Singer/songwriter, Pink Martini
www.pinkmartini.com/

You don’t often hear Harvard Grads laud the benefits of just “having fun” or “taking things less seriously.” But China Forbes, whose captivating voice and eclectic song writing helped make her band, Pink Martini, the toast of every town, ain’t your average Ivy Leaguer.

Forbes fronts the internationally known, twelve-member strong “little orchestra” known as Pink Martini. Founded by her friend and fellow Harvard grad, Thomas Lauderdale, Pink Martini infuses a myriad of languages and styles into its culturally diverse cocktail party of sound. Their self-released debut album, Sympathique (1997), has sold over 750,000 copies worldwide and features the Forbes/Lauderdale penned title track, which remains a hit in France. The album garnered the band nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Best New Artist” in France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards, and launched Pink Martini to its current spot playing with major symphony orchestras across the country, and to an eager legion of fans across the globe. Their second album, Hang on Little Tomato (2004), went to #1 on the Amazon.com bestseller list. Now, with their newest release, Hey Eugene! still hot off the presses, Forbes tells us how she dodged a career in finance in favor of singing her heart out.

Follow Your Calling

“I always wanted to be a singer. I learned how to play guitar and write songs when I was in my teens, and I did musical theater right out of college. I always just believed I could do what I wanted to and follow my dream. I was lucky because my Mom let me live in her apartment in New York City so I could follow my creative pursuits — even though she really wanted me to work in her office and learn money management!”

Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things

“I was living in New York and performing a lot of my own music, but I lacked any kind of real vision. When Thomas asked me to join Pink Martini, it was totally different from what I was doing and I wasn’t that into it. But he really utilized my talents well, started me singing in different languages and styles and really believed in me. It wound up being a perfect fit.”

Biggest Challenge

“My biggest challenge was stepping into the diva role after being a singer/songwriter. I suddenly had to wear gowns and sing with full orchestras - I was terrified! I went though a period where I didn’t think I would be good enough. I got over it by creating an atmosphere for myself, by being in the moment and remembering that what I was doing was fun. Once I made it fun for myself, I stopped worrying so much about technique and started connecting with the audience, and the moment, and it changed everything.”

Cross Promote

“We released our first record on our own label with no publicity or radio play, and got it out there by hard work and constant touring. The fact that we’d perform with various symphony orchestras really helped. We’d arrive in a new city and get exposed to their fan bases. Then we’d do CD signings in the lobby and meet everyone, which is great thing for fan loyalty and really fun for us too.”

Get Out Of Your Own Way

“I don’t feel like I’ve had any exterior obstacles because anything is possible. The only real obstacle has been my resistance to deal with myself. So much of growing in what you do is about removing the obstacles that you put in your own way. I had so many psychological barriers, and I’ve gotten so much better - I don’t think my voice has necessarily improved, I just think I got out of my own way and started having fun.”

Adapt to Your Surroundings

“We travel all the time and it’s really exhausting. I’m a real homebody so it’s hard for me. I always bring my cashmere sweater coat and use it like a blanket. I also bring lots of green tea. I keep my basic rituals around me and try to make myself all-snuggly-and-at-home in hotel rooms and on the bus. It’s what grounds me.”

Keys to Collaboration

“Work with people you like and keep your sense of humor. We all work so closely and travel together that when someone has a personal problem it becomes all of ours. We just try to keep our sense of humor and be really supportive.”

Haste Makes Waste

“Our success has been a really slow build. After the release of our first CD, which sold well, we didn’t release another for seven years. There was a lot of pressure on us not to fall prey to the sophomore slump so we took our time and made sure the songs were really good and I know the album is better because of that. We were patient and hoped more and more people would discover us, which they did. I think we were really lucky, but I think not rushing and being desperate for success was part of it too.”

Her Secrets for Success

“Believe, deep down, that you can have it, that you can actually get to do what you want to do. Also, find partners that compliment you and supplement what you lack. That’s been really successful for me. I fit into this puzzle and feel really good about what I bring. I feel confident in my collaborators. It’s important to realize that you can’t do everything yourself sometimes. You can get different things from different people so don’t be afraid to let people help you. We’ve had great success because of the team effort.”

Coming Soon…

“I’m working on a solo album and I’d like to get back into acting again. I’d also like to get more involved in writing music for films. As far as the band goes, we’re putting out a DVD of our live concerts and then it’s on to the next Pink Martini album!”

Words of Wisdom

“Everything comes with risks. If you never take any, you never get anywhere.”

This featured lady was profiled by Los Angeles based author and columnist Jen Sincero.