeles is magical, the only place I ever felt like I really fit in, where I don’t get judged and I can be myself. It’s my current home, I love living here and I have the most amazing friends. I love downtown LA, the art galleries and architecture remind me a little bit of my European days and makes me feel a little closer to home.

 

How is the second half of your 2010 shaping up?

Right now we are mixing the singles, getting ready to shoot the videos, writing more songs, getting the album ready and continuing to build my fan base. It’s all very exciting.