Some artists make music because they have the talent, others make music simply to express themselves. True Istina possesses both the talent and the innate need to express her own truths. Personal revelation and empowerment are prevalent themes in her music. It gives her the confidence to continually push through whatever boundaries lie in the pop and alternative music genres. “I’m just myself. I kind of learned by doing this whole thing with releasing my own music that I'm not trying to be like anyone else, I’m not trying to fit a mold, I'm not trying to be a pop artist, I'm not trying to be R&B, I’m not trying to be alternative, I’m just releasing the music that has helped me through my journey and I hope it helps someone else” True Istina says.
With Istina meaning “Truth” in the Croatian language, she uses her stage name to pay homage to her cultural heritage and the steadfastness of her grandparents who immigrated to the United States to build a new beginning for her lineage.
Music has always been a part of True Istina’s life. Inspired early in life by Carrie Underwood, she's been singing since she was 2 and writing songs as early as 10 years old. Now at the age of 16, the singer/songwriter is bursting onto the music scene full throttle showcasing her brand of distinguishably impressive vocals and lyrically empowering music with her debut single “For Fun” which she co-produced. The single is an upbeat, catchy reminder that in the end you are in control of your own thoughts and feelings. “I started the entire song off of a clap beat that I created. It kind of set the stage for what the song is going to be like.” she says. “The message behind it is much deeper so I tried to incorporate that the message and lyrics on their own are really an important story but I also wanted it to be something that you could really feel more confident with listening to” she explained.
I think each song on the album really showcases a different kind of love. Like when it becomes toxic, versus when self love is needed versus when love becomes possession and all those types of things. Also I think that, on my album and even these singles, half of them are really about uplifting you and being confident where you are and with who you are and the other side is really looking at the more realistic side of it, the times where you are feeling more down and you really need to understand what you're going through.” True Istina" says.
A trove of talents, singer-songwriter True Istina started singing from the age of 2 years old, sharing her musical talents with listeners at the Cherry Festival multiple times, and learning how to harmonize at the age of 5 through her mother’s classes. A phenomenal prodigy, True Istina began penning down singles as a form of cathartic outlet for her own self, releasing her many tumultuous emotions through pen and paper.
Armed with her life-long mantra that everyone's’ thoughts, feelings, and sentiments make sense, are valid and are unique, True Istina hopes to inspire listeners through her own musical magic. Using her dynamic style, the eclectic artist is sending ripples in Acoustic and Alternative realms, shedding light on the “Truth” that everyone’s feelings are meaningful- a central theme reflected in her original song writing.
True Istina’s diverse discography includes her new album, “True Istina”, which narrates the stories, experiences, and tales that matter, imbued with a soulful optimism and a desire of healing and lighting the way ahead. Urging listeners to embrace their inner beauty, confidence, and strength, the artist enjoins audiences to be kind to themselves and to those around them, weaving connections through each new single. Through singles such as “For Fun”, “Nu Life”, “Walkin the Line”, and “Fantasy”, the inspiring singer-songwriter showcases her independent musical prowess, authentic song writing, and a heartfelt drive to cultivate kindness.
The captivating artist has also won hearts with her performances, including those at the 2018 Chinese Fair, 2019 House of Blues and Hard Rock and a showcase in 2021.
Moving forward, True Istina aims to release her singles and albums on all platforms, and start performing, making a positive impact on people with her music and making a difference. She also plans to become successful and hopes to travel and preform all around the world learning new languages, cultures, and customs- especially headlining in Croatia.
As a prolific songwriter, True Istina hopes to help the people who are struggling, imparting the crucial message that they are not alone, and helping even one person to feel that they are strong and powerful. She also intends to start a non-profit organization, or a part of a charity group and give back to the community.
“I started writing music as an outlet for myself. I had been in counseling for bullying but at some point it was no longer helping me, it was a mental block. So I wrote songs to help me understand what I was feeling and to find a way to release pain, or discomfort, or anxiety, or even feelings of being betrayed. I never thought that in a million years that I would be releasing my own songs and to be honest I was never going to. I had only let my mom hear my songs and she had sent it to my manager, and that is how it started. But I never had thought or had wanted to be a songwriter a singer yes but songwriting I didn’t even know if my songs were any good. I just remember that one day I looked back at some of my songs in my song book and just looking at them made me realize that I wanted to release my songs not for money, not for fame but just for the mere chance that it could help someone understand that they are not alone, though it may feel like it, that their feelings are valid and they are allowed to have them without having to apologize for them, and to even be able to understand what they are going through. This Truth is where the artist name True Istina comes from. “ “When I write music I speak my truth I only write what’s real. My feelings are real and that is way some of my songs are very deep. On my new album “True Istina” there are two sides to the music I have the more story telling side that represents experiences and the positive side filled with hope and healing even for myself.”My only goal with releasing this music is that it makes you feel something, understood, not alone, or to find an understanding of your own feelings. I hope the music helps you feel more confident, more kind to yourself and, strong just strong how ever you take that, because strength is the only thing that can you get through anything. With that being said I hope that you connect to my music and it helps you in any way you need it. Always speak your truth True Istina”” - True Istina
“Songwriting has been a catharsis for me. It is a way for me to understand and process what I feel without feeling like I’m holding it all in. I was only 10 years old when my family and I made the decision to pursue the life that I believe was meant for me.”
Meet Grace Yaniak, CHAMPS Vocal Academy Junior.
Grace came to CHAMPS in the Fall of 2020 during the pandemic and in an era of Distance Learning. There were some obvious challenges, but Grace used the challenges as opportunities to invest in her own personal and professional growth. Fast forward to the present, and she’s now prepared to release her very first single on December 12 entitled “For Fun.”
“When I was on stage at the World Championships Performing Arts (WCOPA), it was the first time I felt truly engrossed in the world that I dreamed of being a part of and it propelled me to want even more. Whether meeting industry professionals or simply performing on stage—I knew this and more was meant for me.”
“When I came to CHAMPS, I didn’t feel like the new kid—I felt a culture of support, care, and investment. When I took my first music class at CHAMPS, I knew that I was in the right place. A year and a half later, I often think about why I chose CHAMPS, and the answer is simple: I can be a creative individual—I feel free to be myself without judgment—and the power of that is very real.”
“CHAMPS is a small school that is a tight-knit community. We’re not forced to mature overnight—we’re empowered to learn who we are and to live in the moment.”
Before Grace arrived at CHAMPS, she only attended private schools and that experience was highly concentrated around what they wanted from her and not what she wanted from herself.
“As I prepare for the launch of my first official single, I am nervous but also excited. This is the world’s first opportunity to hear who I am in my own words. I use the stage name True Istina because Istina means truth in Croatian and my grandparents are immigrants. If I want my music to be authentic for my listeners, then I have to be authentic with my identity.”