Who is AZRA
Interview conducted on September 24, 2019
by Dan Locke
AZRA is an American self-proclaimed “Substance Pop” artist, performer, singer/songwriter, hip-hop dancer, model, author, and motivational influencer. She is a lover of unconventional wisdom whose mission is to inspire people to be their authentic selves and live out their dreams like a boss, unapologetically and boldly. A natural creator, AZRA constantly writes out of Los Angeles and looks forward to introducing her newest and hottest music especially during shows.
Dan Locke: Why the 6th dimension?
AZRA: 6th Dimension is a place, state of mind, a different perspective, and shift in mindset where anything is possible and you can be who and what you want to be. It’s a space where you are and can be limitless, understanding that there’s more than meets the eye.
Why?
Because growing up I’ve always been told by people that I live in another world/dimension and my imagination was ‘too’ wild. I actually took this as a compliment and kept nurturing and tapping into this ideal concept. Also, losing my eyesight temporarily when I was in college forced me to look within and realize what living with purpose and having substance really meant. I hope to invite others into the 6th dimension as I continue to share my art with the world. During my shows, we are tapped in ;).
Tell me about The Cupcake Theory?
The Cupcake Theory is a self-help inspirational book on self-worth and healthy relationships. The Cupcake Theory states that you are the cake, and everything around you is the frosting. The frosting shouldn’t make you but only complement and enhance your already solid self ;). I came up with the idea of this book after a breakup. I was eating a cupcake with frosting and then purposely sliced off the frosting. Often times we as human beings measure our worth by other people and possessions. I wanted to share with the world that we are great just the way we are… and that our greatest investment to be happy, successful and fulfilled in relationships and life is in investing and loving ourselves first and foremost. It’s a very short book with lots of illustrations where I give simple examples of dating partners. I write about these themes in my songs to keep the mission alive.
How did you get your name Azra?
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The name AZRA just came to me one day before I embarked on my career as a singer. For the longest time I thought I was going to name my future daughter AZRA. But as I was “unpeeling the layers off of my onion” and realizing who and what I was as an artist and a human being, I realized that AZRA was actually the little 4 year old girl inside of me who has been wanting to come out and sing, perform and connect with people.
How was it to tour with The Plain White Ts?
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It was really great. It was my first tour so being able to perform and connect with high school students with the Plain White T’s was a bliss. In addition, opening for the Plain White T’s was really really cool. Such talented and awesome people with the mission to connect and inspire others. I think there’s magic being in the presence of the people we look up to professionally. It kind of pushes motivates and lifts you up to keep going, learning and most importantly, having fun while doing it.
Did you learn anything about touring while on tour with them?
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Definitely. Importance of taking care of my body and my voice on the road, the importance of pacing myself, focusing on ways to recharge and just having fun while giving your all to your audience and fans.
What do you remember about growing up in South Korea?
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Growing up in South Korea was amazing. It’s a beautiful country with so much character, culture, and history. Thanks to my parents and my brother, my childhood was full of wonderful experiences and fun memories. I remember a specific time riding roller skates around my neighborhood chasing after my older brother, trying to hang with him and his friends. I was trying to catch up to him but he was going so fast and I eventually fell and scraped my entire left knee. The next day, I still wanted to play with him and his friends so I went back out and this time around, rode the bike with him. Lol, I remember so many things… singing, rehearsing for musicals and dance performances, playing all types of role-playing games with friends (house, catholic mass, bank, TV hosting, superhero, you name it we did it), playing the piano and violin… oh! and getting “proposed” to by one of my 3rd-grade classmates after dance practice with a ring from a 50Won (50cents) candy machine haha.
What inspiration did you have growing up?
My parents, my uncle, 3rd-grade teacher, Ms. Kwon, and grandma. My parents’ vinyl collection, dancing to Michael Jackson, mom’s church choir, the Beatles… inspirations from traveling with family especially in nature. Lastly our family motto from generations back: “If you do, it’ll happen.”
You grow up in San Jose, CA. How was the live music scene there?
The live music scene in SJ was great for my high school friends and me. I had a lot of long hair metalhead dude friends in high school that played in bands. We would go to the Gaslight in downtown Campbell to watch bands perform. I also hung out and watched friends perform at underground rap and hip hop house parties. It was funny because my girlfriends and I were into musical theater, cheerleading, student Gov., dance, and mainstream music despite hanging at metal concerts.
