Tila Tequila, as she’s known to millions of fans, has carved herself a niche in pop culture, generating buzz with each project she undertakes. She first graced the pages of Playboy at age 19, eventually making a total of six appearances in the magazine. Soon, modeling gigs were pouring in, and she has appeared in magazines as diverse as Maxim and Time. But Tila’s true love has always been music and she decided to pursue it. With an international fan base that follows her every move, it’s safe to say the public is ready. The youngest of three children born to Vietnamese parents, Tila (pronounced TEE-luh) says she’s been influenced by Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hannah, Berlin, and early Madonna. If these influences honed her ear for music, perhaps hours spent singing Karaoke helped Tila develop her stage persona. “In my family, it was all about Karaoke,” Tila says. “Every holiday we would go to my aunt’s house and sing Karaoke all day,” she laughs. Recorded in Sweden, the EP serves up a sound that’s as eclectic as the artist herself. Tila penned the lyrics and melodies for each track, while Swedish producer Daniel “Supergrass” Johansen (Shiny Toy Guns) laid down the beats and produced the EP. While hints of Duran Duran and pre-Virgin Madonna are unmistakable, the Swedish production and Tila’s playful vocals give the EP a flavor all its own. “Working with Tila was wonderful,” says Johansen. “The songs came out with the perfect energy.” “My personality is pretty loud and colorful and I always have something to say,” Tila remarks. “Music allows me to express myself. If you want to send a message out there to the world, music is the best way to do it.”