INTERVIEW: Nia Orea — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Nia Orea

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TAKING us towards the weekend…

with a sense of calm and magic is Nia Orea. I have been speaking with the songwriter about her debut E.P., Gifted, and what it was like putting it together. She gives me a flavour of the artists who inspire her own work; how important her fans’ support is – I ask whether there are any gigs coming up.

Orea talks about her uncle managing Bob Marley and the impact that had on her; what she hopes to achieve before the end of this year; which upcoming act we should follow – she ends the interview by selecting a rather good song.

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Hi, Nia. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m great! My week’s been awesome! Soaking in most of the sun: the weather here in London is fantastic right now. Go heat wave!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is Nia Orea and I make Electronic music. I love E.D.M., Trap and Futurebass - and my mission is to take your ears and mind into my journey.

Gifted is your debut E.P. Has it been exciting putting the songs together and completing it?

Yes! This project is extra-special to me because, during the process, there were setbacks and tribulations, but the magic pulled through in the end. I also got to work with some inspiring people.

The songs mix different genres and sounds. Are you quite eclectic in your tastes? Which artists inspire you?

The sound-system was always on in our house! I grew up listening to different types of Electronic music and Soft Rock. My dad was Electronic and Dance music whilst my mom was obsessed with the '80s artists like Madonna and Janet Jackson. Our household blasted an array of genres - we had record players, tapes and huge C.D. collection. As a kid, I was also obsessed with theatrical music and soundtracks. Guess it all rubbed off on me!

Your tracks have received a lot of love online. Is the support you get from fans important? Do they give you a lot of drive and confidence?

Oh, yes! I love my fans and I love how they let me know how they feel when they listen to my tracks. Critics are also important to me: it helps me improve so that I can make sure that I hit you with something great, always.

Do you recall when music came into your life? Did you learn an instrument when you were a child?

Yes. From a very young age, I was in my school choirs and plays! I self-taught myself how to play the recorder and I did a few lessons in piano and guitar.

Is it true your uncle managed Bob Marley?! Did he instil a love of the Reggae in you?

Yes. My uncle is a legend (R.I.P.) but his motivation and true love for Reggae music and Bob are what inspired me. He worked hard, very hard, and been through so much during his time working with Bob. But, those hurdles didn’t stop him from assisting Bob in following his dreams. Music was his life, as it is mine!

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

Where do you guys wanna see me play? You’ll, possibly, catch me touring in the U.S. very soon. We’re working on something there and, of course, Europe. I would also love to tour Japan!

How important is it being on stage and delivering to the audience? Can you describe that feeling?

It feels great - making that connection with the people that listen to your music and story! I’m there to put on a show and make sure you guys have a great time. I wanna make sure it’s a performance you’ll always remember.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I would love to tour or perform with the musicians I admire and that I look up to…or even just meeting them. That would be good enough.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music - the one that sticks in the mind?

That time I performed Hero for my high-school and I sang my heart out. Yes, I can sing and, yes, I’m shy but I could not see a damn thing when I was on that stage! The person controlling the lights sucked, it was all up in my eyes. But, that was good for me cause I couldn’t see the crowd and I wasn’t nervous. Haha. I was like twelve or something.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Haha. Nice question. Skittles, but only blue and red ones. Cheetos - loads of Cheetos -, olives and feta cheese. Cans of Ting; jerk chicken and rice and peas with loads of fried plantain on the side!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Stay focused and don’t rush! It’s ok to take a break and collect your mind. Identify areas where you’re weak and work on it.

IN THIS PHOTO: Tune (Keys N Krates)

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Keys N Krates is a talented band! Check 'em out as they are making waves right now.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I’m a gamer so, if I’m not making music, I’m probably playing Fortnite or some other game! I also love hanging with my friends on day outs, good food and vibes.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Flume (ft. Kai) - Never Be Like You