ArmenՅԱՆs: Los Angeles-based singer Krista Marina on her first experience as an actress in a Christmas movie shot in Armenia, her roots and keeping the Armenian traditions

By Syune Arakelyan

Krista Marina (Apardian) is a singer, songwriter and producer from Los Angeles, who mostly creates in R&B and pop genres, showcasing the Middle Eastern elements which make her performance more unique and memorable. Her recordings have thousands and millions of views on YouTube. Recently, she also tried herself as an actress, staring in an upcoming Christmas movie, together with Kev Orkian and other Armenian and foreign actors. She plays the leading character, who is also a singer. 

In an interview for "ArmenՅԱՆs" by NEWS.am STYLE, Kristna speaks about her acting experience in Armenia, her roots and music.  

Krista Marina was born in Pasadena, California. Her family's roots are from Western Armenia. During the Armenian Genocide, they fled to Syria, Greece, and Palestine. "My parents are from Beirut and Jordan. Ethnically, I am full Armenian," says the singer, who spent her childhood in Los Angeles.

Krista, living abroad, have you managed to keep some Armenian traditions? 

Yes, many traditions. For example, my birthday is on January 5th, Armenian Christmas Eve. We celebrate Armenian Christmas, Tsaghkazart and Easter at our Orange County Armenian Church. I grew up going to a small Armenian school in Orange County, where we would celebrate our own version of Vartavar. I was also involved in Armenian Dance and Choir as well, to name a few.

How did you begin your engagement in music?

My fascination and attachment to music began with Armenian music. I loved learning and singing our songs at school. I started piano lessons at 8 years old with an amazing Armenian piano teacher. From there, I began to explore original music and formed a band with one of my best friends, Alique Cherchian. Over the years, we performed our own renditions of Armenian songs, as well as other folk, pop and blues covers and originals. I’ll never forget our first performance together on April 24th, when I was in 4th grade. We had a blast arranging harmonies, and I enjoyed switching from piano to cajon. In high school, we continued to perform, and I auditioned and joined my high school music program, which taught me a lot about my own sound, about stage presence and music production too. During that time, I also picked up guitar and started to work on my music production skills.

Who has inspired your musical style?

This is always a hard question for me to answer because it’s ever-changing. I’d say major influences include Lena Chamamyan, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Alina Baraz, Armenian Navy Band, Reincarnation, H.E.R., Naika. Lately, it's been a lot of Ladaniva, Tigran Hamasyan, Téo, Billie Eilish, Saint Levant on repeat.

Recently you have been to Armenia, filming a Christmas movie, where you’re playing the main character. How was your first time acting?  

It was such an impactful and unforgettable experience. Being a part of a wholesome story of womanhood, different types of love, and of being a dreamer is something I can’t wait to bring to the screen, especially because it will help bring global attention to our country. The cast, crew, everyone I got to share the experience with was wonderful, and it’s something I feel very grateful for. I learned so much about myself, made new memories in the homeland and got to explore new avenues of my craft, from music to acting. 

But have you ever dreamt about an acting career before and what perspectives do you see in that field?

In 5th grade, I started writing scripts and filming “movies” with friends. I’d rush home from school, finish homework and get right to planning the next story. This was something I did daily for a few years. I took theater classes at the beginning of high school to help me break out of my shy shell and soon fell in love with public speaking and taking the stage in a way that allows you to genuinely connect with the audience. In college, I was a part of 2 theaters that were a blend of acting, prose and traditional keynote-style speaking. I’ve also done on-camera work when it came to both music videos and public speaking. I always looked forward to witnessing the ways in which my artistry and music would manifest and, to be honest, I couldn’t have predicted it would lead me to play the lead in a feature film, but it feels like such a natural and organic progression of my artistic journey. I have such a deep respect for the craft of acting - it’s one of the most vulnerable forms of art, and it demands all of you. I learned so much from my cast-mates and from the experience overall.

How often do you visit Armenia on the whole?

I visit Armenia once every year or 2, though I wish I could visit more. It is always emotional and difficult for me to leave, and I miss it often.

Do you have any favorite places here?

There is so much beauty to explore all throughout Armenia, and I know there is so much more still for me to see. Some of my favorite places would have to be Cascade during sunset (or sunrise), Lake Sevan, Dilijan, the Komitas museum, In Vino. In 2019, I got to live in Yerevan, Gyumri and Stepanakert and I loved them all so much.

Do you have any plans regarding Armenia, like small concerts, other acting plans and more?

Absolutely, I have yet to play a concert in Armenia and definitely want to plan one. To be able to shine light on our culture, to make art in Armenia and to contribute my art to my country is an honor and I look forward to more opportunities to do just that.

Photos: cha.cha.studio, Hovig Kazandjian, Jade Marie, Robin Truong, Talia