Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Börni

Börni has experienced many milestones throughout her career, including performing with Celine Dion, signing a record deal with Sony Music, and working alongside industry greats like Sean Kingston and four-time Grammy-nominated musician-producer-songwriter Linda Perry. She’s proven time and time again that her sound has international appeal, receiving airplay across the States and Europe.

While she’s accomplished more than many do in a lifetime, the Swiss singer-songwriter is hungrier than ever to reach new heights in her career. Pop Culturalist caught up with Börni to chat about her new single.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Börni: I started playing the violin when I was three years old. My two older brothers inspired me to copy them. When they joined the Zürcher Sängerknaben Boys’ Choir, I obviously couldn’t follow them as a girl, but I would join the prestigious Zürich Opera House Children’s Choir when I was seven years old. Being on stage every week, I discovered my passion for music and for singing.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Börni: A few years ago, I competed in the national Swiss show MusicStar, where my performance led me to ink a record deal with Sony Music. This was definitely a course-setting experience in my life. Also, my first trip to NYC. That laid the groundwork for my love and aspirations to be in the American and world music scene.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Börni: Yes, I feel very blessed! There were so many great moments. For example, the opportunity to sing with Celine Dion when I was younger and then shooting a music video with Sean Kingston, as well as going on a world tour last year. The most beautiful moments in my career are probably the people surrounding me. People who would always believe in me and support me no matter what. This is so incredible!

PC: You competed on MusicStar. What was the biggest takeaway from that experience that you’ve been able to apply to your career moving forward?
Börni: Getting a major label deal is so hard to achieve, and securing this was the door opener to creating albums in the most successful Swiss studio, going on tour, and being played on the radio. These are things I didn’t think I could achieve before. It taught me that nothing is impossible, even though there were times when it wasn’t easy.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “New Heights.” What was the inspiration behind the track?
Börni: “New Heights” was inspired by the struggles that I or anyone else who has a dream goes through. Those struggles either make you or break you, and “New Heights” is about what is possible when you don’t give up.

PC: The single represents the next chapter in your career. What can fans expect from this next body of work?
Börni: I think they can look forward to hearing really cool music they can absolutely relate to and can be inspired by, a unique sound I think people will enjoy hearing, and a lot of great fun energy!

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Börni: Having people that you trust give you advice is a huge blessing, but you can never just listen to them; you must stay true to yourself!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Börni: Frank Sinatra

PC: First album you bought?
Börni: Backstreet Boys

PC: First concert you attended?
Börni: Celine Dion! I sang on stage with her.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Börni: Alicia Keys’ Songs In A Minor. I found my vocal range with it.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Börni: Madison Square Garden. Dream big, right?

PC: A must-have on the road?
Börni: Laptop and a MIDI keyboard.

To keep up with Börni, follow her on Instagram. Pick up or stream “New Heights” today.

Photo Credit: Joe Sciacca