Since you are from San Jose, I am going to name some bands from that area. I would like you to say something about each if possible.
Smash Mouth – classic. I remember making the class yearbook tape with my classmates and dancing to “All-Star.” I specifically remember a kid who wore a mullet wig and danced his butt off in the middle lol.
Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue – their Netflix special was cool. I know they performed at the Whisky a Go-Go on the Sunset Strip as one of their breakout shows. Now, I live right down the street from there! From the BAY TO LA ay~
After college you started your own brand consulting, people coaching business called CLÚ INC.
I stumbled into creating my first brand/coaching business in college by freelancing and helping boutique hotels and spas in Philadelphia, New York City and San Jose with their business planning, launch, branding, marketing, and hiring. I continued to do that out of college and then got hired by a “Big 4” to work for them and consult for fortune 50 companies implementing technologies, redesigning strategic business processes, executing new processes and help with program and change management. Eventually, these experiences led my own company to evolve into a consulting company for tech, hospitality, healthcare, and entertainment fields. So when I started to get into the music world (music is in my DNA!), it made sense for me to create an artist development/music sub-brand under the CLÚ Umbrella, CLÚ Records, to create and release my own music. CLÚ stands for “Create Life Unlimited” which refers back to the concept of the 6th dimension and my mission to inspire and empower others to slay in their own lives. This all sprouted from my eye experience… which led me to realize my true passions in singing, which I held back for so many years. I’ve been blessed with this unique experience because now that I’m 100% with my music, creating and continuing to develop and grow as an artist, I use my business sense when needed to propel my music career forward.
Can you tell me about your first performance?
Yes. My first performance was at a music lounge named TIME in Philadelphia, where I sang all my originals. It was so fun, they had jazz musicians supporting singers that night and while most of the singers were jazzing it up, I went up on stage and started singing pop. By the end of the night, people were jumping up and down and having a good time. The band was so great we improvised our entire way through the pop-jazz vibes lol. It was just another moment of clarity that music is a universal language … it just unites us all. Good times…
You had the chance to go back to Korea because of your singing. Tell me about it?
Yea. Korea was great. To preface, this happened just as I was dabbling with music and not really knowing if I wanted to pursue it professionally. Actually, I initially went to the singing audition in Los Angeles as support for one of my best friends who was a fan of Kpop and planned to try out. The night before the audition, she asked me to audition with her for fun, just like the old days when we used to sing in a girl group together. Long story short, I got picked to go to Korea for this competition show. It was a really empowering experience because it was the first time that people outside of my friends and family showed appreciation for my singing talents. Now I’m here making a mark in my home country!
How was the Pridefest Tour 2017?
PRIDE Festival Tour 2017 was amazing! This was right after I released my first EP called Freedom which was all about breaking free, speaking up and standing up for yourself. It was a party – people were singing along to my music, dancing and just having so much fun. Inclusivity, individuality and freedom of expression are extremely important ‘way of life’ pillars to me, and being around so many proud, brave individuals standing up for who they have inspired me in ways I cannot even describe.
What is the next step in your life with your music, books, inspirational talks and modeling?
Continue spreading my message. Create music, perform/tour, sync music, connect with fans more. I’ll be releasing some more music and music videos this year and definitely next year!
CD vs LP
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LP but only if it was made around or before the 80s – best chance of having an authentic analog sound.
How do you stay healthy on the road?
For food, I like to stop by at grocery stores in the city and buy tons of healthy finger foods, snacks (yes. Hot Cheetos included), veggie/fruit smoothies, nuts, hot water, kombucha and a lot of room temperature water. As for lifestyle, I try to meditate through stretching and yoga. Of course, sleeping is a must and writing in my journal balances me.
What is your go-to comfort food?
Vegetable Pho with beef broth (no cilantro!). It’s a famous Vietnamese dish and staple. I actually want this right now…
Are you going to do another tour soon?
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Hopefully!
Anything you like to say to your fans in closing?
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Follow your passion. Create your own show. The world is your stage, for anything you can imagine is possible. Thank you, everyone, for riding with me on this journey. Your support and love truly inspires and empowers me to work harder and dig deeper as an artist to find better ways to serve you. This is all for you! Oh, and please keep in touch via socials @theazraofficial and YouTube.
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