Diandra Interviews NAWAS: Taking The Pain With The Pleasure Of The Music Industry
The best and worst that can happen to you is to have your promise seen by others before you turn it into a dream. NAWAS is one of the most buzzed about artists in 2017, and they are worth the buzz. Their tracks are radio-friendly and refreshing by giving dark-pop a sensual synth. Moreover, Jake Nawas has a voice that makes you want to rinse, wash, and repeat through his tracks as if music were a laundry cycle. Thus, I was happy to interview a man intelligent, determined, and open about the struggles we all face when we have a dream that feels bigger than us, but we also have a calling to make ourselves feel “enough” for it.
Diandra: You have been described as the “next big thing”, but not a lot is known about you. What are three facts about Nawas that you feel define you as creatives and persons?
NAWAS: Food, Women, and Weather
Diandra: You have frequently collaborated with with producer Sainte and songwriter Luke Foley, what is the best advice they have given you for creativity and dealing with the industry?
NAWAS: The best advice all of our collaborators have given us has been on the technical aspects of songwriting. For us, this is all about the art of songwriting and becoming better at it. We came into the studio on day one with a lot of great ideas and instincts, but lacking the education to execute those exactly how we saw them in our mind. We are now and always going to be on the chase to understand music and expression in ways that allow us to do justice to our vision.
NAWAS – Wrong (Official Video)
Diandra: Your music influences include Kanye and Prince. Which of your newest singles do you think most reflects their influence upon you and why?
NAWAS: I’m not sure if the songs themselves have direct ties to any artist or band. We take inspiration from the mindset of others who push the envelope and allow themselves to swim in unsure waters. The ability and privilege to take risks are what makes doing this job so exciting for us. We have tried to surround ourselves with and be inspired by those who encourage us to create our own lane. (Diandra Sidenote: Love This Response. Sometimes, an homage is not in music but in mentality!)
Diandra: What would you say are the best differences between New Orleans and Nashville’s music scene?
NAWAS: There’s no question that the industry presence in Nashville provides much more opportunity for us, but I swear to God there’s not a better city to live in the world than New Orleans, Louisiana. I wasn’t sure about Nashville for like. two years, but I love it here now. It’s a beautiful city. People in the music world here really love to collaborate and create for noble reasons. We are from a different place and haven’t been here long; so we tend to be more loners. We aren’t exactly swimming in the scene, but what the musicians and music insiders have built here really is special. I’m very happy to be creating music in Nashville and plan on continuing to do so!
Diandra: Being from Louisiana, what of your home city and family/ friends do you miss most?
NAWAS: The relentless heat in August.
Diandra: You are quickly rising in following and in accolades proclaiming you as “fresh”, new artists. What of your sound do you feel adds a freshness to the current music industry?
NAWAS: I think us & our collaborators do a good job of studying music current and past to find out what choices we want to make in the future. One of the things that makes music so wonderful is it’s all about personal preference, during both creation and consumption. But we intend to keep fresh!
Diandra: You are currently working on your debut EP. What is the title? What has been the hardest, creative part of making this “music introduction”?
NAWAS: Its called “Deep Down I AM Bad.” The hardest part IS the introduction. A smart person once said if you’re always looking at the big picture it will overwhelm you. We have learned to set goals, visualize them, and then move on to focusing on the process. If you can’t enjoy the grind of the come-up, you shouldn’t be in this game. Though I’ll admit there’s been times where I’m bummed after photo-shoots or something like that (I don’t really f*** with taking pictures) that I have to check myself. I’m getting make up put on me and playing dress up…that’s what every boy dreams of when growing up. (Diandra Sidenote: This should bo on T-Shirts! – If you can’t enjoy the grind of the come-up, you shouldn’t be in this game.)
Diandra: Going along with the last question, your songs talk about relationships that are not working. What is one lyric you have written that best encompasses how you feel about love?
Nawas: “Take the pain with the pleasure.”
NAWAS – Who Are You (Audio)
Another quote worth repeating and reviewing in all aspect of our lives. Nothing is completely perfect; from our dreams to our friends, but the point is to enjoy what aspects of it are. NAWAS is making music that people are already flocking to without even a debut album. Thus, if 2017 is an indication that the NOLA band will rise, then 2018 will be a confirmation that they have risen as artists you have and will continue to see. For More Information On NAWAS Click Here.
