You probably know this distinctive songstress from iiO’s Rapture, but there’s a lot more to the Libyan born beauty than one dance hit. Dan Murphy caught Nadia Ali between ideas for albums.
You’ve worked with some of the big names in the music industry – like Armin Van Buuren, Serge Devant and, of course, MarKus Moser. Do you ever feel any pressure from their fans when you’re getting ready to perform?
Actually, the singing part is the easiest. What is sometimes a challenge, is all of the behind the scenes stuff, like flying all of the time and getting to the actual city of performance. The funny thing is that the bigger the crowd, the easier because it’s less intimate.
As previously mentioned, you have worked with some big names and had big names remix your songs. Who has been your favourite to work with?
Every experience is really special in it’s own way and actually, recording is my favorite aspect of my career. I have been really impressed with Armin’s ability in the studio. If you ask me my absolute favorite, it would be working in the studio with DJ Sultan and Ned Shepard. They are both gifted instrumentalists and to just sit down in front of a guitar and piano is the most magical thing ever when writing a song together.
You toured extensively with iiO. What was your favourite destination and where would you like to go again?
There were so many great places we saw. Believe it or not, Australia and New Zealand were among the most beautiful and special places we had the privilege to visit.
You were last in Australia back in 2003 with the Rumba festiva. Do you have any plans to come back soon?
I would definitely like to be back as soon as possible! It is one of my favorite parts of the world and we are working on an Aussie tour!
Your new album Embers is a pure delight to listen to. Did you feel any pressure to emulate your music from iiO, given that is where most people will know you from?
Well, I didn’t feel any pressure to create something just like iiO because I was simply doing now the same thing I did back then, which was to try to write the best song I possibly could. Only this time, I was able to co-produce most of the tracks. It was really amazing to branch out of what is considered “electronic” music.
Each track on Embers is quite unique. Who do you credit as influences when writing a new track?
I am heavily influenced by the songwriting of Stevie Nicks, Bono and even Sting. I was trying not to limit where I could go vocally or melodically. I am by default always influenced by eastern sounds too. It was exciting to merge a lot of things together.
Like Madonna and many artists before you, you’ve created your own record label Smile In Bed. Why did you choose to go in that direction? With a voice like yours, surely there would have been major studios willing to sign you up.
The beauty is that this day in age, independent artists can do some really great things without a major label. Labels still have a lot to offer, but in my case I much preferred to take my time and do it without the pressure of having to answer to someone.
All of your singles and your album have only had digital releases and that’s becoming quite normal for the music industry. Do you think that the lack of a physical release may stop your music getting out to as many people as it could?
Because of the nature of electronic music, my audience is a generation very familiar with the digital world. We actually do have physical CDs available for sale, but the truth is that people would rather click a button and get music instantly. There is definitely still a call for physical CDs, in some markets more than others, but the way the distribution deals traditionally work in the U.S. at least, it doesn’t make a lot of sense. Instead, I have physical CDs available on my website.
There are many out there who sing into hair brushes and cans of deodorant in their bedroom wishing that they could be discovered. What advice do you have for them?
My advice would be to really develop whatever your art is. If it’s singing, listen to the great old singers of past generations. If it’s playing an instrument, practice and prioritise that. The best is when you really dive into your passion and learn as much as you can about all aspects of it. The time to do it is when you’re young cause it get’s more challenging when you’re distracted with adult responsibilities. But that also doesn’t mean you can’t be 30 years old and decide you want to play the guitar.
Having written and recorded music, toured the world and performed to huge crowds, what is your favourite and least favourite parts of your career?
As I said earlier, my favorite thing to do is to write and record a song. Singing is a great joy and performance gives you different kind of high. However, if I had to choose one thing, I would probably prefer to be a songwriter.
What is next for Nadia Ali?
Believe it or not, I cannot wait to start recording my next album. Just remember, artists finish their albums months if not years before the public ever does so I am already thinking up new ideas!
Nadia Ali Embers is available now.
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