Debi Nova -- About to Pop

By Marina Galperina Posted Jun 14th 2010 01:33PM

Who: Debi Nova
Album: 'Luna Nueva'
Video: 'Drummer Boy'
Hails From: Costa Rica
For Fans Of: Shakira, Black Eyed Peas

Why She's About to Pop: A Costa Rica native of Polish descent, the vibrant Debi Nova has been singing professionally since she was 14. With six Grammy nominations and a No. 1 dance single, Nova has enjoyed pop-star status in her home country and collaborated with Ricky Martin, Sergio Mendes, Q-Tip and Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. On her new album, 'Luna Nueva,' Nova brings her enticing blend of sound stateside with soca/hip-hop inspired pop songs and electro-tinged dance tracks.

Now, Nova is showing some incredible dance moves in her new video for 'Drummer Boy.' In an exclusive interview with PopEater, Nova talks about her love of dance and Mother Nature and why she sings in Spanish and English at the same time. Check out the video and interview after the jump.

Watch Debi Nova's 'Drummer Boy' Video

Seven Questions With Debi Nova:

How would you describe your sound?

It's vibrant. It's tropical. It's pop.

How has your multicultural upbringing influenced your music?

I grew up in Costa Rica, which geographically is in the middle of the continent, so I grew up listening to everything! Reggae, Soca, Merengue and Salsa from the Caribbean; Ballenato, Tango, Samba from the south; Rock, Pop, Jazz and Blues from the States and everything in between. I wanted to showcase that "melting pot" sound in my first album, 'Luna Nueva,' so not only did I use many different rhythms throughout the album, but I was very free when it came to the lyrics. Some songs came out in English, some in Spanish and some came out in both.

Who are your musical idols?

Any artist that's genuine and has something positive and refreshing to say with their music. I'm especially inspired by female artists that write, produce, play and sing their own music.

You were recently featured on 'Dancing With the Stars.' What was that experience like, and would you ever want to be a contestant on the show?

The whole experience was pretty surreal. We got the call about a week before the show so I didn't have time to think about it too much or get too nervous! I really enjoyed working with the dancers. They were super sweet and fun to work with and really helped me with my performance. I would definitely be a contestant on the show in the future. I love dancing and I love the show!

After collaborating with Ricky Martin, the Black Eyed Peas and more, who would you like to collaborate with next?

The list is very long but I would love to do something with one of the Marleys. I've also been recently obsessed with Miike Snow and think it'd be really interesting to write with them. Sheila E is another one of my dream collabos.

The video for 'Drummer Boy' featured desert landscapes and lots of dancing. Did you have fun shooting this video?

Yes! It was a really fun shoot. We had an amazing group of people, working behind the cameras and on camera. The dancers and drummers were from all over the world and I also had some of my closest friends dancing. It was truly a party.

What song from your new album, 'Luna Nueva,' means the most to you?

They all mean the world to me. I wrote all of them and played in all of them. They are like my babies. Each one represents a different aspect of who I am. Some are about love, some about faith, some about letting go of fear, some about respecting Mother Nature -- it would be impossible to choose just one!

Download Debi Nova Songs

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