Never again can someone call me too safe or too boring or routine, I will never be too vanilla for someone again.
“Vanilla” by Cristina Hart has been on repeat since it entered my inbox. I have been dancing around my room living my 2000’s movie concert with a hairbrush microphone dreams on the regular. Hart brings listeners a sassy pop anthem which is unapologetic and fun! Her youthful lyrics are infectiously clever and the production is equally witty and dynamic. The bass line in the chorus, perfection, I vividly remember saying “Oh dang, get it girl” the first time I listened through. “Vanilla” is perfectly okay with me!
Cristina says: 'A few years back when I was still very new to the music industry, someone I looked up to heavily implied I was 'too vanilla' to make it in the music industry. I was heartbroken. But instead of feeling sorry for myself, I wrote 'Vanilla'; it was my way of standing up for myself. Be who you are, unapologetically, and don't let people bully you into actions that go against what you believe in.
The Swiss-born, Spanish and Brazilian, London-based songwriter Cristina Hart is emerging on the UK's pop scene with relatable bangers. With the range of Halsey, the candour of Ariana, and the independent savvy of Lauv, it won’t be long before Cristina transcends her well-entrenched Sofar Sounds circuit. In April 2020, she was awarded the Do It Differently fund by Help Musicians to fund the release of her debut EP 'Sell a Dream'.
The EP, which was recorded independently between Cristina’s bedroom and her boyfriend’s studio, proves that she’s a talent in her own lane.
The EP's debut single 'I'm a Mess' has been praised by the likes of Will Manning (Capital FM), Ollie Winiberg (BBC Intro in Essex) and Georgie Willmore (Artist Label Partnerships Instagram). It was also shown support by BBC Introducing in Essex, Amazing Radio UK (Shell Zenner) and three regional Swiss radios (Radio Chablais, Radio Fribourg, Radio Nord Vaudois). Charlie Ashcroft (Amazing Radio UK presenter) also added it to his 'Fresh Finds' Spotify playlist.
She cites Maisie Peters and Alec Benjamin as songwriting influences, alongside her idols Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift and Alessia Cara. The bubbling pop artist is ready to create her own path in music where imperfections are celebrated and infectious melodies reign.
Review by Hannah Schneider
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