Easy-going, 20 year old Kristina Jogno hails from Mays Landing, New Jersey and may be a junior majoring in Health Science at Stockton University, but her interests do not stop there. Aside from being nocturnal, a major foodie and a member of the Speech and Hearing Club at Stockton, Jogno has been selected as this week’s Campus Celebrity for her extraordinary musical abilities. Kristina has posted several videos on her Instagram which I encourage you to check out (she even sings in other languages). Her beautiful cover of “Once Upon a Dream” from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty will give you chills. Read on to learn how Kristina got to where she is today and where she hopes to go!
How did you get into music?
I grew up in a Filipino household, which means karaoke was a significant part of my life. I have been singing for as long as I could talk. There are also a lot of people who helped shape me into the musician I am today; like my family, teachers, and friends.
What instruments do you play?
I play the guitar, ukulele, and keyboard.
Which instrument is your favorite? Which instrument has been the most challenging to learn to play?
My favorite instrument to play is the guitar. Ever since I was five I always dreamed of playing the guitar. My uncle was in a band when I was younger and he always had his guitars laying around the house and I thought they were so cool. The most challenging instrument to learn was the violin. There’s a reason why I didn’t list it for the previous question; I don’t play it anymore. I joined the school orchestra when I was in middle school and I loved being a part of it. I moved to a new town and my new school didn’t have an orchestra, so I stopped playing. I tried to re-teach myself how to play the violin when I was in high school. It was harder than I remembered, and I eventually gave up on it.
How long have you been singing and playing instruments?
Like I said before, I have been singing for as long as I could talk. I remember my family pushing me to sing karaoke at parties. As for playing instruments, I started in middle school.
What is your favorite genre?
I listen to pretty much everything, but right now I have been listening to a lot of rap. I love Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and Drake.
What is your favorite song and why?
Currently, my favorite song is 1-800 HOTLINE BLING by Drake. I have been so obsessed with that song lately that I even carved it on my pumpkin this year. The hook is really catchy and it’s my favorite part of the song.
What do you sing in the shower and car?
Other than Hotline Bling, I like to sing some Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake. Their songs just pump me while I’m getting ready for the day. The only downside is that I always end up having a dance party and I am always late to wherever I have to be.
Do you write your own songs and music?
I actually do write songs! My songs are a product of experiences that I’ve been through in my life. My songwriting is my outlet to express how I feel. I don’t really have a writing process. Sometimes I write the lyrics first and sometimes I write the music first. There are even times when I write both lyrics and music at the same time.
What artists or bands inspire you?
More like, who doesn’t inspire me? There are so many artists that inspire me. Not only do I love to listen to rap, but I also like to listen to crooner type songs. I love Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. There are so many more artists that I can name, but if I listed them all the list would be never ending.
Do you perform?
I used to perform in high school. I was a very active member of the school choir.
What’s been your greatest musical achievement?
My greatest musical achievement was when I made into an all girl singing group in my high school. I was so nervous for the auditions. I’ve never been more afraid of anything in my entire life. I got a call-back, so I auditioned again the next day. After the call-back auditions, the finalists sheet was posted on the bulletin board. I’ve never been so happy to see my name on a sheet of paper.
Where do you hope your music will take you in the future?
Even though I did not pursue music as my career, my love for music has not diminished. I will always work on my music on the side. I hope my music will take me to greater heights in the future. I haven’t shared any of my original songs with many people, but hopefully in the future I will be able to.