Q&A: meet Nicole Issa, this singer prides all her work, the good, the bad and the unreleased.
Sydney-sider Nicole Issa has just dropped her debut single Home and the indie-pop musician has gifted us with a pulsating track that showcases her strong songwriting abilities.
Despite this being her debut, Nicole is not new to the music game, having performed multiple times as a session vocalist on stage with artists such as Odette.
Her poetic track builds from start to finish and draws you in with its stirring piano and synth sounds. Home is the crystallisation of Nicole’s musical vision and its emotionally charged centre is that bad bitch vulnerability we love to have blasting through the Sonos on a dance with your vacuum kind of day.
Having spoken to Nicole over the past few weeks, you just get this feeling from her that she’s going to achieve some really amazing things over the next few years. Her energy and charisma is just emphatic and that flows through to her music.
We caught up with Nicole to chat about her music journey, whether she’s a fresh or toasted kind of gal and how to find that creative mojo during lockdown.
Check out all the feels below:
Heya Nicole! Tell me a bit about how your music journey began.
Hey Sam!! I’ve been performing and singing for as long as I can remember, however, I started taking it more seriously when I was 13. After singing for a couple of years, I was heavily inspired by Missy Higgins and started writing my own songs. Not going to lie though… those first couple of songs were a bit rough, but I remember not caring whether they were good or not- I just loved the feeling of sharing my emotions and turning them into a piece of music. After school is when I started busking and trying to get gigs with my best mate. I performed anywhere and everywhere, including pubs, markets, streets- you name it, I’ve done it! It was so good having this performance experience, as this is what led me to eventually do session vocals on a professional level. I am now songwriting for my artist project, as well as other peoples projects and I absolutely love it
What’s one of your favourite busking memories?
I used to busk at a Farmer’s Market down near Ramsgate in Sydney and I loved the vibe there. I remember one Saturday, it was such a nice day, and I was singing with my little acoustic guitar and got approached by a Dad. He asked me to sing A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. I knew the song so I began singing it and he went up to his wife and newborn baby and they all started slow dancing to the song, shamelessly, in front of everyone. I was honestly holding back tears, it was so heartwarming. The dad then told me that the song was his wedding song and it was their anniversary that day, so it meant a lot to them.
How does it feel to have your debut single Home out in the world?
I am so ecstatic. It has been a hard couple of years for me, trying to figure out what I wanted to put out to the world and what artist I wanted to be. The fact that it is finally out and it has received such good reception has made me so happy. The song means so much to me as it really describes one of the lowest points in my life… but it has honestly been so therapeutic having it out into the world and having people like it!
What app do you reckon you spend the most time on?
Tik Tok man… someone delete that app off my phone.
You’re at Subway - Fresh or toasted?
TOASTED- who in the world eats their subway fresh?!.
What’s something you believe to be true but most people wouldn’t agree with?
Pineapple on pizza isn’t the best but it’s not that big of a deal… people on both sides need to calm down haha
Would you rather have webbed feet and hands or a small rat-like tail?
Probably a tail hahaha I can hide it, right?
If your friends were to describe you as an accessory, what one would they describe you as and why?
Look, I asked my friends and this is what I got...
“Microphone: Cause you’re the loudest person in a room”
“A pretty hair clip that blings cause you hold everyone you love up with style and grace and shine while you do it”
“I think maybe a fascinator. Coz it's super extra but they're great”
How do you find your creative mojo throughout lockdown?
Routine!! I am trying to keep a routine so I feel somewhat normal. Once I have that I find that I can get my creative mojo, as I believe you need to show up for your art in order for your art to show up for you. In saying that it is hard to be creative in uncertain times like this. As long as you take care of yourself your creativity should be able to come out!! Also side note - normalise creating ‘bad’ art because how else are you supposed to make good art unless you have something to compare it to? haha
Will we get to hear any more great tunes from you before the year's out?
YES YES YES!!! Keep your ears peeled around November.
The pineapple on pizza debate definitely does need to settle down though, each to their own.
As well as trying to harmonise the people on serious political issues, Nicole has nailed her debut release and we can’t wait to see her career soar.
Check out her track below or head to our "Siri, play chill music" 🔀 playlist to hear more fairy floss songs like this one.
By Samuel Seedsman