FEATURE
Exclusive Interview with Singer and Songwriter NAYANA
How did you come by your stage name?
My stage name is my real first name. We thought it was cool because it sounds a little bit like Rihanna, an absolute icon. However we are from two completely different sides of music, country and R&B. Greats like Madonna and Shakira also use their first name only, so I thought I’d give it a shot too.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
Nobody in my family was ever big into music. At a very young age, I took it upon myself to listen to Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift songs. Everyone loves them as a little girl but the connection I felt to what they did was something indescribable. I wanted more than anything to be up there on stage, singing, and playing my heart out in front of millions of people.
I began to sing anywhere and everywhere for anybody willing to listen. Finally, at 8 years old my mom put me into singing lessons. As I grew up I followed Taylor Swift’s journey more and more closely, this made my dream spark even more. I began writing songs and playing guitar when I was around 11 years old and from that moment on, I knew I would never stop.
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
My debut single Pretty Good To Be Here was actually a song that I wrote in my bedroom while I was just goofing around. I did not expect it to become all that it is now. After playing it in a competition in Canada called The ONE Artist, my now label owner and I decided to make this song my first official release. We wanted to put out something that people could blast in their cars on road trips with friends and sing at the top of their lungs when they felt happy. Pretty Good To Be Here is a feel-good, country love story that I am really proud of.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced recently is the Coronavirus. It has and continues to affect many musicians. The start of my journey with Young, Wild, and Free Records was just about to begin when the country went into lockdown and definitely created some major setbacks.
Not being able to perform at live shows or to go into radio stations is unfortunate but when the world is back to normal it will feel even better. The greatest attribute when it comes to my work ethic is that I am so passionate about what I do and I am so driven to turn my dream into a reality. It also helps to have such a great team behind me, along with a supportive family.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
Definitely not. There are so many incredibly talented writers and singers out there. I have a long way to go but I continue to work as hard as I can every day on my craft. In my opinion, someone can be the absolute best at what they do, but they can still fail to succeed. In this business, it’s about more than being the best. It’s about working as hard as possible to create the best opportunities for yourself to stand out, be noticed, and be heard.
What are your plans for the near future?
I have a bit of a Christmas surprise coming soon. I’ll be recording a couple of new things in the studio and I’ll continue to write some new material every single day. On February 20th I am a part of a Global Livestream event which I am super excited about and tickets are already on sale so you can check that out by visiting my website or social links which are down below.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
I’d like to say a big thank you to my Young Wild and Free Records label owner, manager( Artist Alliance Company), and producer Jason Wilkinson, none of this would be possible with him. I’d also like to give a shoutout to a couple of my radio friends over at Sirius XM Country, Hot Country 103.5, and Great Lakes Country 103. Thanks for playing my debut single Pretty Good To Be Here. Lastly, thank you to every single person who takes a listen to the song, adds it to their playlist, or shares it with their friends.
How can fans find you?
You can visit my website nayanasmusic.com or check out my social media platforms and say hey! Facebook and Twitter are under nayanasmusic and Instagram is under nayana.kathleen .
https://www.facebook.com/Nayanas-Music-110084670867698/?view_public_for=110084670867698
https://www.instagram.com/nayana.kathleen
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
I would say to not give up and to keep working hard. You never know when an awesome opportunity may arise or who’s attention your music could catch. Like everything else in life, just try your best and make sure to have fun while doing it!
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