Nadia Vaeh Monroe Interview

Alt-Pop Singer Pays Homage to Female Icons

Pop artist, Nadia Vaeh has released her empowering new single Monroe. A true pop anthem that will resonate with women around the world, "Monroe'' pays homage to female icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Meryl Streep, Celine Dion and more. Proceeds of the song will be donated to GirlUp, a United Nations Foundation inspiring a generation of girls to be a force for gender equality and social change.

"I wanted to write a song paying tribute to many of the women who have influenced me as an artist, entertainer, and woman. "Monroe" to me is about being confident in yourself and working to uplift and inspire other women. We all have room to shine and when we allow that light to flow through, we can create space for others to do the same." - Nadia Vaeh

Interview with Nadia Vaeh

Question: How would you describe your music?

Nadia Vaeh: Conscious pop music with an influence of various genres. When I write, I always try my best to focus each and every word to create a positive shift in the rooms and homes in which my music may fill.


Question: Can you tell us about "Monroe"?

Nadia Vaeh: "Monroe" is a women's empowerment anthem. This song began as a journey of self-acceptance and 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.


Question: What inspired "Monroe"?

Nadia Vaeh: 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 women 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.

Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Nadia Vaeh: Each song has a message and a purpose. Some songs reflect on life lessons I've learned. Other songs are meant to encourage us to be better and more empowered than we were yesterday. Some of my songs address patterns of life we all fall into and how we can break those cycles that don't serve us. I hope people will find a message that resonates with their own lives from my music. We are all human and we all make mistakes in life, but if we can learn those mistakes and become better from it, we can help others. Always reach to know and grow more of yourself.


Question: Can you tell us about GirlUp and why you want to support them with "Monroe"?

Nadia Vaeh: GirlUp is such an amazing organisation. They target leadership development for women at the right age, when they are young. Their leadership development programs, and their mentorship activities are so inspirational. They take a holistic approach to development, focusing their efforts on issues such as gender equality, gender violence, education, STEM skills for girls and athletics. They succeed in these areas through advocacy, fundraising, storytelling and organizing activities. I wish I knew about this organization when I was young and needed them the most. GirlUp has my heart as they have such passion for their efforts. I am in awe of the many success stories coming from those who were involved in GirlUp's programs. I want to take a portion of "Monroe's proceeds to support their programs. I also want to encourage everyone to make direct donations to GirlUp as they do such important work to support and develop the women leaders of tomorrow.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Nadia Vaeh: Each provide me with a unique happiness and joy. Live audiences react differently at each performance. When I performed "Monroe" to a live audience in Atlanta I really experienced a deep connection with the women in the audience. When I perform live, it's such a great reminder of how important music is and how it can be utilised as such a powerful tool to to make an impact with an engaging audience.

When I am recording, I love the process of perfecting a song and experimenting with new ideas. The process is long and difficult, and can test patience levels sometimes. However, the work can pay off in many wonderful ways. There is nothing like the feeling of sitting in the studio at 2am listening to what my team and I have worked on for the past eight hours. I get so excited and a beautiful, peaceful resolve by what we've accomplished.

I love both live performance and recording equally, but in very different ways and for very different reasons.


Question: Which is your favorite song to perform live and why?

Nadia Vaeh: It's always changing, but currently, my favorite song to perform is "Monroe" as well as my next scheduled song drop called "Rise". Each song I write feels like I discover more and more about myself and the world around me, so those two are most fun to perform because I can really feel the audiences energy.

Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Nadia Vaeh: Wow that's a tough one… I would definitely want my mom to attend my show. I would want her to see her sway to the music but I especially want her to see how she, as a poet, influenced me to become a song-writer. My Momma or Ellen Degeneres would be cool to have in the audience too! During this time of hardship, I feel like she is one woman that would bring the right amount of silly to the room.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Nadia Vaeh: I keep motivated by the amazing people that surround me and by knowing how completing each song helps heal and grow just the littlest piece of my soul. Then there is the hope that if the song makes its way to someone's ears who might be feeling similarly, that they too are inspired.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Nadia Vaeh: Depending on my mood it varies from Demi Lovato, Portugal. The Man, Maggie Rogers, Taylor Swift, GASHI, Mo…the list goes on and on. But my go to when I'm feelin low I gotta pop on "Bad Girls" by M.I.A or "Yoga" by Janelle Monáe.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Nadia Vaeh: 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 are 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.

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Nadia Vaeh: This is such a difficult question, but I love that you asked it. Definitely every. single. Woman. mentioned in "Monroe".


Question: What's a typical day like?

Nadia Vaeh: A typical day starts with me drinking a large glass of water because if I don't, I will forget the entire day to drink water. This small things keeps my water in-take on track for the day. I also really enjoy smoothies for breakfast, so I will either chef one up or pop down to my favorite smoothie shop, Naturewell. If I can, I will do exercises or stretch. I also try to exercise my voice daily as well. A large part of the day is on the phone communicating with people and other creatives. There are rare moments where I can take a breather and just relax and meditate. I try my best to squeeze those juicy moments in where ever I can.


Question: What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Nadia Vaeh: My favorite part of this entire journey has been the incredible people I have met, created with, and befriended. Many of these people have become my family and I am forever changed by each of them. They have all given me back pieces I have lost or helped me grow where I was forgetting to nurture.


Question: What's next, for you?

Nadia Vaeh: Next up, I have tons more music to share and always creating more. I also plan to tour around when the state of things calm down and am really looking forward to making it back to my hometown for shows sooner rather than later.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Nadia Vaeh: www.nadiavaeh.com
@nadiavaeh
www.facebook.com/nadiavaeh
@nadiavaeh
YouTube
TiKTok
SoundCloud
Spotify 


Interview by Brooke Hunter