The Blog

Introduce readers to Carmelina Vargas. Tell us a little about your background and how you got started singing.

Hi I’m Carmelina and I am a bilingual pop recording artist. I was born in Barahona, Dominican Republic and was raised in Harlem, NY. As far as I can remember, I’ve had this love for music. A kind of love that is forever constant in my heart. My father was a saxophone player in a Merengue band and I used to follow him around as a child. Singing comes naturally to me as I was raised in a musical family. My dad has been an instrumental part of my music career. He supports me and encourages me to enjoy the journey.

I took music seriously and enrolled in singing lessons and read many books on songwriting and how to develop a song from an idea. I was a Literature Major in College so poetry and the art of writing (in English and Spanish) comes easily to me. The bilingual fluidity allows me to express myself in various ways. I also learned the hard way that there are some things that cannot and shouldn’t be translated. Both languages have a unique appeal to me.

You’re a bi-lingual recording artist. You blend R&B, Pop, and Latino music on your tracks. Why is it so important to you to give a voice to all of those elements on every album?

My debut album Morena was an expression for my Latino culture. When i do say “Latino” - I’m referring to the acculturated pallets in my blood. I am Dominican-American and I enjoy Tropical music like Merengue, Bachata, Baladas, however, as a teen in the United States you can’t deny other R&B sounds. I fuse both sounds because they are both are a part of my essence. Also, depending on the song, I may have one foot more on the “American” side of me and vice versa. It varies, this makes music interesting to make. In terms of (lyrics) songwriting, I enjoy all genres of music. There is a richness of inspiration when you don’t limit what you listen to. I believe this makes me a better musical artist.

Not long after your debut album was released you did a self breast exam and it changed your life. Tell us about your experience.

After routine work out, and in the shower, i felt a small lump on my left breast and i had it checked out right away (this saved my life!). I didn’t know what a mammogram was because i was too young to get one so i learned anyway. I was not afraid. I went for many tests and got the final Breast Cancer Stage 2 diagnosis. By the time i sat with my surgeon to discuss treatment, i was already informed and decided because i did a lot of research by speaking to other women and on-line.

Were you surprised at you diagnosis, being so young?

Yes!, I didn’t know what breast cancer was. I thought it was hereditary so I never thought it would happen to me. I learned that 80% of breast cancers are NOT inherited! That baffled me. The treatment I chose was one of the best a woman my age could have chosen as I also learned that the younger you are the more aggressive the cancer is.

What kind of support system did you have during this very difficult period?

I was touched by how many people were sad to hear that I was going through this. My family, friends and musical family were all so supportive and wanted to make sure I continued making my music. A lot of people think of cancer and they only think of death….now I know why they call it “survival”…..I cheated death! I had a game plan, I became informed and took action quickly. I never missed a treatment and am grateful for my decision to have a double mastectomy.

How did your experience with Stage 2 breast cancer impact your life going forward?

I had to take time for me this time around and spend more time with my family. It was a time for healing. All my energies went towards healing my mind, body and spirit. I still take acupuncture, yoga, steam baths, massages, aromatheraphy. Holistic healing. My diet changed for the better. I eat healthier now and incorporated everything Mother Natures offers including nuts, fruits and vegetables.

What advice would you give to other women who don’t consider monthly self breast exams important?

Do it. Your life depends on it. After your period ends, please check yourself for any small changes in your body. Get to know your body.

We’re strong proponents of women helping other women. Is there a role model, mentor, or other woman who helped you along the road to success in your music career?

My mom has been my strongest role model. There is something about that unconditional love that it’s hard to find elsewhere. She raised four children, came to a country where she didn’t speak the language. She is a soldier in my book. I learn from her more and more each day. She helps me fight the good fight.

What projects are on the horizon for you?

We did a video to my new English single LOVE and it shocked a lot of people because they only thought I only record in Spanish. LOVE is a special song I wrote about fighting for what you want despite adversity and what other people say. This is my first music video and it will be launch on my official website CarmelinaVargas.com June 28. Tell a friend!

I am also currently recording and writing my Sophomore (English) album Golden Girl out in 2011. This album is going to be BIGGER and BETTER! I enjoy the pre-production because lord knows what the finished product will be. It’s all very exciting to me! I enjoy what I do.

What other pursuits or causes are you passionate about, besides music?

Helping my community and becoming a positive force in the lives of others is also one of my life’s mission. I sit on the Board of Directors for a new Survivor group at the Presbyterian/Columbia hospital. I am also an elite member of the network of Motivators and Creators Women’s Group (MACs Women’s Group) and I help raise awareness for the American Cancer Society cause.

Where can readers go to learn more about you and to hear your music?

My official website of course! CarmelinaVargas.com. I’m also on Facebook at Facebook.com/carmelinamusic. I’m on MySpace at Myspace.com/carmelinamusic and on Twitter at Twitter.com/carmelinamusic. I’m very active online. Let’s connect!

Do you have any children?

Yes, I am a mom to a fabulous 7-year-old. He is truly a daily inspiration in my life and he is honest and makes me happy beyond my wildest dreams. He is also my biggest fan. He knows all the lyrics to my songs! LOL

Any final thoughts?

Yes! Thank you AllThingsGirl.net for allowing me to share my voice.

Posted by Roxanne in Arts: Books, Music & Movies, Inspiring Women |

This entry was posted on Friday, July 2nd, 2010 at 1:01 am and is filed under Arts: Books, Music & Movies, Inspiring Women. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.