as seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Special Issue 2022 – I Belong
naica champagne Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and lyricist. Growing up in Montreal, Canada, her sound has made her the artist she is today. Inspired by Prince, Sade and D’Angelo, her sound is a mix of lo-fi, progressive her metal and mass her rock. guitar girl magazine We spoke with Nakia about her music, her songwriting process, her inspirations, and her non-musical passions.
How has living in a city like Montreal influenced your creativity? Sound and style as an artist?
I grew up in Tiotiaque, best known as Montreal, Canada. Inspired by finding new ways to build and play with words. I am bilingual and speak French and English fluently. The underground art scene here (especially the R&B and hip-hop communities) can be a collaborative approach to building shows and performances.
Which artists or genres have influenced you the most?
It goes back and forth between several artists including Prince, D’Angelo, Hiatus Kaiyote, Sade, Queen and Jazmine Sullivan. In terms of genres, I gravitate toward lo-fi music, progressive metal, and math rock. I try to listen to as many genres as possible to hone my skills.
As a spoken word artist, you obviously have a knack for lyrics.What is your songwriting process behind it image of painting EP?
Nice to meet you, thank you for your comments and compliments! my debut album image of painting, has been an exciting process. My vision is an aspect of my life, including my identity, how others see me, how I see myself and want to see myself. to create a vision that embodies love, care, wonder, and nostalgia.
The long-running “Black Theater Workshop” has always been highly rated. What inspired you to participate in events organized by this organization?
The ‘Black Theater Workshop’ has long been at the forefront of the importance of sharing black lives (realities, aspirations, etc.) in a world that has always been closed. I attended the “Black Theater Workshop” when I worked with many members of the Black Montreal artist community who delved into interdisciplinary art. As I mentioned earlier, there’s a great sense of collaboration and mutual aid here. I was in a black script about queer black love, and I would love to continue acting. I love to explore my artistry and play with different ways stories can be expressed and shared.
All great duos are rooted in good chemistry. The perfect duo When did he find a partner Is there a song you want to play together Why?
Mags (Strange Froots bandmates and practically life sisters) and I have a lot in common, from music to anime to sharing TV shows and more. I think that’s why we make a great duo! I realized I had found a duo partner when I wrote a song with the previous third member in just five minutes, and I realized that I had found a hype with Strange Froots and I love her songs. I love playing on stage and absorbing her energy from those songs. It’s the best time!
How did your experience as a duo help you grow as an independent artist?
Our experience as a duo has helped us grow as independent artists in many ways. First, I create all the beats, instrumental riffs/licks/melody, write the lyrics, produce, and draw the album cover (each just Mags, I can’t draw at all). We started as a group with different interests and skills. In my opinion, it has helped develop independent artists who are willing to learn new things and are not afraid to try new things.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself in a larger apartment with a room dedicated to my studio, jamming, traveling, and even making music. I’m in my happy place
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