Betsy Kline
Castlegar News
Local singer Reiss Zibin has been nominated for Best Pop Performance in the International Portuguese Music Awards for her song For the Rest of My Life, which she co-wrote with her producer, Martin Acousta.
Reiss’ dad, Andrew Zibin, submitted her song and after not hearing anything back, thought nothing was going to come from it. Then one day Reiss noticed the IPMA liked her Facebook music page. The next thing she knew, she was making plans to attend the award show, which will be held April 25 in New Bedford, Mass.
The IPMA recognizes outstanding achievement in the music industry by those of Portuguese ancestry. Nominees are judged by a panel of music industry experts. The awards will be televised worldwide via RTP International.
Zibin’s musical journey began when she was young.
“I always loved music growing up,” she explained. “It has always been a huge part of my life.”
She started voice lessons at six, began teaching herself guitar at 16, and has now expanded her repertoire to include piano, ukulele and a bit of drums.
Zibin has lived in Robson most of her life. About a year and a half ago she moved to Vancouver to pursue her music dreams. After finding a producer, she released her first EP album in November, titled Reality. It’s available on iTunes. Zibin is now back home working on songs for a future album.
Zibin credits her dad as the main inspiration and encouragement for her music. She also credits Yanive Feiner from Super Cat Studios for helping her develop as a musician. “He is a huge influence and helped me find a different way with my music. He helped me find my rock sound. He is amazing at what he does.”
Three other competitors will be vying for the best pop performance title along with Zibin: Lumanova from Denmark, New Nobility from Australia and fellow Canadian Diane Pancel.
The IPMA awards also have a People’s Choice Award that will be chosen through online voting. Voters are allowed to cast a ballot every day until April 8. You can vote for For the Rest of My Life at ipmaawards.com/vote.