Rita Ortiz- singing sensation is now the name on everyone's lips. At only eighteen years old, she has gone down in history with her record “chart breakers” in only the space of a few months. She is clearly a young inspiration. This time last year Rita Ortiz was sitting on a desk at Richmond College doing her A-Levels. However, her story of success proved that dreams can come true. She proved that this was not what she wanted and that her heart belongs to the arts.
How did you kick-start your singing career?
I have always been singing from a very young age of six in school plays. It was always something I loved and was usually praised by those who ever heard me. My father owned a local pub in the town, which meant frequent karaoke nights. I use to take advantage of this on Fridays especially; taking over the stage and singing my heart out. I quickly became a community favourite. For me, it was still about doing something I loved at this stage. As I grew up I took part in school musicals, when I was 16 an A&R assistant came to one of the school musicals and recommended I see one of the vocal coaches as I had potential. This is where it all started. I was 16, naïve and inexperienced. I was having doubts about making this particular decision which could change the rest of my life and it has. My mother encouraged me and supported me throughout. It may be a cliché but she told me simply to “follow my dreams”. She also used to say to me; “don’t say if I make it, say when I make it”. I then agreed to sign to Sony Music. So here I am today.
Do you thing being so young and previously inexperienced in the music world has affected your success?
It definitely has been difficult. Not everything is laid out in front of you. It is not easy, and you have to work to pursue your dreams. I’m only 18 and in one of the world's toughest industries. I have been thrown into the deep end; in competition with some the top artists such as Beyonce, Mariah, Rihanna and Whitney etc. This does mean a lot more pressure but I’m enjoying every moment of it. It's how I learn to deal with this pressure that is making me a stronger individual. I’m living every day as if it were my last.
Critics say that this could be too much for you to handle. Do you agree with this view?
Of course every job requires commitment and adds stress. There will be various high and low points in my career but that do not mean that one should give up. Definitely not. I have a lot of support from my family, friends and my agent is very helpful. I know that even if I feel like it is a lot for me to handle, I know this is what I wanted and I will prevail. The world can not bring you down.
Magazines such as 'Heat' and 'OK!” have branded you as a celebrity sex symbol. What do you think about that?
Well, being only eighteen and suddenly thrown into the limelight can be extremely scary on its own. Then there's always a continuous strain of having to look good and present myself as sexy in front of the media and press. I still see myself as a normal teen, with the same insecurities as every other so this is quite flattering. I have never received so much attention before! In fact, I think it's actually harder for my father to see his little baby growing up so fast.
Tell us an average day in your new life.
It’s crazy and hectic but at the same time full of excitement. I wake up around five in the morning most days, which is a killer because I am not much of a morning person! My agent picks me up, and we'd either be heading to some form of interview, performances on radio stations, going to the recording studio, meeting with various people or doing photo shoots and more performances. It’s a really busy schedule, but it varies everyday and I am truly knackered by the end. My bed never feels so welcoming when I come home each night!
What inspires you to do what you love doing?
Everything and everyone around me. They are making this experience phenomenal. My fans, my family, my manager, everyone has so much faith in me and I’m giving one hundred per cent keep them satisfied and happy, as well as myself. I am a bit of a perfectionist; I like to do things to the best of my abilities. Of course I have my blank moments when writing a song, like an author can have writer's block when writing a novel. Nonetheless, I've realised that the lyrics of my songs only flow naturally when they're about something I can relate to.
What are your current goals for the future?
Well, I still want to go on to university and do a degree in English Literature (laughs) You’re probably thinking you’ve got the rest of your life set out for you, so why education? When my grandmother died she said to my mother please make sure Rita goes to university and makes something of her and for my grandmother I’d like to repay by taking on board her death wish. Also I think that education is very important in the modern day and age, and as someone in the media I see it as my duty to press the need for youth to take on gaining qualifications as essential.
Who would you like to be compared to?
That’s a hard one. I wouldn’t like to be compared to anyone out there I just want to be me and prove my own identity. However, If I had to chose someone, I would say that I would like to be compared to Madonna. She is an inspiration, and everyone knows and respects her as a true music icon. Any artist could have done the music which appeared on her first two albums but her latest songs were ones only a certain artist could do.
How much control did you have over your album?
Hmm, well here’s something you may find surprising about me. Before binding an agreement with my record label, I wondered how I would write all my songs and also produce most of the melodies. To be honest I have as much control as I am happy with and can manage. As for my image I let Sony make a diva out of me. (Laughs) It’s hard to accept the fact that someone so simple like me could be perceived as a diva. My world is changing around me so fast! Regardless, I want to embrace every moment of it.
