Transcript
Christina Perry (0:00)
I was laughing on Saturday night because I was singing. I got on stage and like sang with my brother and his band. And then at 10pm and at 11pm I was literally catching barf, like, from my kids.
Bri (0:10)
This is the Nicki and Bri show. What up, everyone? Today we are so excited to be joined by a multi platinum singer songwriter whose heart touching songs has resonated with millions, especially these two girls sitting on the couch. She is now adding something special to her career and author. It is such a pleasure to have you. Christina Berry.
Christina Perry (0:34)
Yes.
Nikki (0:35)
Oh, hello. So Bri and I are so excited to get into your new children's book, A Thousand Years. And we were wondering what inspired you to write a children's book and why did you choose A Thousand Years as the theme?
Christina Perry (0:52)
Okay, so this is just such a special story for me. I. I guess. Well, it was 2011 when I wrote this song originally for the movie Twilight. So I did be. I mean, I really was a Twilight fan, I have to admit. I was more of a TWI. Hard. I was like, hard.
Bri (1:12)
Oh, yeah.
Christina Perry (1:13)
And so I will not deny that, but I wrote this song for the movie and it was like very specific. It was like, you know, you go in, you screen the film. They were like, we need a song for the wedding scene. And I was like, okay, great, I made it a waltz. I was like, you know, this is what, you know, I'm submitting for this film. And so that's where it started. And then the song got chosen, but not for the wedding. They were like, we're actually going to put it in the credits. And I was like, cool. I'm. This is still the coolest thing that's ever happened to me ever. Because it's my favorite books, my favorite movies. And so this is 2011. And then 2012, the fans were like, oh, hey, we know that Christina Perry is a TWI Hard. And so we want this song. So, like, they. I feel like they knew because there was a Bruno Mars song that was on the radio. But then I feel like they were like, we know Bruno isn't a twi. Hard. And so like, they swapped out and they put my song on the radio as a single for the film. And I was like, wow, that's really cool. And then so all of a sudden, like, the fans just. Just loved it the most. And then because of that, then the filmmakers were like, oh, let's put like a seven minute version of A Thousand Years in the last film. And I was like, cool. So then I did this like orchestral version of it. And then. And a duet at the time with my boyfriend. And it was like this, you know, this new version. And then I. I thought maybe like that was it. And then all the people who love started to get married. This is all just like in real time. And then they chose it as a wedding song. So then all of a sudden, like, this song is not so much about Twilight anymore. And it's like the song that everybody's walking down the aisle to, everybody's doing their first dance to, and I'm like, well, that's really cool. So this like, song just keeps, like, living its own life and like, evolving. And so for, I don't know, for the next 10 years, everybody gets married to it. And what comes after marriage, but everybody starts having babies. It's funny is so did I. So I ended up getting married. I ended up having babies. And so I remember thinking, like, you know, I don't know if you guys relate, but like, when you become a mom, like, your whole world changes. Like, yeah, I kind of don't want to pretend that like, this didn't just happen. So how can I, like, marry sort of my, you know, my career with like, what I'm doing now and with motherhood? And so I just started singing lullabies. And I remember my record label was like, what? You know, like, you're making we're babies now. And I was like, just, just hang in there. And so I make a lullaby record for my, my first daughter Carmela. And. And then all of a sudden, because everyone got married to my music, they're having babies at the same time as me. Now they're playing my lullabies to all their kids. So all of a sudden I'm like this voice in their story, you know, and like some of the most amazing moments of their lives. And I'm so grateful and I'm so honored to be a part of this. And so honestly, it felt like the very, like, right next thing to do. And because it's a thousand years, so I made like a lullaby version of the song and everyone was like, loving that. And so I was like, well, what if, you know, we did like a picture book? Because that's what. That's my world. Like, I'm sitting and reading books now. I have also a two year old and so I'm reading books to her. And like, so it just was the most natural progression, I have to say. Like, it's just the gift that keeps on giving. Like, this song has its own life, but I'm just kind of There, like, hanging out for all of it and loving all of it, because I loved the twilight season. I love the wedding season. I'm obsessed with the motherhood season because it's my favorite part. And I just, like I said, I feel, like, really honored to be a voice in, like, this part of people's lives. And I feel like you don't even have to know the song, like, because I rewrote the book a little bit to make it its own thing. I also couldn't say I have died every day waiting for you, like, right. Even though I would because I'm so emo. But, like, you know, who are reading it, you know, they might not want to say that. So I changed the lyrics a little bit to make it, like, you know, kid friendly, because so many people said to me, like, hey, this feels like a love story between me and my child. And just listened. I was like, all right, let's go. And so that's what it is now. And I'm. I'm so excited.