Interview: Nadia Vaeh Discusses The Release Of Her Single “Monroe”!

Pop singer-songwriter Nadia Vaeh recently released the empowering single “Monroe” & has kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution about her ear-catching new song.

Hey Nadia, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Nadia: I am a singer-songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia fusing different genres with pop music. Creating music and songwriting have been a journey back into my true skin and power. I grew up in a multicultural music-loving home. I draw a lot of my sound from classic rock and middle eastern music. I also fell in love with reggae on visits to see family in Curacao and lived on the island for a summer solidifying reggae tones into my bones. During my early teens I became drawn to pop and really dove into songwriting. Now I write what I’ve dubbed conscious-pop music hoping to make positive changes in our world, such as through a focus on women’s empowerment, mental health or sexual abuse.

When did you first discover your passion for music?

Nadia: Music has always been my lifeline. I was the emo kid that would sit for hours in my room dissecting new CDs and studying their lyrics for deeper meanings. When I first began my career as an artist, there was definitely some resistance from my family. I, of course, had no idea what I was doing in the beginning and was flailing around in the wind. Haha…I think my poor dad had a hard time watching me find my way to where I am now. Now that I am here though, I feel my family and I have grown to really understand and respect each other. That is the magic of music and why I could never see myself in any other career unless it was somehow related to music. It’s life’s medicine.

The moment I knew I wanted to be an artist, I was seven years old. I was singing in the bathroom and I walked out to my aunt asking if that was really me singing. Then just a few years later I was writing poetry with my mother and soon that transformed into songwriting. Songwriting and singing have always been a way for me to better understand myself and those around me. It’s a form of expression that helps heal every wound and what keeps me going is knowing my songs can help others heal just as well. My motivations always fluctuate and change, but this one always remains constant.

Have you always known that music was a career that you wanted to pursue?

Nadia: Yes. From early on I knew that my passion was with music and how I channel my inner poet combined with the musical influence I had when growing up. I love to create new music and share it with audiences.

How would you describe your style to someone unfamiliar with your music?

Nadia: I would say it’s very lyrically driven pop, sometimes with an alternative vibe as I pull inspiration from all genres. The lyrics are typically inspired by real life experiences or the world around me.

You have just released your brand new single “Monroe”, which sounds amazing by the way. How did the inspiration to create this song come together?

Nadia: Thank you! There are many inspirations for “Monroe”, each equally important in my life and process to create the song. My mother was an intelligent and empowered woman who expressed herself through poetry. Many of the women mentioned in the song altered my life in various ways through similar qualities I find to be admirable. Some showed me how to be strong, some taught me how to fight for what I believe in, or how to find humor when times are tough. Many women in my personal and work-life have also helped me grow so much, especially within the last year. The song’s namesake is after Marilyn Monroe, was also a pioneering woman. She was empowered in a time when the world may not have been ready for it. To “wear your heart like Monroe” is to fearlessly pursue the betterment of yourself, and not fear taking up space in this world.

How would you compare the creative process behind the single to your previous releases?

Nadia: The creative process for “Monroe” started many years ago and has been a part of me for quite some time. It went through many changes over the years and it’s fun to listen to early versions of the song and hear how it evolved into the women’s empowerment anthem that it is today. The song’s creation has involved various creative forces that helped me realize my vision in-full and I’ve never been on a journey this long or wind-y with a song. It is fun to learn through collaboration and I think that is what makes this song so special. I grew and transformed SO MUCH through the process.

What does the song personally mean to you?

Nadia: “Monroe” began as a journey of self-acceptance. This song to me was closing the door on a lot of things that didn’t allow for me to stand in and be right with my skin. I learned so much through this song and I really think “Monroe” rooted me more than any other art piece I’ve done into my purpose.

If listeners could take away one message from the song, what would you like it to be?

Nadia: My goal with this song and all that surrounds it is to; inspire women to feel confident and comfortable in their bodies, feel powerful when speaking their minds, and sharing what is in their hearts. I also want to encourage women to work together to help each other build themselves up and in turn, rebuild this world. Women are already such strong and powerful beings; together we are capable of even more.

Who are some of the people that inspire you most within your music?

Nadia: My parents were a tremendous influence on me as they saw my love for music very early on. My choral leaders from throughout my musical upbringing were definitely pivotal as to why I am here today as well. But most of all, “Celine gave me the courage to sing.” (lyric from “Monroe”)There are also many people along my path who have instilled their trust in me and have given me a chance to write and perform and have really helped me find my way and my sound. Thankful for every collaborator I’ve crossed paths with.

What advice would you offer someone looking at pursuing a career in the music world?

Nadia: Don’t go it alone. Find talented people you can work with and trust. Collaborate with musicians and writers from all genres and absorb as much as you can about the creative process. Find your own creative process through this. Never stop trying to better yourself and always learn more about the business side of music as well. The business is very difficult and tough, but you can find your way through. Just don’t stop.

Finally, is there anything you would like to say to the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?

Nadia: Please stay safe. Our crazy times will pass by and we will all be stronger and better for it. Do what you can to stay positive and healthy. Help others who need help where you can as it is most rewarding. Lifting spirits, lifts your own vibe. During this time, we can learn and grow the things we never had time to do and we can even learn to love the things we may have hated about ourselves too. I like my dark circles and Lebanese under eye poofs wayyy more after spending 6 weeks not covering them up every day! Love on yourselves and your people every day… we will get through this together. xoxo

You can check out “Monroe” on Spotify below.