Blog 27
An interview with singer and songwrter, Tola
by Tina Hall
September 2010
Tola of Blog 27
Polish skater punk/punky hip hop/pop Blog 27 won the MTV Music European Award in 2007, making Tola the youngest artist to win that ever. The band received a 4 star rating from Blender magazine in 2008 who dubbed Tola the ” Polish Ashlee Simpson”. The single, Hey Boy (Get YourAss Up) was listed as one of the best singles of 2006 by ABC News. Tola and the band also were a European Border Breakers Award winner in 2007.
Maximum Ink: Can you tell us a little about where you are from, who you are, and what makes you tick?
T: I’m from another dimension, that slightly differs from the reality I’m living in right now. I’m a creature born on the streets of art. Honesty makes me tick, real people and seeing the things the way they are.
MI: At what age did you know you wanted to be a professional musician? What do you think you’d of liked to become if not that?
T: I was about three when my mind started projecting the image that I’m bringing into reality today. I feel like I didn’t really choose to become an artist, it’s been inside me. I have hobbies but none of them come close enough to being as serious as my goal of becoming a successful singer.
MI: What was it like to be the youngest winner ever to win the MTV Music European New Artist Award? Did you ever anticipate that when you started you career?
T: I must say it was amazing, it’s indescribable. Although, today I’m much more aware of it than I was at 13 receiving the award. I wouldn’t say I anticipated it, but I definitely knew it was possible and I felt I if I won I would have earned it. I always give 100% to everything I do, each album is well thought and is real, and the best it could be for that time. So winning was mind altering!
MI: Who are some of you biggest influences in music and in life? Why?
T: Amy Winehouse, Die Antwoord, Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers, M.I.A, John Lennon. All of the above are great, sensitive artists, that I admire for their honesty, creativity and the fact that they don’t compromise and trust their instincts.
MI: How do you feel about being called “ThePolish Ashlee Simpson”? Are you a fan of her work?
T: I love many of her songs! “Lala” has a great vibe and “Outta My Head” is a great production. I guess we have some things in common, but I wouldn’t say I’m a copy of her. I write my own music and I don’t care who people compare me to.
MI: Was it a shock when ABC news listed your single as one of the top of 2006? What did it feel like to learn of that?
T: It was definitely a shock because it wasn’t even released in the U.S!
MI: What do you like to do in your spare time?
T: Read, write, and party hardy.
MI: What is one little known fact about yourself you’d not mind sharing?
T: I still have baby teeth.
MI: What projects are you working on at this time?
T: I’m recording new songs, rehearsing, and planning to start playing shows soon. There are other things going on but I don’t like to talk about things that are not happening for sure.
MI: Where can your fans go for the latest on your career? Is there anything you’d like to say to them in closing?
T: Yeah, we can connect mentally whenever and wherever. It’s only $5 per month if you subscribe right now! Or you can be old fashioned and find me on myspace or youtube..
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