Kina Grannis made an appearance on CBS Early Show yesterday. She performed her song, “Valentine,” in the Second Cup Cafe on the Early Show. After the song, she talks about turning down a record deal to stay independent. After winning a contest that resulted in 100 million people seeing her video during the 2008 Superbowl, Kina Grannis used that exposure and social networking sites to build a huge fan base. (Be sure to be her fan on facebook and twitter.) She talks about the origins of the title of her album Stairwells. The album broke into the Billboard 200 and made it to No. 5 on the Billboard Top Internet Albums chart, as well as No. 2 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart. From a college student singing in the USC stairwell to being thrown into the spotlight as a rising music star, Kina Grannis is spreading the word about her music.

Kina Grannis on CBS Early Show

Kina Grannis chats backstage too. Find out her advice for going big online, her favorite food (sushi), and music video Valentine. Staying indies isn’t easy. Recently, her car was broken into while touring. All her merchandise and grandfather’ ukulele were stolen, but that hasn’t stopped her from continuing her sold out tour. Learn more about Kina Grannis from questions from fans.