qotnc: #WHM2K18 WK: 1 Nia Simone (Ub3rgrl) City: Richmond, VA/Bowie, MD Nia Simone (Ub3rgrl) is an i
qotnc: #WHM2K18 WK: 1 Nia Simone (Ub3rgrl) City: Richmond, VA/Bowie, MD Nia Simone (Ub3rgrl) is an indie singer/songwriter who’s music is honest, warm, and reminiscent of nostalgic soul. Named after the iconic Nina Simone, there’s a natural lyrical element to the work. Her latest song “Warmest Color” is an ode for women, who love women. The video is a monochromatic layer of romance, strength, and passion. Finding freedom in sound, this artist speaks from a place of transparency. 1. Who is Ub3rgrl? Üb3rgrl is who I am when I perform. Usually I’m shy and a little awkward but being ub3rgrl is teaching me to channel my confidence. I’ve actually decided to change my stage name to Nia Simone my First and middle name. I’m constantly changing trying to find myself as an artist. No two songs will ever sound the same with me. I just want to show the world how diverse I am. 2. Who are your top 5 women in music? Why? Beyoncé. Destiny’s Child dropped Writings on the Wall in‘98. I was born in‘97. Her career basically started the same time my life did. For every Beyonce album I can remember where I was, how old I was and what I was thinking. She’s an artist I’ve grown with and her influence has honestly shaped me as a woman. Lana Del Rey. I discovered her when I was 15 through my mother. Lana is my inspiration for songwriting and presentation. She brings a really heavy and dramatic element and I want my own version of that for my music. It’s like she makes visual music. Fiona Apple, another great songwriter. Her first album Tidal is one of my favorites and it was written by her alone when she was only 18. As an artist I really look up to someone who just knows who they are and can make timeless music. Donna Summer. Disco is one of my favorite genres! Donna Summers was the Queen “Love to Love you baby“ was a revolutionary track and she definitely helped pave the way for women to be openly sexual. Kali Uchis. It’s partially because we’re from the same area and I really admire how she built her own career while doing her own thing. She makes music that’s true to her spirit. Seeing an alternative WOC come from my home is really inspiring. 3. How important is feminine identity? How has it empowered you? It’s everything to me. It’s my mindset, my sexuality, my morals. I’m trying to become more in tune with my sexuality. I want to practice living outside of the patriarchal norm and that’s how I’m becoming more empowered. Being a woman, especially a Black woman comes with a lot of expectations and stereotypes so I try to make sure I claim my power as much as possible. 4. What are 3 records/films/artworks that narrate your political/spiritual beliefs? She’s Gotta Have It by Spike Lee it’s all about a woman who’s confident in herself despite what the world as to say about her. The movie always reminds me that I define who I am, not peoples comments. A Seat at the Table by Solange was a really personal album for me it tackles racism, sexism, mental health for Black women it was like hearing advice from a wise older sister. Electronic Superhighway by Nam June Paik is basically this giant sculpture of the US and in the place of each state their are tv screens showing a clip that best represents that state. It relates to my spirituality in a way that I believe death is not the end of us we have a legacy and each screen proves that for me. I hope one day if someone had a tv screen to represent Maryland I’d be on there for making a difference. 5. What is your connection to MD (DC Metro Area), and its influence on your musical palette? I’ve lived in the DMV pretty much all my life it’s my home. At first I wasn’t really influenced by the sounds of the area. My parents are from New York. They didn’t move to Maryland until they were adults. So, they didn’t really connect with Go-Go or the culture around us. I didn’t really know much of Go-Go until I went away to college. I can honestly say now I have a way larger appreciation for the sound I’m not sure if I can see myself making a Go-Go influenced song but I’ll try anything once! Now that I’m becoming more aware of the artist of the area, they’re definitely inspiring me to try new things. Follow Nia Simone on social @ub3rgrl Listen to Nina Simone & more on #WHM2K18 WK:1: https://soundcloud.com/qotnc/sets/whm2k18-wk-1/s-oLD1Y All things #WHMWK18 Follow @QOTNC & @_thirtysixplus on Twitter! -- source link
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