It’s not every day you have the opportunity to sit down with a rising star and chat about their enviable future for chart-topping success before it all happens. When they said, “a star is born” I believe they were talking about Nader. He’s an emerging star who is on the road to becoming a global sensation.
If you haven’t been checking in with us lately, I was recently captivated by the singer and songwriter, Nader. He’s an independent artist who some might consider an unknown but not for long. Nader has the charm, nerve, and talent required of artists in order for them to sky-rocket to the top of the charts.
My business partner John and I had the pleasure of chatting with Nader to learn more about him, his thoughts on the music industry, and his plans on becoming a global music sensation. It was not long into the interview before Nader and I connected. It’s clear that he is an artist with charm and a magic spirit who understands the ingredients of success. His brand is about positivity and he strives to have gratitude in his life with no self-doubt and he remains open to the opportunities that will come his way.
I think Nader’s sound is a slice of soul and sex appeal and as he shared with us, his lyrics are practically his autobiography. As he learns the piano, he has come to appreciate the theoretical and technical side of music. And through his creative process, he is successful at delivering us his “abstract R&B.”
Before diving into our exclusive interview with Nader, we suggest watching/listening to his video “Us.” We believe after you watch his video you’ll understand why we are fascinated with this rising star.
Nader, tell us a little about yourself and how you got into singing.
I was born and raised in New Jersey. However, my family is from Lebanon. I’ve always loved to sing but always held back with pursuing it seriously. However, back in December of 2011, during a conversation with a friend that works in the entertainment industry, it hit me! “Am I am going to go after this 100 percent or regret it forever?”
How do you balance the roles of singer, songwriter, and visual artist? Do you prefer one over the others?
I feel as though they are all parts of a larger picture. I don’t prefer one over the other because I feel they all play an important part of the final product and purpose. All of those roles inspire me in different ways.
We understand you work with Eddie “Shy Boogs” Timmons. How did that relationship develop?
Shy and I met in early 2012 at his So Amazin Studio. Within 45 minutes we had a beat, a verse, and chorus. It just clicked from the beginning. After that first session, I started vocal training, at his advice, and we linked back up later that year. We have been working together ever since.
How would you describe your sound and what are some of your musical influences that help develop it?
I would describe my sound as “Abstract R&B.” There are different elements happening at the same time, but they work. The sound also has roots in Hip Hop, Rock, and Pop music. My music influences are Usher, Incubus, Staind, and Drake to name a few. Growing up with a brother that’s so into music, he put me onto a lot of good stuff and the storytellers.
Nader, tell us more about your new single “Us.” How does it represent your growth as a singer, songwriter and visual artist?
“Us” is about a girl I had my eye on for a long time, but couldn’t do anything about it. I was with someone and so was she. We ran into each other a few months later and it felt like it was for a reason. Somehow the stars aligned and we both were single at the same time. There was some sort of alchemy there. It was bigger than “us.”
The song represents my growth as an artist in so many different ways. But it is just one of the many new songs that illustrate my growth vocally and as a songwriter. I am really able to now take a real life situation and put it into a song.
We noticed a lot of emerging indie artists give their music away for free. How do you feel about that and do you feel this is effective in building your brand and your audience?
Right now, I am trying to build an audience. That’s why we made “Us” free on my Soundcloud. Especially in this day and age where major artists are giving away music for free, it’s necessary for someone new to do the same to get their name out there. I think it has been effective. I mean, who doesn’t like stuff for FREE?
What are some of the ups and downs with being an indie artist?
The ups are that there are no restrictions and you can be as creative as you want to be on your own timeline. The downsides are that I don’t have a major label pushing my music to radio, TV and other media outlets. You also don’t have a huge team of people helps plot your promotion and other aspects of pushing music. But then again there are blogs, such as this one, that support the indie movement. Thank you for that.
If you weren’t singing what else would you be doing?
There isn’t a “Plan B” for me. I want to give my “Plan A” 1000% of my attention. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. This is it.
If you had a soundtrack to your life what song(s) would you have on it?
This is really reflective of my taste and the sounds you will hear in my music: “Superstar” – Usher, “Creep” – Radiohead, “Brand New” – Drake, “Drive” – Incubus, “Without You” – Spooky Black
What do fans have to look forward to in the future?
Right now, I am in the studio recording a lot of great new songs. But I definitely want your readers to get familiar with “Us” and listen/watch my other songs on my Soundcloud and YouTube.
