Krista Kleiner to perform with Craig David and Taboo
Beauty queen-turned-singer Krista Kleiner or simply Krista K is excited to perform with English singer-songwriter Craig David and Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo on April 30 in Malaysia, where she is promoting her album, “Feels So Good.”
“To have the opportunity to be in a show with them is a dream come true. Their music was a part of my life's soundtrack growing up and they were both inspirations of mine in pursuing my dream of being an entertainer on their level,” says Krista.
Krista also hopes the show will open doors for her and allow her to collaborate with more international artists.
She added that DJ sets with dancers will be flown in from the US for the show.
“I have been/ rehearsing everyday leading up to the show working with an international choreographer and dancers,” Krista adds.
The music video of her debut single, “Feels So Good” now has over a million of hits.
“The market that they’re having me target is the international market. They have two different markets, the very Malay and the English-speaking ones. When I release it in Malaysia and Singapore, then we’ll take off the Filipino songs. I’m gonna see after this event if I can hook up with the local artists there,” Krista told reporters.
The 2010 Bb. Pilipinas-International has signed up with Warner Music Malaysia/Singapore/Brunei for her full album. Krista has also hosted various events and was featured in a host of magazines in Malaysia and Singapore.
Read related story: Krista Kleiner’s advice to Bb Pilipinas bets: Be confident
Krista finds Malaysians similar to Filipinos, which is why she decided to establish her career there.
Malaysian connections
“When I first went there, we spent a lot of time there. That’s where I met most of my connections, compared sa ibang places. They are very welcoming, warm and accepting of the new people coming, just like as we Filipinos are. The travelling is a lot, so I would also like to keep it close.”
One of Krista’s sources of inspiration is Christian Bautista, who has established a career in Indonesia and Singapore, where he landed various acting and singing projects.
“Christian, kudos to him, because he is an inspiration of mine. Seeing his success in Indonesia inspired me to pursue things in other countries. I’m working to get that. I have a long way to go to get to where Christian is. He had done a movie and all that. But I’m in the works,” she said.
Watch video: Krista sings 'Feels So Good'
On working with Julio Iglesias
Krista joined Latin crooner Julia Iglesias in his world tour in 2010. Julio liked her wit and natural flair for dancing. The international singer is the “reason” why Krista decided to pursue a music career.
“I told him that I have this fantasy of becoming a singer-dancer, pero medyo insecure ako kasi lahat ng mga Pinoy ang gagaling kumanta. I felt like I was too late to start to sing. He gave me this advice saying na ‘It was not all about how much vocal training you have, it’s a lot of injecting a lot of your own personality and character and becoming an artist,” she said.
Krista looks up to Julio as a mentor and father-figure.
“He told me that he really believed na I’m an artist and a great performer, and that’s what I needed to be a successful singer, and of course practicing singing on the side. Ever since then, I’ve been fully committed. I sent him articles when things come out and my songs.”
How about Jay-R?
Krista’s ex- boyfriend Jay-R helped her come up with the album.
“We’re okay. We’re not, of course, close, which might be a little bit weird. But we’re both able to move on from what happened between us in a mature way naman,” she said.
Krista doesn’t mind working or collaborating with Jay-R, who she thinks is an “amazing producer and singer.”
“He actually helps me a lot, teaching me how to sing and recording me. A lot of people asked why we made a duet, hiwalay na kami and it’s a sexy song. It’s actually one of the amazing songs in the album, so bakit ko tatanggalin? We’re here to make great music, to please our fans.”
