AFTER SUCCESS IN THE GROUP iiO, SINGER/SONGWRITER/PRODUCER, NADIA ALI, BREAKS OUT WITH SOLO EFFORT

It’s been asked, what’s a woman’s worth?  Sadly, in the pop world it’s measured by the weight of the producer and manager who made her.  Luckily, there are exceptions to the rule.  When a Bjork, Fiona Apple, or Lauryn Hill comes along we are graced by more than just a pretty face, we are offered words, a voice, and a perspective sorely lacking in pop culture.  With that in mind, Dance phenom, Nadia Ali, has recently released her first solo CD, Embers.

Raised in the New York borough of Queens by Pakistani and Libyan parents, Nadia was influenced by Pop, R&B, and Rock singers of the 70’s and 80’s.  “Growing Up In Queens, NY has given me a great advantage as a singer/songwriter because of all the diverse influences,” she says, “Because of its close proximity to [Manhattan] I was exposed to the inspiration of a metropolis from a very young age.”  Despite Dance music having deep roots in New York, it is mostly thought of as a European genre.  This did not present the slightest of obstacles.  Joining forces with producer Markus Moser, the two formed the group iiO, which scored big in 2001 with the single “Rapture”.  The single and all subsequent releases blessed dance floors world wide as DJ’s and crowds alike were taken primarily by Nadia’s vocal style and melodies.

With such a unique voice and an address in the music capitol of the world most would walk down the road most traveled.  A future in pop music was obviously not in the cards.  “I really love ballads and more chilled out songs but the energy of a dance song is just as powerful to me.”  Nevertheless, a Pop career is not out of the question.  “I am open to working on all kinds of genres because that is the beauty of being an independent artist.  You can try a lot of different things and I have a great appreciation for Pop and R&B music.”  Maybe the problem is that the mainstream hasn’t taken notice yet, although producers like Timbaland, who has just recently discovered the power of Dance music, could stand to utilize an established artist like Nadia.  “I think Timbaland is super talented.  [I’m] just waiting for his call!”  Don’t be mistaken, her new album is in no need of a super producer to improve upon its already strong ensemble of songs.

At first listen, Embers seems to be a break up album.  The soundscapes ride from up-tempo dance floor songs (as you’d expect) to soulful and ambient to radio ready Electro Pop with hooks that you’ll be singing in your head for days, if not weeks.  Despite the musical diversity, the lyrics stay consistent detailing troubled relationships, forlorn love, and a seemingly bad break up.  But Nadia insists the album is not about that.  “I don’t personally consider the theme of Embers a break up album but more of an album about resilience.  Embers are the smoldering remains of a fire that was once ablaze.  It represents all of the feelings that still remain even when that particular situation [or] relationship is over.”  She also adds, “I think though many people would consider embers a dying energy, I prefer to think of embers as having the ability to spark a whole other fire, or story in the case of a relationship.”

“I traveled extensively over the last 5 years so I had to take my time with it and make sure I got all the songs I wanted on there.”  The wait was worth it but fans that have been paying attention may be wondering why there is typically a long wait between projects.  With iiO breaking world wide in 2001 and topping charts everywhere, surprisingly, their full-length album, Poetica, wasn’t officially released until 2005.  By this time she had gone solo.  “We went our separate ways in 2005 because I wanted to express myself individually.”  She did this through a string of high profile collaborations with Armin Van Buuren and Serge Devant to name a few.  It wasn’t until 2008 that she finally released her own single “Crash And Burn” as a lead up to Embers.

To those in the know, the Dance genre is not just male dominated, but DJ dominated.  Producer/DJ’s tend to have top bill while vocalist play second fiddle, often times never earning a sustainable career even after being featured on major hits.  “DJ dominance in the Dance industry is due to the fact that the DJ rules the dance floor in a night club.”  Not one for skepticism Nadia adds, “I think the fact that it is mostly male dominated makes females stand out that much more if they are driven enough.  I believe anything is possible with hard work.  If a vocalist is talented and surrounds themselves with the right team they can even surpass the popularity of many DJ’s.”  Easily said coming from someone who’s done it, but, what of the industry stereotypes that women are often forced into compromising positions by admiring producers and executives?  “I have never really had a problem with being taken seriously but it may be because I have been fortunate to work with really professional men.  I know that is not always the case from what other females have shared with me, but, I can only suggest that there should be little tolerance for it.”

To call Embers a “debut” after 8 years in the public eye seems a bit funny.  Nonetheless, it is an adventurous and strong debut that should retain her fans while crossing boarders to entice listeners who typically shy from electronic music.  “I think every artist is constantly evolving.  It was important for me to showcase my more thoughtful side.”  Mission accomplished thanks to songs like “Not Thinking”, “Promises”, and “Silver Lining”  “I do think that my next album will not take nearly as long because I learned so much about the process from this first solo album.” With her words and voice, a sophomore album is very likely.  “I am very passionate about children and getting involved with outreach programs that empower and encourage the young in many impoverished nations.”  With other paths in mind, if her artistic fire no longer burns then her creative embers will undoubtedly ignite something equally as meaningful in the world.  As a fan I don't want to sound selfish, but, let’s hope that her musical flames stay blazing.

NADIA ALI
EMBERS
(Smile In Bed Records)
CD ON SALE NOW!

FOR MORE INFO ON NADIA ALI VISIT:
www.NadiaAli.com

special thanks to MiXX iT uP
www.mixxitup.com

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