Assia Ahhatt is an award winning, classically trained and internationally renowned virtuoso violinist and singer. Her most recent U.S. debut single “If Only Tonight” reached the top five on Billboards’ Hot Single’s list, topped Digital Radio Tracker’s Top 50 Independent Chart and the music video has reached over 3 million YouTube Views. The single was also remixed by GRAMMY Award nominated producer, Ralphi Rosario, who has worked with the likes of Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, Rihanna and Justin Timberlake.
Assia’s second single off her U.S debut ‘Fiesta in San Juan’ features popular reggaeton artist Wisin. The single merges her trademark violin infused pop, with Wisin’s Latin brand of hip-hop. “I am very excited about this new single ‘Fiesta in San Juan’ because together with Assia, renowned throughout Europe as a singer and violinist, we were able to blend our particular styles and record a hit that is sure to make all who hear it want to dance,” said Wisin.
Although her roots come from the classical music genre, Assia is a true modern artist with an evolving musical style. Some of the highlights of her career include touring the U.S. with multiple GRAMMY Award winners Kurt Elling, Chris Botti, as well as composer Eric Serra. To date, Assia has released seven pop music albums, nearly three dozen video clips and multiple number one hits around the world.
LatinTRENDS interviewed the Ukrainian musician on her career in showbiz and her upcoming album.
LatinTRENDS: When did you know you wanted to be in the music business?
Assia: Well, I began taking violin lessons when I was 5 years old, so I guess I knew pretty early in life music was my passion. As a result of my hard work and dedication, I earned a coveted spot as a soloist in The Ukrainian National Philharmonic and the position as the first violin of the female string quartet Capris Plus.
Later, I began experimenting with modern instrumental music. By 1999, I recorded my first piece in pop music style; my debut album was titled “Homo Novus.” From that point on, I combined in my performances, playing both the acoustic and electric violin. Finally, in 2002, I decided to begin my career as a singer and that has allowed me to continue experimenting with new music styles and work with musicians from different musical scenes.
LT: How did it feel to have your single “If Only Tonight” on the US charts?
AA: It is wonderful to see that all the work I have put into my music is paying off with great results in the United States. This is a new market for me, but I am really excited about all the plans I have. Just now, we are starting to promote my new single ‘Fiesta in San Juan’ featuring world famous Reggaeton singer Wisin. The Latin American culture perfectly incarnates the happy and positive energy I always try to reflect in all of my songs; I believe we managed to capture that spirit with ‘Fiesta in San Juan’ and hope the public will enjoy it.
LT: When will your new album be released?
AA: I am planning to release my new music album later this year, probably toward the end the year, since we are still working on some of the song arrangements. I am positive it will be a great album, stay tuned! In the meantime, you can enjoy the second single, which we are currently promoting, “Fiesta in San Juan.”
LT: Who would you like to collaborate with?
AA: Given I am always open to trying new styles and rhythms; I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with other artists with whom I can develop new successful hits.
LT: What was it like hearing your music on the radio for the first time?
AA: It was just electrifying! After you practice and work hard to create a good product, there comes the challenge of having your music accepted and placed on the radio. So when you receive support from other professionals who recognize your product and promote your material, it is the best feeling in the world!
LT: Do you write your own music?
AA: I write all the violin solos for my songs and I also co-write the rest of the music. Sometimes, I also write the lyrics. In the end, I like to be involved in the entire creative process and love working with other great music professionals who support the projects I embark on.
LT: Can you tell us a little about your upcoming album?
AA: I am very excited about this new album. With two of the singles already out and receiving such an exciting and encouraging reaction from the public, I think that when the album comes out by end of this year it will be very well received. I am working with a great team and I am positive the results will illustrate the commitment we have to producing a high quality album for our fans.
LT: Will the album include a tour around the US?
AA: We will definitely be evaluating all the different opportunities we have to promote the album and ensure we can reach as many people as possible with my music. I love what I do and I know I impact others through the positive energy my music emanates, so I want to make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy it.
LT: What advice do you have for upcoming musicians?
AA: Sometimes young singers approach me on the street and ask for advice. I try to explain to them that unfortunately, show business is like stumbling upon the same block. Everything you do is surrounded by challenges and difficulties. You need to have thick skin to deal with the blows that come sometimes.
It is not enough to be extremely talented and extraordinary; you also need to have serious financial support. More importantly, you must be committed to following your dreams and have realistic plans on how to accomplish those goals. You need to practice and practice hard!
LT: Do you feel you are living out your dreams?
AA: Yes! During my early childhood, I wanted to be a ballet dancer. When I went to elementary school, I dreamed of becoming a movie star. By the age of 12, I realized that playing the violin was my destiny; I wanted to be a leading violinist in the philharmonic orchestra. My dream came true and I became a solo performer in The National Philharmonic of Ukraine.
I learned how to play violin very well. Then I dreamt of combining both my passion for the violin and my singing skills to create new and eclectic music, and look at me now, I am promoting my music in the United States… I am definitely living my dreams and there is plenty still to come.
With an exciting collaboration set to come out in the first half of 2014 and a new album in the works, the future looks bright for this talented eclectic international artist.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMa92VGx5Yk
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