Spotlight: Ina Bravo
INA BRAVO is an all-round songwriter and recording artist. Born and raised in the Netherlands, INA built up most of her catalog by collaborating with DJ's, producers, songwriters and other artists. Being featured on various songs out last year such as Turn Me Up by Landis and See You Again by MMXJ and having released her own single Hustler she's ready to make more noise in the year to come.
INA met the music industry at age nine in a talent show on national TV but it wasn’t until she turned 15 that she really got to take part in the business as lead singer of the girl group N*Joy. The group recorded one album before they eventually split up. One year later, having tried going to college and dropping out, she tried out for a private performing arts academy. Being the youngest and not passionate about broadway musicals, she felt trapped in a world that didn’t allow her to become an artist.
After leaving the performing arts academy, INA successfully auditioned for a recording school and graduated early. Soon after she was able to showcase her vocals, leading her to a recording contract with State of Mind Muzic in Atlanta, GA.
After two years of traveling, INA moved to LA to focus on songwriting. There, she started working with Record/Publishing Companies such as Atlantic Records, Universal publishing group and Warner Music. Her first single You Ain't Done was released in 2015 under State of Mind Muzic, and her second single Insanity was released in 2016.
In 2018 INA is planning to finally shoot for the stars by releasing her long-awaited singles, features and album. Below, we find out a little bit more about her journey so far.
Tell us about your singing journey. How did you get into singing?
Growing up I didn’t have many hobbies. We moved around a lot and I didn’t have many friends. Later I picked up horseback riding but when I was riding on the trail I would sing so loud, thinking no one could hear me. Those were the only times where I would practise and express my emotions.
What’s your singing dream? Any major goals?
I’m living it. I got my own studio in Hollywood. My goals are still set high. I want my music to be famous. I write about 25 records a month. It used to be 35 but I cut it down so now I have some playtime. Haha!
What are your upcoming releases?
January 19 my record with Stash Konig called Afraid of Love came out. I’m super excited about! I did a duet with Travis Hewitt & Dimi Marc on Vocalizr which is a super-dope collab and is coming out this month as well! I have my single called Envious coming out in February, followed by a music video for it. In March I’m dropping a (now-not-so-much) secret project followed by an EP from a producer on Vocalizr which I wrote/sung all records on. I also did an insane record with German producer Zenda through Vocalizr which is now being mixed & mastered. A few EDM collabs have been placed with labels and will come out soon too!
Is there a particular warm up process you have before recording?
The only thing I need is a (I wish this was an endorsement ad lol) Trenta Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher before I record. I don’t know what it does to my vocals but it seems to have a magic effect on me.
Tell us about your songwriting process - is there a particular way you tackle the topline?
I don’t like when people play me beats/music and I don’t have my recorder/mic ready. I think most times whatever comes first is the best thing because it’s something that’s natural and you haven’t dried out all your melodies by the time you get to record.
What’s your biggest success to date?
I wrote a few records for other artists that I’m really proud of.
Up All Night by Dyson.
Turn Me Up by Landis
Home by Julian Martel
See You Again by MMXJ
What’s your favourite record that you have performed on?
It has yet to come out but Afraid of Love with Stash Konig must be my favorite. Also the one with Zenda which I can’t say too much about yet.
Who would you most like to work with, and why?
Of course I have my idols, but I would really like to work with a dope female producer.
Which artists do you find inspiring? Why?
Kendrick Lamar, SIA, 6lack, Jessie J, Luke James
Who is your favourite singer? Why?
Mariah Carey. I know, I know. I think what she’s done in music is untouchable, and I could listen to her songs and albums over and over and fall in love and learn new things all over again. I grew up listening to Mariah. She has influenced my sound a lot and the way I write. I learned so much from miss Keke Wyatt too. She must be the best technical singer of this time.
What are your top 5 favourite records of all time?
I’ll Be Missing You by P. Diddy & Faith Evans
Kiss From a Rose by Seal
Through the Rain by Mariah Carey
Look to You by Whitney Houston
Ben by Michael Jackson
What’s your guilty pleasure song?
My shower song right now is Taylor Swift’s Bad Reputation. Only in the shower! Haha! Jokes, she’s great.
Do you have a home studio? If so, tell us about your setup?
Yes. Believe it or not but I record everything through an Apogee Duet Mic. But what helps is what I call the sauce in Protools!
Do you have a favourite microphone? If so, why?
Not really, I like the different sounds every mic has. I do have my least favorite mics, but I won’t put them here. Haha! They’re usually the ones used for rapping. They have no dynamic in them.
How did you find singing jobs before Vocalizr?
I built my own network. It was a lot harder, of course.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what are 3 things you couldn’t live without?
I’ll take a USB mic, laptop and a cool lime refresher. I’ll have to use my laptop speakers. LOL!
Social links:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ToVGBAU5JEE6mTdgTmGpx?si=jVR5LiKD
Everything else is @inabravomuzik
www.instagram.com/inabravomuzik
www.youtube.com/inabravomuzik
