Krista is a jack – rather queen – of all trades. Aside from winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title in 2010, she has made a name for herself in the Philippines as a TV personality who hosts, acts and performs on a number of primetime television shows. She has also ventured out to other countries in Southeast Asia and around the world with international balladeer Julio Iglesias.
I had a chance to recently catch up with her, now that she moved back to LA to continue pursuing her passions.
Monet: What is keeping you busy these days?
Krista: Gosh, where to begin? I have my hands on so many projects right now, but there are only a few that I can share at this point. It’s a really exciting time in my career as I’ve been able to wear different hats as a singer, writer, producer, and actress. I’ve been developing two shows that I will be hosting, while writing and recording music for my upcoming EP, an extended play that will comprise of four to six songs. I recently graduated from a two-year acting program and started getting into production for scripted and non-scripted TV shows. While taking select hosting, commercial and modeling jobs, I’ve also recently come on board to help with strategic partnerships and sales for a clothing brand called Neoclassics. I feel extremely blessed to be surrounded by so many talented and creative minds that I have the opportunity to learn from.
M: Any shows and albums (coming out) that we should keep an out?
K: I’m currently still in development of my music EP, but in the meantime, I’ve uploaded a few new original songs that have been part of the process to my website, kristakleiner.com. The producers and writers I’m working with right now are so incredible, but you’ll have to stay tuned to my social media for updates about those releases.
My team and I are gearing up to shoot the first episode/sizzle for the two web-series/TV shows we’ve been developing. One of them, with the working title Claim to F.A.M.E., explores the developmental process of the fashion, art, music, and entertainment industries with an insider feel that shows what it takes to reach the top, straight from the experts themselves. It will take viewers on multiple journeys showing how the different creative industries are intertwined, then end at a hot event that the guests have worked towards.
The other show we’re preparing for is focused on music. Filming at a hot spot in downtown Los Angeles, it will consist of special guests performing a wide range of music with an incredibly talented band. We’re extremely fortunate to have three-time Grammy award winning producer and pianist, Sam Barsh, along with Lenny Kravitz’s trumpet player, Ludo Louis, as our musical directors for the show. The jam session will be intercut with a raw, fun-filled interview with the guest artist aimed at making the audience feel like they are hanging out with the artist and getting to know them on a personal level.
We’re currently considering a few distribution options, but I will definitely be giving updates around the shows with links to watch when it’s ready.
M: Julio Iglesias and Taboo of Black Eyed Peas were two of your mentors. How was it being mentored by them?
K: Never in a million years did I think that I would get to be so lucky to have those two mentor me. They’re both such incredible and talented people. Julio became quite a father figure to me while we were on tour. He would continuously tell me about life, different cultures, the music industry, his personal struggles, and lessons learned, while taking the time to practice one particular song with me on the plane and before shows. It was a Tagalog (Filipino) song that he had learned before and suggested we sing at a few shows once we got it down. After the shows we sang at, he would call me into his dressing room to give me his thoughts and suggestions of how I could do better. He taught me that singing had to come from deep within the soul and that it was so much more than just being a good vocalist.
While Julio was much more of a balladeer, Taboo connected me with different styles of music that I wanted to try – everything from pop, hip-hop, dance, pop rock, and EDM. He so generously opened up his home studio to me even bringing in people from his writing and recording team to work with me. It was absolutely incredible. I looked up to him so much since we both felt more like performers than singers, and the insight he shared with me on his and the BEP’s journey truly opened my eyes. He helped me figure out what I liked and what I didn’t like in regards to sounds while also helping me find my voice.
M: What is next for Krista Kleiner?
K: The world! Haha, but seriously. My goal is to be the best person I can be and touch as many people as I can. I know I’ll have to continue to work hard, consistently learning and growing as much as I can, in order to develop the career and future that I want. But honestly, it’s an effort that I’m happy to make. With how difficult times are for so many, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue my dreams; and I don’t want to ever take that for granted. I’m really looking forward to completing my EP and getting back to performing, traveling and connecting with people around the world.
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
