Christina Perri -- About to Pop

By Marina Galperina Posted Sep 16th 2010 11:00AM

Who: Christina Perri
Video: 'Jar of Hearts'
Hail From: Philadelphia, Pa.
For Fans Of: Avril Lavigne, Fiona Apple

Why She's About to Pop: When Christina Perri trekked from the suburbs of Philadelphia to Los Angeles with a guitar and a hope in tow, she never imagined that a modern dance routine on Fox's 'So You Think You Can Dance' would be the catalyst for her career as a singer-songwriter. She's been a roadie, a music video producer and a "fashionista barista in Beverly Hills," but a friend passed her early demo tape of 'Jar of Hearts' on to dance choreographer Stacey Tookey. Christina Perri's song and the resulting dance routine instantly earned her a fan base.

With television exposure and a great response from social media blogs, the single catapulted to No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and to No. 1 on Amazon's digital singles chart. A fresh 24, Perri has an Atlantic record deal, an upcoming fall EP and an album release in 2011. She's also excited opening for Jason Mraz on October 8th in Santa Barbara. In an exclusive chat with PopEater, Perri talks about quitting her day job, Jason Mraz and the heart-breaker behind the single. Check out the interview and her dramatic video for 'Jar of Hearts' below after the jump.

Watch Christina Perri's 'Jar of Hearts' Video

Eight Questions With Christina Perri:

What did you think about the dance routine choreographed to 'Jar of Hearts' on 'So You Think You Can Dance'?

I thought it was stunning. Stacey Tookey is such a genius choreographer and Kathryn McCormick and Billy Bell really brought the song to life for me. It was surreal to be sitting in the audience and see it happen. I definitely thought I was dreaming.

Can you dance?

Yeah! Not like amazing, professional dancing, but I do have rhythm and I love to dance.

Who is the inspiration for 'Jar of Hearts,' and does that person know?

It's about a boy I dated back home in Philly. He broke my heart a bunch and other girls' hearts too. So I wrote 'Jar of Hearts' for him ... and he does know. He thinks it's cool.

How did you first get into playing music?

Well, I grew up singing everywhere since I was a little girl. Then I got into theater. I did all the school drama and choir programs. I taught myself guitar and piano when I was 16, and started writing songs -- kind of like a diary. Everything I went through, I sang about. I still do.

Who are your female rock idols?

My female idols are Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, Carol King, Cher, Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette and Lady Gaga.

At what point did you decide it was time to quit your job as a waitress and be a full-time recording artist?

It was the day after my song was featured on 'So You Think You Can Dance': July 1, 2010. I didn't plan on quitting my job but I was so busy every minute of every day that followed that I couldn't work again. Then I signed the record deal with Atlantic records and then I quit my job. What a great day!

You're playing a show with Jason Mraz. Are you a fan?

I am a huge fan and have been for a very long time. I'm pretty positive I know every word to every song he's ever done. Playing with Jason will be my biggest dream to come true so far.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would you choose and why?

I would love to collaborate with any of my favorite artists: Jason Mraz, Chris Martin or Fiona Apple or Conor Oberst or Adam Durtiz or Paul McCartney! Since everything has happened, I now believe that possibilities are endless and anything can happen.

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