Reina Mar
Interview conducted on June 21, 2022
by Dan Locke
Reina Mar is a latin pop artist, singer, writer, & actress from New Jersey. She has performed for La Mega & El Amor at the Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC, Pelham Bay & Split Rock, MET Life Stadium, The Stone Pony, NJ PAC, & more. She is also involved in musical theatre & performed her own musical in a TED Talk for Bergen Stages called “To Breathe The Air of Freedom”. Reina Mar has done many covers of her favorite songs & is thrilled to finally release her self named debut EP “Reina Mar.”
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in Bergen County NJ in a middle class Cuban American household. I am a first generation Cuban American and have been heavily influenced growing up with both cultures. Growing up, there were a lot of hardships and obstacles my family and I had to endure, but it never stopped us from loving and supporting each other through the good and hard times. Without their love and support, I would not have been able to be where I am today especially in my music career.
How did you discover music?
My parents always exposed me to different styles of music as a kid which is why I grew to really love and treasure all types of music including latin, pop, and even classical music.
How did you start to write music?
I started off writing poetry in school as a young child and then developed a love and skill for singing. I then began writing my own songs around the age of 14 and later went on to release my own music.
Describe your music.
I would describe my music as pop with a mix of latin influence and r&b as well. My debut EP “Reina Mar: The EP” is uptempo that is more on the latin pop side. I also have other songs out such as singles like “Time” & “Back to You” that are more r&b pop ballads.
What was your first performance like?
I was 11 years old when I had my first talent show. I remember performing the song “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. I was so nervous at first when I saw the crowd but before I knew it, my nerves left me and I knew performing was something I wanted to keep doing!
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP ?
Yes, I belong to ASCAP
What makes a good songwriter?
A good songwriter is a great storyteller that can paint a story beautifully through their clever lyrics, catchy melodies, and unique perspectives.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The title of my first original song is called “Novela” which is a latin pop song I worked on with NYC producer “Mic Massive.” Novela is currently the most streamed song I have on all digital platforms.
What is the process of writing your music?
-Sometimes I begin with a melody in my head and then I create chords to lay down a foundation for the song. Then I begin to put words to the melody even though at times the words come first. Once I have a solid structure of the song, I bring it to my producer to begin recording and song production.
What are you feeling about streaming music?
– It’s a great way to reach fans but I wish it compensated more especially after putting in all that hard work into the music.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag.
Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
– I think people are still using hashtags now more than ever. It is definitely a great way to promote and expose your music to potential listeners especially on platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok
Digital vs. vinyl?
– I think Digital is more accessible in our current day, but I think Vinyls should still exist, especially as merch that can be sent to listeners and fans.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
– The song currently on my mind right now is “Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan, the version sung by Adele. I remember hearing Adele sing that song for the first time which made me really fall in love with her music. The song always brought so much comfort to me in difficult times.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
– I think the pandemic has definitely affected the industry in negative and positive ways. At first, there was no live music or events so a lot of musicians were out of work and affected negatively by this. At the same time though now that music is back, there is a boom of concerts, weddings and events happening. I feel like people realized how much they have missed live music and just can’t get enough of it now! I do feel like if there is another lockdown it could affect us musicians, but I feel like not as drastically since a lot of musicians have learned how to create content and promote themselves on social media platforms.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?
– For me personally, it was a mix of both like I’m sure it was for some musicians out there. The negative for me was that I could not go out and do live shows which was my bread and butter. The plus side was that I took the time out to write and work on my music, resulting in me releasing my first single out into the world. It also gave me the time to improve my content creating skills on social media platforms.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
– I am no longer quarantined, but when I was I was creating and writing music.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
-I stayed healthy by working out and going on long walks to keep myself active.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
– During the pandemic, I discovered my love for fitness, especially kickboxing. I did a program with my local kickboxing studio last February and it has truly changed my life for the better. I have also picked up on meditating as well.
Recently the virus has come back with the Delta outbreak, then you Omicron, which as cause many people in the industry to worry about the future of live music.
How would you like live shows to be held and still keep you and fans safe.
– I am a strong believer in social distancing and wearing masks in closed confined areas which I think will make live shows a lot safer.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
– It unfortunately is, especially if an artist wants to be a feature on a project or show of a major artist. Playlist promotion companies also make a fortune off artists trying to promote their music.
The show Star Trek introduced people to the holodeck: an immersive, realistic 3D holographic projection of a complete environment that you could interact with.
