Fire Away, Nadia!
Nadia Sheikh interview.
New single; ‘Fire Away’, new achievements, new hopes.
Photography by Laura Avinent
Nadia Sheikh is an accomplished singer and composer whose easy going charm and understated absolute coolness graces her rootsy rock tunes.
It is music that is taking her places. TheZineUK has caught her at close range for newer wave promotors like This Feeling and Kick Out The Jams then over the last few years, witnessed an international reputation developing.
TheZineUK started this year inviting Nadia to be part of our Future Picks TV pilot. That date wasn’t possible. The show created much but is, of course, on hold.
The stars of this ongoing tale (ourselves included) have kept creating and collaborating throughout 2020. Nadia is no exception. Just look at the profiled movers and shakers behind the scenes in honest conversation with her Background Noises podcast!
Among a string of other achievements, Nadia managed to tour the UK and Europe with her band (in a big way, read on!) pre-lockdown.
Now her newly released single, ‘Fire Away’, has been played by Steve Lamacq on BBC6music (same show as his Fontaines D.C. Christmas special live session). Suiting all kindas radio, ‘Fire Away’ builds with Nadia’s warm-crytalled voice melodically and rhythmically into a superbly crafted, (festival stage ready!) classic rock sing along. Crescendo!
Artwork by Nadia Sheikh
TheZineUK documents global creatives. I dig how many Zeenagers communicate in many languages. Like her website, the twitter @NadiaSheikh_ updates in Spanish and English. Mucho amor!
How is it December already?
So grateful to have made it, but we miss Nadia’s sweet smile out in support at other artists' shows, too. (I think the last time, personally, was my first gig of the year - Big In 2020 with HOW MANY mates in Nambucca this January?). Dreamlike memories to treasure.
While missing so many friends and events, it’s a chance to appreciate them and be blown away/supportive for what they continue to achieve in the worst (but ironically also the most personal) era of physically distanced life on Earth.
Coming through all that with an uplifting song! That has been some year, Nadia!
Do you have some favourite moments?
“Yes! Was lucky enough to have been able to do mine and the boys’ biggest tour ever, before the pandemic, supporting Stereophonics around Europe and the UK.
We did nineteen shows in eight countries including Olympia in Paris and sold-outs at Manchester and Cardiff Arenas. So definitely my highlight of the year.”
Something that you will forever remember and with one of the biggest rock bands in the land - great timing, too! It’s all changed so fast, but…
What are your near future hopes and plans?
“I hope live music will return in full force soon, for mine and everyone else’s sake. We really need it.
I have some new music and I wish to be able to continue creating better and better music as I go, climbing the ladder that is the music industry, and continue building my team. World domination at the end as they say, but more immediately that, I’d say!”
Doing the right things for that to happen. With regards to other artists making this year better…
Which songs/LPs have warmed your ears and soul?
“I’ve been listening to lots of music, fell in love with ‘Grace’ by Jeff Buckley, loving the new releases of the year from Nothing But Thieves and Fontaines DC, and currently have ‘OK Computer’ (Radiohead) on repeat.
…and which visuals have been essential in your eyes
“In terms of 2020, I was hooked to Money Heist (La Casa De Papel, it’s a Spanish series!) on Netflix. It’s sooooo good! I’m not great with films and series though, I’m more of a book person. I like imagining the images and making up things as you read.
I love abstract art, I love the chaos and beauty of it. I’ve recently gotten into acrylic pours.”
There’s an ArtBeat connect with the ‘Fire Away’ artwork…
Nadia has been inspired by, and involved, with various campaigns and charities this year.
“Anything that uses music to help others has always fascinated me, charities like Musicians Against Homelessness or Teenage Cancer Trust, do incredible things. And this year specially Black Lives Matter, the Music Venue Trust and the Red Alert movement.
In a more personal capacity, I collaborate with a charity called Sounds Like Women run by Luiza Moir that aims to support women who have suffered domestic violence through music, and also AFAVIR, which a local association near my hometown in Spain who support women who have suffered or are suffering from domestic violence, they even have a helpline and it’s run by the family of Rocío Lopez, who was devastatingly and terribly murdered by her partner when she was 25. They do an incredible job and they’re so strong.”
It’s a shame that we need so many charities and movements for positivity, but these are all wonderful causes and music is, indeed, a great healer. Power to you Nadia.
What of your own creation has uplifted you?
“I’ve written some of my most personal and strong material that I think can connect with people at a different level and I’m excited to let them hear it”.
Thank you Nadia, the best of luck is deserved.
