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5 Questions with Laura Pausini
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5 Questions with Laura Pausini
Laura Pausini is an Italian singer-songwriter who first gained notoriety when she performed at the Sanremo Music Festival in 1993. Her self-titled album was released later that same year and was an instant success, remaining at the top of the Italian charts for an entire year. Her hit single, "La Solitudine," was translated into at least three languages and endeared her to lovesick audiences across the world.
The multi-lingual artist says she is "in love with learning languages" and performs her soulful ballads in several, including Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, English and French. Although she employs help in translating some of the songs, Pausini says, "The meaning of a song is a very important thing, I never change the meaning of a song for a market."
Beloved in Mexico and Latin America for her Spanish music, Pausini has won three Latin Grammys. The first two in 2005 and 2007 were both for Best Female Vocal Album, while the latest, in 2008, was for "Vivere," a duet with opera tenor Andrea Bocelli for Best Recording of the Year. In 2006, Pausini won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album for "Escucha."
Now in the midst of her current world tour, which comes to Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort on Sunday, Oct. 18, Pausini took a break to provide At The Shore with five answers we simply had to have.
Q: How's you tour going so far? What should we expect from your Atlantic City show?
A: Until now, I've had all sold-out shows. I feel so lucky as it's not easy in the music business right now. It's beautiful to discover culture and people with different physiognomies, through music.
I will sing all the hits from my whole career. In Atlantic City, (I'll sing) in Italian and Spanish with some songs in English.
Q: Do you ever get tired of writing on the same topic (of love)? How do you keep your material relevant and fresh?
A: I've discovered such a lot of things in my life; my experiences gave me a lot to suffer, and to smile about -- things that I like to write in music. I love to sing about my past; it reminds me of nice emotions. My old songs are just like the brand new ones, an autobiography.
Q: What was it like performing with opera greats such as (the late) Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli?
A: For sure, (Pavarotti's) voice will live in me forever, as well as his smile and our memories: playing cards at his house or having a very long dinner together. He is "The One."
Andrea Bocelli is also a good friend of mine. We started our careers together at the 1993 Sanremo Festival and it's been so beautiful to have him as a friend who's also traveling around the world with music. Our performance at the Latin Grammys two years ago still gives me goosebumps.
Q: You began performing with your father at a young age so he must be proud. Your mom didn't take it so well, at first. How is she coming around?
A: My parents are great. I love them infinitely. My father is still working and traveling with me and he will be in Atlantic City. My mother just desired a quiet life for me, but then she discovered I was happy like this and she made sacrifices as a mother to let me realize my dream.
Now it is my turn. In January 2010 I will retire for one year to be a daughter. I'll stay home with her and I will try to recover the time I lost with her.
Q: You've always been heavily involved in charity, especially when it concerns women around the world. Tell me about Amiche per L'Abbruzzi.
A: In Abbruzzo, many people lost families and homes because of the earthquake. I thought I had to do something big. I called all my female colleagues and for the first time in Italy, we had a (benefit) concert all together. Just a few days ago, I had a press conference to say that we are proud to give more than one million euro to the region. I'm so proud. I think I will try to organize more concerts like that in the future.
Laura Pausini
WHEN: 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
WHERE: Arena, Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, Atlantic City
HOW MUCH: Tickets, priced at $75 and $95 are available at the Trump Taj Mahal box office at 609-449-5150 or through Ticketmaster at 800-736-1420 or www.ticketmaster.com.
WEB SITE: www.laurapausini.com
WHAT'S NEW: Pausini is recording a new album of live performances from her current world tour. Each song will be recorded in a different city and the album will be released next month.
Posted in Entertainment on Thursday, October 15, 2009 3:05 am
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