Contemporary R&B/Neo-Soul, Pop artist Nae M. talks musical influences, motivation, lockdown skills and her latest release ‘Changing’

What inspired you to begin a career in music?

Well, first of all, I can say that my passion for music started since I was little. I’ve always liked to sing and listen to music (I must say thanks also to my parents who made me often listen to the songs they listened to, when they were younger, or the music in general).

I remember that when I was about 5/6 years old, I liked to sing the songs I heard on TV. In the tv spots or in the cartoons and I liked to identify myself with the singers who interpreted them, doing funny ballets as if I were at one of my concerts or in the TV too.

But I actually started to get closer to music by studying piano at the age of 8 and a year later I began to study singing, and I still do it after about 12 years. I can say that it has always been my passion and I chose to start making my own music, just to pursue this passion, putting all of myself into it. It’s always been kind of my secret wish, and it’s still my wish, to be able to make music in my life.

Your latest release ‘Changing’ is out now. Please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the single?

Sure! I started writing ‘Changing’ in January 2020 and I can say that this single is the result of a series of transformations that occurred after my first releases in 2019. Transformations especially around music because I’ve acquired a greater awareness and clarity in what I want to do. So ‘Changing’ is kind of a symbol of a new beginning and it will anticipate other works that will be part of an evolutionary process, as well as this one.

When I wrote the lyrics I was in a complicated period where I continued to question myself, my musical path and I don’t deny that I even thought for a moment that what I was doing wasn’t probably the right thing for me. So in the song I speak exactly about this situation and basically I took inspiration from what was really happening to me in that moment. I decided to talk about it because sooner or later we all find ourselves dealing with similar situations and I hope that this piece of mine will help all those who feel a bit lost.

To them I’d really want to say never to give up and to always believe in their own strength giving the best of themselves in what they do.

Everyone experiences good days and bad days, as an artist. When you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?

I’m kind of supporter of the “Everything’s Gonna be Alright” philosophy, If I may call it that. When I have a bad day or bad days, I just think it’s part of the journey and it’s totally normal for any of us to have those days where everything seems to be going wrong.

I don’t hide that I put myself down a little, but personally I don’t find anything wrong with this. I think the important thing is always getting up and always have the awareness that we will be able to handle everything to the best because everything indirectly always depends on us.

So I trust in my strengths, in my passion and in what I believe and I think “Everything’s Gonna be Alright”.

In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?

Well, I couldn’t identify a particular song that belongs to me more than the others. However, I can say that the lyrics I’ve written over the last year and that I’m still writing surely represent me fully, because each of them indirectly tells a piece of myself, of my past and my daily life and they all are the result of my lived experiences, my reflections and my continuous growth.

What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?

Personally, being also at the first steps of my journey, I’d probably say to all those who want to pursue this career that is not a simple and linear path. Many sacrifices and lots and lots of commitments are needed, mentally and physically speaking.

I would advise them to always believe in themselves, their own abilities and their own strengths because these will be the things that will allows them never to give up. Even when everything seems impossible to do. My advice is to work hard on themselves and their skills and to always keep in mind why they chose to start this journey.

What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?

For now I can say that my foreseeable future will be full of new projects and new songs and I can’t wait to tell more about them and the work behind them with my Team. There will be many surprises and slowly I can reveal more!
For the rest, I will continue my journey with the same energy and the same passion of now.

Did you learn any new skills during lockdown?

Yes – lockdown allowed me to acquire new skills and it also allowed me to know myself more deeply.

For example, I was able to implement my home studio, get closer again to the study of the piano (which I had abandoned many years ago) and discover new influences and new sources of inspiration. Lockdown also gave me the ability to revisit some of my other passions and interests such as reading and meditation to name just a few.

I think the lockdown period has helped each of us to truly discover ourselves.

Anything else you would like to add?

Well, I’d like to thank all the Team behind Niji Magazine for this beautiful interview and for this opportunity! To all the readers, don’t forget to listen to my new song ‘Changing’ out now on all digital platforms! 🙂

Connect with Nae M.

Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Credits for all photos: Lucia Orizio

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.