If you don’t yet know her name, you soon will. Yulianna has one of the biggest singles of the summer, “Californ-i-a” featuring The Game. Talk of palm trees, the PCH, digging your toes into the sand and more are complemented by her strong but not overpowering vocals and The Game’s rapping only adds to the depth of the song. YA was lucky enough to get a chance to talk to the songstress about her love of Sci-Fi, what’s coming up next, and her powerful devotion to California.
Young Adult: Tell us a little bit about yourself when you were younger…where did you grow up?
Yulianna: I grew up in Santa Maria, California. It’s a small town between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.
YA: What were you like in school?
Yul: I was very active in music. I studied violin and voice. I won a couple of competitions in vocal and instrumental performance and my poetry used to get published in the school’s magazine.
YA: How did you get your start in entertainment?
Yul: I was lucky because I landed a role in a Russian movie as an Opera Singer and partnered with American Superstar Michael Madson. The director of this movie loved me so much, he had me perform and co-write one of the tracks in that movie.
YA: California seems to be a strong motif in your music (your new, amazing album / single is in fact entitled Californ-i-a!) What about California fascinates you? What are some things about CA that you love or that inspire you?
Yul: California is my home. I love everything about it. Most of all I love the nature. California is also full of people from different cultures and it’s amazing to see the growth of artists and musicians.
YA: What has been your biggest success to date?
Yul: My biggest success was working with Walter A. and The Game. It’s important to me to continue working with the best producers and artists!
YA: You recently played the Coachella Music Festival. What were your top five moments there?
Yul: 1. Performing at Coachella
2. My first time being an MC.
3. Performing on Stage with Metaphase.
4. Getting the Crowd going.
5. Sharing my music with hundreds of people.
YA: Do you have a mentor? If so, tell us a little more about him/her.
Yul: One of my mentors has recently passed away. He is a very well known Mexican/American composer Daniel Catan. He used to teach me composition and was the first person who believed in me as a composer/performer. His colleague, baritone Vladimir Chernov a UCLA Opera professor, has been my vocal teacher for few years and has helped me maintain my vocal health. Waleed Moursi, an Oscar winning director, has helped me gain confidence in acting in front of the Camera. Robin Nixon, a Grammy Governor, has helped me become the artist that I am today. Also Walter A. who has given me the confidence and the repertoire that shows off my voice.
YA: Tell us a little more about your vision as an artist and your image.
Yul: I am a versatile artist. My image can be explained by my logo. Classical Modern/Retro.
YA: Quick: Pick one adjective to describe yourself!
Yul: FUN
YA: Who are some of your favorite artists or bands?
Yul: I have a ton. Mostly I like music that inspires me to be a better person.
YA: Who would you most like to work with?
Yul: I would love to work with Chris Brown.
YA: What do you have coming up?
Yul: I am about to release a new music video featuring The Game. I can’t wait for everyone to watch it! My dear friends Maryam Amini and Sirus Cordauni directed it.
YA: What can you tell others pursuing the same career?
Yul: Keep working, this type of career doesn’t like slackers and lazy people. You always have to be on your toes and make a lot of sacrifices.
YA: What’s your favorite book or what book are you currently reading?
Yul: I love “Dune” – I am a Sci-Fi girl!
YA: What are three things you want your fans to know about you that they might not?
Yul: I believe in the power of love. I hope that my songs inspire my fans. Everything I do is for them.