EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NAKIA

HypeTune.com: How has your highly successful time on “The Voice” influenced your musical career?

Nakia: It definitely helped me understand the urgency of getting out there and connecting with the people who discovered me on The Voice.

HypeTune.com: Cee-Lo Green is a world-class musician and super creative entertainer. Why did you decide to go with Cee-Lo as your coach? What was it like working with him? Describe your craziest/favorite moment.

Nakia: Cee Lo just seemed like the right fit. Working with him has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. He’s very wise and a lot of fun. Probably rehearsing Sex On Fire and having to stop from the uncontrollable laughter due to Cee Lo’s antics as he acted out some of the lyrics from the song.

HypeTune.com: One thing about “The Voice” that is truly different from other music competitions is the brilliant network of talent you get to be a part of and the friendships that are created. Putting all the pieces together (fellow competitors, coaches, producers, staff, etc…), how has all this helped you advance your craft?

Nakia: Coming from Austin, TX I had a jump on the game in that area. In Austin, all the musicians are friends and play well together. So being dropped in the middle of 64 other acts I’d never met wasn’t daunting. It just felt like hanging out with my friends in Austin.

HypeTune.com: You’ve tweeted about hearing your songs being played in bars and spending time in the studio. How has the experience been post-competition?

Nakia: It’s been fantastic! I am very happy with what’s going on in my life right now. The show is a big hit and it has opened a lot of doors for me. I’m doing my best to walk through the right ones.

HypeTune.com: What are you working on now and with whom?

Nakia: I just cut two demos with my good friend Mac McNabb. He produced my first two records and is the guitar player in my band, Blues Grifters. I also recently co-wrote a song with my pal Bleu and I have been contacted by several other writers. Of course I’ll begin rehearsing for The Voice top 8 tour in a week or so.

HypeTune.com: If you could perform with any other musician who would it be and why?

Nakia: Elton John. He’s been a lifelong inspiration and I think he is truly one the greats. Singing with him would be an honor and a privilege!

HypeTune.com: If you could have any guest artist play on your next record, who would you choose and why?

Nakia: This is tough, but to be fair I’ll take out any of the artists from The Voice. Then I’d start with Sharon Jones.

HypeTune.com: What can we expect from Nakia in the next coming months?

Nakia: The Voice tour, some new music, and then a Nakia tour.

HypeTune.com: What advice do you have for up-and-coming musicians?

Nakia: Always be true to yourself and do everything from your heart.