Interview: Nina Nesbitt
5 min read
Nina Nesbitt rose to fame in 2013 following the release of the catchy single Stay Out which was soon followed by a string of further hit singles. Starting out as an internet sensation, posting regular videos on YouTube and gaining an enormous following through social media, she has since toured alongside fellow guitarist and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and is now launching herself into the global music market.
Having released a string of EP’s and a hugely successful debut album titled Peroxide earlier this year in the UK and Australia, Nina has recently offered U.S fans a debut self-titled EP.
We recently caught up with Nina to talk about her plans for world domination and the transition from YouTube regular to critically acclaimed pop star. Here is what Nina had to tell us:
Brendon Veevers: Hi Nina, how are you and where in the world are we finding you today?
Nina Nesbitt: In London! In my home studio. I am well, a little jet lagged.
BV: For those who have yet to hear the EP, can you tell us a little about what they might expect in terms of sound, style and theme?
NN: It’s my earlier stuff picked from the UK EPs. It’s kind of folky-upbeat with a few ballads. The lyrics are quite personal and honest.
BV: You released your debut album Peroxide in the UK earlier this year. Are there plans to release Peroxide in the U.S?
NN: Yes, for sure. Hopefully later this year or next year. It’s my favourite project I’ve done so far, so I can’t wait to get it out in the states!
BV: How does it feel to be on the verge of breaking into the U.S market? – it’s a tough one to crack but you seem to be on your way!
NN: Haha! It’s massive. It’s only now I’m realising how big the country actually is. It’s crazy. I’m just starting, I’m a long, long, long way away from breaking it. But I’m excited!
BV: Is it important for you to be involved in the whole creative process of a new record or are you comfortable leaving your team to pull certain elements together?
NN: Of course! I’m involved in every part from the production to the marketing. I write all the songs, too. It’s very important for me to do that otherwise I feel it’s not my work.
BV: Are you a perfectionist in the recording studio or do you tend to take more of a spontaneous/improvised approach to putting tracks down?
NN: A mixture, it depends on the style. If it’s a live take acoustic track I like imperfections and duff notes because it’s real and live. If it’s more produced, I like everything to be perfect.
BV: Social media platforms play a vital role in artists being able to connect with and interact with their fans. Are you a big user of social media platforms like these?
NN: Yeah, I do use it quite a lot but I do like to balance social media land and real life land haha. It can get a bit much otherwise!
BV: When it comes to writing songs, where would you say you draw the most inspiration from?
NN: I’m not sure… I guess real life events. Anything I experience I write about. Mostly sad or angry experiences. They’re easiest to write about.
BV: You have worked with Ed Sheeran in the past, supporting him on the road. What was the best piece of advice that he offered you?
NN: Be true to yourself and don’t let the industry run you. I think it’s inspiring he did it by himself in the beginning too.
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BV: If you were able to collaborate with any 3 artists, alive or dead, who would they be and what type of collaboration would you most like to see with each artist?
NN: Debbie Harry, Stevie nicks and the Rolling Stones. Maybe a fun festival song or something!
BV: You started out posting videos on YouTube. What would you say are the pros and cons of launching a career using this method?
NN: Pros are that it’s free and you can do it from anywhere. Coming from a small village in Edinburgh there wasn’t much opportunity. Cons would be that people might take you less seriously I think. Until you start releasing EPs that chart.
BV: Outside of music and your recording career, what other dreams do you have?
NN: I’d love to do movies! I think that would be really fun. I also love fashion so maybe something in that. I always surprise myself with new hobbies, so who knows!
BV: What’s the best part about doing the job that you do?
NN: Getting to travel and see new places. I love traveling and touring.
BV: Growing up, who would you say were most influential to you and your development as a musician and entertainer?
NN: Literally anything I heard and liked. I liked female singer-songwriters mostly. Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, and Taylor Swift, more recently. I think it’s inspiring that someone can start out with just a guitar and then expand on that.
BV: Are you planning on heading out on the road during 2014 to deliver the new songs to fans?
NN: Yes! I already have on my European tour. I’m writing all the time, so I don’t want to stop playing new stuff just because I have an album out.
BV: Any plans to perform at any of the big festivals this summer?
NN: Yes. I’m particularly excited about doing lots of European festivals for the first time this year. T In The Park will probably be my favourite!
BV: Thanks Nina
Nina Nesbitt’s new self-titled EP is out now in the U.S and you can keep up to date with Nina on Twitter and Facebook
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
Over the years he has been lucky enough to review thousands of music releases and concerts and interview artists ranging from top selling superstars like 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, Roxette, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Loeb and iconic Eagles front man/songwriter, Glenn Frey through to more recent successes including Newton Faulkner, Janelle Monae and Caro Emerald.
Brendon manages and coordinates the amazing team of writers on RenownedForSound.com who are based in the UK, the U.S and Australia.
