Spotlight on Maria Mena
MARIA MENA is a 18-year-old singer/songwriter/performer from Norway. She has a sound similar to Alanis Morissette with the soulful lyrics to prove it. Her latest album, WHITE TURNS BLUE, hits stores July 20th.

GirlSite interviewed Maria on everything from how she got started in the biz to what she's up to now. Read below...

GirlSite: When did you first know that you wanted to be a singer?
Maria: Actually, I never knew that I wanted to be a singer. But I did always know that I wanted to be creative and write music, and present my music. The reason why I started singing is because I figured if I write songs, I mind as well sing them, you know?

GirlSite: Was your family and friends supported of your decision to be in the music industry?
Maria: Absolutely, And it’s easier that my dad knows the business. He was said if you have this opportunity and people like you, why not go for it.

Your new album, WHITE TURNS BLUE,” hits stores on July 20th. How much of the album did you write yourself?
I wrote all the songs myself.

Most the songs on the album seem very personal and emotional, is it hard to write and sing songs like this for everyone to hear?
When I write songs I get rid of them. This lets me get through all the emotions and get to the point where I can see it from another perspective then write it down and be a bit more smart about it. It’ll sound more intelligent if I write a song after I go through something than during.

Your video for YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE is now playing on MTV, how exciting was it to make this video?
I’ve done like six videos before, but this was the best one. It was very exciting to make it because we went to Iceland. All the people in the video were really sweet, we had a lot of fun. It was cool to make it, but it was more exciting to watch it afterwards. I think the video represents how I feel about the song, it’s a very a happy song.

Videos are fun to make because you get to do a bit of acting, is this something you would like to pursue in the future?
I just really try to present the song. Whatever I feel is what people should see. I’m not really an actress at all. I don’t want to get into that. I try to actually look like I’m performing the song. Tap into that emotion again.

The lyrics on many of your songs seem to deal with a certain guy(s), is there anyone in particular your songs are written about?
Not all the songs were about one guy in particular. Mostly, they are about how I view myself. How I get out of situations and get into them. Like “What’s Another Day,” is about a certain person in your life who is not really good for you. And you are trying to get rid of this person but you can't. I try to capture that in this song.

Do you have a boyfriend or special someone in your life right now?
No comment

If you weren’t singing, what do you think you would be doing now instead?
Right now, reality wise I probably be in school. I would still write songs no matter what I was doing. I’m not doing this because I got a record deal I do it because it’s my life.

What are your plans for the future either in your professional or personal life?
I’m based out of Norway so I have a record contract there. Regardless of what happens in America. I’m not done. I’m not going to stop until they refuse to let me make another album. And right now we are actually promoting the album in America, then we’re going over to Japan.

Who are some of your role models or people that inspired you in the music industry?
I sort of fell into this industry by accident, and so but I think that the only person I can really think of is Alanis Morisette. When I first heard her song, YOU OUTTA KNOW, it gave me chills. It kinda set the standard for me of how I wanted to write. And not so much how she phrases things b/c that’s her uniqueness but that’s what I like to do with myself.

How is the Teen People Rock N’ Roll Mall Tour going so far? Is it an experience being so close to your fans and seeing who they are?
Yeah, it’s really cool. I didn’t really know what to think because we don’t really have malls in Norway. I didn’t even know what one was. But it is really fun. People come up to me and they are so nice.

One question that we like to ask is, "What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger?"
Happiness is not a privilege, it’s a choice.

And lastly, any advice you can give our readers on how they can follow their dreams whether it be with singing or whatever they would like to pursue?
I just think if they stay curious it’s going to be a lot easier. Especially that age from like 13 to 14, it was the toughest time of my life. It will get better, stick in there.

Catch Maria Mena on the Teen People Rock 'N Shop Mall Tour this summer!
Saturday, July 10th: Orlando, FL (Florida Mall)
Saturday, July 17th: Minneapolis, MN (Mall of Americas)
Saturday, July 24th: New York, NY (Roosevelt Field)
Saturday, July 31st: Houston, TX (Galleria)
Saturday, August 7th: Las Vegas, NV (Fashion Show)
Saturday, August 14th: LA/Orange County (Mission Viejo)
Saturday, August 21st: San Francisco (Stone Ridge)

Visit http://www.mariamenamusic.com for more information!