Interview: Nomae
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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
That's tricky because I don't remember a time I wasn't "into music." I was always obsessed but kept it secret for a while. I grew up singing in choirs, would learn every vocal detail of the hits, and eventually studied vocal performance. I've tried finding regular jobs and loved my Spanish students during that era, but I couldn't shake my need to pursue music.
Without it, I'd keep raising my kids and I'd probably be a more organized homeschool mom.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I have three little kids so I just try to keep them alive! We have fun... we swim in the pool or go on walks. I'm either carrying a ukulele, a notebook, or singing ideas into my cell phone throughout the day. Ideas come while I'm cooking too.
How long has music been your career?
I've been seriously pursuing it for about a year. I joined a group online, made some forever friends, and we haven't looked back. It's crazy how fast things change!!
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I'm from the suburbs of Atlanta GA. I've moved away at different times and only then did I really understand the great music and art culture that exists here. I tried to be extra cool in highschool and would sneak away to shows on the weekends, all while singing in choirs and hearing jazz at home, so my ears got a wide variety. There's some crazy talent in and around Atlanta.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
Most of my performance experience wasn't my original music, but I still got stories! Best: we were playing worship music at a local coffee shop, and a family walked in from the street. They were weeping, hugging, then dancing. It was impactful for everyone there. Worst: I wore stupid shoes and had no stability to sing well. I eventually took them off hahahaha. I'm sure that's mild as far as stories go.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I'd like to play at Eddie's Attic.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Manu Chao, Rilo Kiley, Sylvan Esso, and Joseph. And I know that makes no sense haha.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?
Don't let perfectionism keep you from starting. The only way to learn or improve is to begin. Oh and don't fret over other people's opinions too much.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
See above. Hahahaha just do it and stop being afraid!
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
I have so much unreleased music I want to talk about!! But for now, I'll say, Brave Together. I wrote it after seeing a video of Ahmaud Arbery's shooting. It wrecked me, and rightly so, but I needed to be joyful for my 2 year old's birthday the next day. I was tempted to just shut my feelings off and fake a smile through the rest of the week. But instead, I processed it all with this song. It's an introspective thing, turned hopeful. Hopefully, it can honor his memory in some small way.
What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?
That depends. If I want to relax about it and just write something for fun, I'll usually start with my ukulele. If I have a deadline, I'm in my daw making a simple instrumental to write over.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I either want to make people think and let them conclude with a glimmer of hope.
Or I want them to loosen up and have fun... Depends on the song.
Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?
I'm pretty easy going so I usually go with the flow. There has been a learning curve for sure. You figure out what not to say pretty quickly, whether you're the one saying something dumb or it's being said to you. Someone smart said "give fully of yourself without expecting anything in return," and it stuck with me. Haven't always been that person, but each song is a lesson.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Some upbeat pop coming soon! Eventually the dark and moody stuff too.
Social Media Links:
IG - @nomae.music