Today holograms are already being used in a variety of way, such as medical systems, education, art, security and defense
Performers like Tupac, Michael Jackson, Roy Orbison, Frank Zappa, Elvis Presley, Amy Winehouse, Buddy Holly, Ronnie James Dio, Marylin Monroe, and Whitney Houston have done it already. The band ABBA just announced that they will be doing a comeback together after nearly 40 years as holograms on their next tour. With ABBA it was with the help of George Lucas .
If the cost was down to the point you could do it also, would you be willing to do Holographic concerts in our living room?
– I think I would be willing to do it especially for fans overseas, but there is nothing like performing live with an audience which I would prefer.
In the past if a musician stop doing music they find a new career. For example David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
– I would grow my career in the fitness industry. I am currently working at a kickboxing studio part time and have certifications in nutrition and in personal training. Fitness is definitely one of my other passions I would love to pursue.
What is your happy place?
My happy place is always a tropical beach with a frozen margarita!
Red Hot Chili Peppers are about to sell their entire song catalog for $140 Million. In the past year a lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks ($100 Million) , Bob Dylan (over $400 Million), Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, K.T. Tunstall, John Legend, ZZ Top and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Neil Young sold 50 percent of his worldwide copyright and income interest in his 1,180 song catalogue to Hipnosis Songs Fund limited . Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative then the mechanical royalties paid to artist based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
On January 19, 2021 Hipgnosis Song Management acquired 80% of Kenny Chesney’s recorded music royalties, covering the country superstar’s discography from his 1994 debut In My Wildest Dreams through 2017’s Live in No Shoes Nation.
Someone who was totally against selling his rights was David Crosby. He did not want to sell his publishing rights. In addition, it was not an easy thing for him to do. However, by making a deal with Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group, it took a big weight off his shoulders. He could pay off his house and cover other bills. Now he does not have to work for a living. It should be noted that David is battling tendinitis in his hands, which hurts his ability to play guitar.
Do you think you would be willing to sale your back catalog if someone like Universal is will to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs?
– I definitely would take advantage of an opportunity like that. As Long as I am able to continue to create music and do what I love, I would not mind.
There are many platforms out there that allow artists to get their music heard. Artist Republik , DistroKid, Tunecore & plenty others offer distribution services. These services enable independent artists to put their music on some of the most popular streaming services globally, from Spotify to Apple Music & everything in between. If you’ve been in any part of the music industry in recent years, you probably know someone that has distributed a song.
Spotify reports that in 2021 there are about 8 million artists on the platform. Of those 8 million artists, about 57,000 are raking in a whopping 90% of the total revenue from streams. That means that .71% of the artists on Spotify are making good money. In 2020, there was a total of around $5 billion paid out to artists on the Spotify platform alone.
Therefore it’s reasonable to assume that, by the end of 2021, SPOT will be home to over 90 million tracks. And that in the early part of next year, it will surpass a catalog of 100 million for the first time.
What do you think that could mean to independent artists?
– I think it may become a bit oversaturated on the platforms, but I still think a lot of artists that become popular on those platforms will benefit from it.
Over half a billion active users around the world share their favorite music on TikTok either with something like a dance challenge and lip-sync videos or creating a funny skit or candid camera moment.
TikTok has become a great platform for music promotion, sharing songs, and finding new listeners. In which it has become a place for music artist to earn revenue when people use their music. Which in many cases the daily promotion on TikTok has led to hug boosts on other platforms like Spotify, Facebook and YouTube.
TikTok does this with the the algorithmically generates a feed of content for each user, which you see as the displaying of #. The more a user engages with content, the smarter TikTok gets at guessing what kind of videos the viewer wants to watch.
Because a song can go viral because of this.
Sony Music and Warner Music Group- , The ByteDance-owned video app revealed that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
– Absolutely. I love that platform!
Breaking news: TikTok is launching TikTok Radio, a full-time SiriusXM music channel going live this summer.The station will be available in vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices.
Some of the on TikTok include Cassyette, YukoEXE, Ashinikko, Palaye Royale, Josh Dun (Twenty One Pilots), Yungblud, Morrissey, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett, Gene Simmons, and Mick Jagger.
The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary,Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent.
Do you think this platform could became a force in the future of streaming music?
– Yes, It has already become a great platform for streaming and promoting music
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Here are all of my social media and streaming links. Thank you so much for having me!
