Inspired #238 - nicha
Co. Down artist nicha has just released her fantastic new single ‘saltwater song, which is filled to the brim with stunning harmonies that blend with delicious melodies. She took a moment to discuss the influences behind her music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
Eminem. I find it funny to say because my genre of music is so different to his but having listened to his early music in my late teens I was just blown away by how he writes music. His music taught me about writing lyrics, rhyming and story-telling. A lot of his personality (or personalities) come through in his music too which I think is important in order to connect with his listeners. He makes himself vulnerable and isn’t afraid to write and release what he wants.
I listened to a lot of Jack Johnson when I was young and always loved his laid-back, beachy vibe. He’s pure easy-listening and seems like a really honest and down to earth guy. I’d say I take a lot of inspiration from his writing style, he’s got a lovely way of telling stories through music in a conversational way which I like to incorporate into my music.
Currently I’m listening to a lot of HAIM. They’ve been a massive inspiration for me in terms of their writing and production. Their most recent album Women Make Music Part III was incredible. I think music is all about connecting the artist with the audience and HAIM definitely do this so well. I feel so connected that when I listen to them it’s almost like my big sisters are singing me stories.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
I’m terrible when it comes to films - I haven’t even seen Forest Gump. I love Pulp Fiction, the soundtrack Is amazing. It opened my eyes to the world of cult classics and how good films could actually be. I suppose it’s taught me that life is kind of just pulp, so try and make it interesting! Oh, and to never take heroin.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
I grew up and Belfast and have been living in Leeds for the past few years, so I would say both of these cities. Maybe this is a boring answer but the way I see it is that whenever you spend a lot of time in one place you become comfortable in that place, you have less distractions and tend to find more out about yourself. I like writing about my personal experiences and so when I’m in a space where I feel at home then I find it a lot easier to write music.
There’s also a great music scene in both of these cities. I’ve met so many musicians in Belfast and Leeds who inspire me; Travi The Native, Will Killen, Rebekah Fitch, Alice LA and Dreuw are just a few examples.
Living with musicians is another big motivation for me. There’s a bit of a healthy competitive-ness in the air - when someone is doing something musical and you’re just sitting watching TV, you just feel instantly guilty, like you should be doing the same thing.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
My Grandad, Edwin Heath. He was a famous hypnotist, the likes of Derren Brown and Paul Mckenna would have taken tips and techniques from him! His ethos was to be kind and to help people which I try to implement into my thinking all the time. One of his made-up expressions was “if someone doesn’t have a smile, give them one of yours.” What a man!
I found one of his old hypnosis cassette tapes recently which I’ve been listening to, really keen to and get a sample of his voice in my next tunes - maybe he’ll hypnotise you to like it.
What were your inspirations when writing your new single?
Saltwater song is about someone who feels they aren’t reaching their full potential due to something or someone holding back. It’s about the positive end of a relationship, let that relationship be with a person, a substance or a bad habit… We’ve all been in a position where we know we shouldn’t be doing something, and we can feel that something holding us back. It seems so hard to break away from, but it is possible. This song’s message in a nutshell is; you deserve what you desire and dream of so don’t let anything hold you back.
How would you like to inspire people?
I write music because I love it and I release music because I want to share it – share the love man! In sharing my music, I just hope that it will relate to someone and that I can help them. If I can connect with my listeners and help them through a tough time, then my job is done!