JUNE 2011 ISSUE MMUSICMAG.COM SPOTLIGHT Lani Lee christina perri how one unexpected dance catapulted her into a promising career Few young artists can point to intimately personal nature of her music, the one particular time on one particular evening experience was emotionally wrenching. “it as the precise moment they broke through to almost killed me,” she says. “it was also the a national audience. But for then-unsigned most fun i’ve ever had. there were some and unknown singer and songwriter days i didn’t think i could survive opening christina perri, that moment came when up all the stitches on my heart.” her song “Jar of Hearts” was heard by philadelphia native perri has been millions accompanying dancers on the hit writing songs since age 15, encouraged by reality-competition tV show So You the success of her older sibling nick, former JUNE 2011 Think You Can Dance. “at 8 p.m. on guitarist for shinedown. “My big brother M MUSIC & MUSICIANS June 30 of last year, suddenly i instantly supports me, as does everyone else in my existed,” she marvels. “it was so crazy. i huge, amazing italian family,” she reports. MAGAZINE couldn’t believe it for weeks. i thank the “He’s had some of the same experiences universe every night. i feel like the luckiest as me, so he’s been there for me if i’ve had girl on the planet.” any questions or fears.” the song’s download sales went perri moved to Los angeles with what through the roof instantly. perri was quickly she calls “an arsenal of songs. But the 15 snatched up by a major label and went to i chose for lovestrong are the songs that work on her new debut album, lovestrong. stood out to me the most. they’re the she did her best not to let the pressure of ones i fought for, the ones i couldn’t live sudden stardom interfere with the creative without. they’re the songs i needed to put process. “i assembled the best team and into the world.” now perri, 24, pronounces band possible and made music 100 percent herself thrilled to be sharing those songs authentic to my heart, soul and guts,” she with her new fans. “My goal is to be happy, says. the album was completed in a healthy, loving, honest and humble,” she whirlwind 33 days, a schedule that found says, “and to continue learning, being perri at times working in two studios on three myself and making music.” different songs in the same day. given the –Chris Neal 1818 M mag 12.indd 18 7/7/11 10:55:25 PM.