INTERVIEW: NAILA

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Hi Naila, welcome to VENTS! Can you talk to us more about your latest release ‘Tied Up’?

“Tied up” is a very personal song, which talks about the discomfort of being in a toxic relationship of wanting and loving someone who isn’t good for you. It’s a story that discusses the push and pull between wanting to stay with someone, and wanting to leave them, at the exact same time. I feel like most people have gone through some sort of relationship, be it a job, a friendship, or a dynamic, where they have felt helpless, lost and ‘tied up’.

What most inspired you to write and record ‘Tied Up’?

What inspired me to write and record “Tied up” was my struggle in a previous relationship, where I really felt like I was in a constant dilemma. It was comfortable to stay and it felt like home, but it was also damaging and detrimental. I felt like putting my confusion into words, would make the process easier to identify with. I also wanted this story to reach the ears of many others who are or have been in similar positions.

What is working with the label Heku Blues like?

Working with Heku Blues is a real pleasure. It feels like I’m working with best friends, who only push me to reach my potential, while still having fun throughout. The label has given me tools, encouragement and a platform to express myself and my voice to the world! It has really been a team effort creating this music and I have a lot of respect for these two strong women, who have made it their mission to help artists like me find their own sound and be deeply involved in the whole process.

Who is your biggest inspiration? 

My biggest inspiration is Tash Sultana. I am in awe of her talent, rawness, and soul. She is someone I can watch and listen too for hours, and enter a really calming, yet stimulating trance. I love her honesty.

How does the music scene in Cairo differ from London?

We’re yet to find out 😉

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

My ultimate dream is to collaborate with Bon Iver. Their music is extremely sacred to me, and I deeply admire the spirit involved in their music: their vocal harmonies, eclectic sounds, and mysterious lyrics. I would love nothing more than to share the experience and introspective journey of creating magic with them.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone starting out in the music industry? 

My only advice to aspiring musicians starting out in the industry is to be true to themselves. Sometimes industries and organized systems love to institutionalize who one is supposed to be, and what one is meant to do. But music itself is a very raw, organic and sincere mode of expression, which should never follow a global rulebook. Musicians need to trust their gut and be themselves, in a world where they are asked not to.

What has been your highlight of 2019 so far? 

The highlight of my year has been seeing the gradual and supportive feedback from my listeners. The feeling of having my music enhance someone’s workout, car ride or general mood, is the biggest luxury I could ever ask for. Walking into a restaurant or a bar and hearing my music play, has been a definite highlight.

What can we expect from you in 2020? 

2020 is still quite undefined. I am hoping to release both upbeat and calm music. I hope to work on some strong remixes of my current tracks with some talented producers to possibly create some extended versions.