Hi all! I am back with another post from a press conference! This time I attended the conference with Nija. She is right here from my state New Jersey! Always love seeing the success of another fellow New Jersian. She is a three-time GRAMMY award winning songwriter. She recently released her debut R&B record solo project, Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You. She has written songs for artists like Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Drake, Summer Walker and many more, very impressive! She is also named as one of Billboard’s Artists to Watch in 2022, so awesome!
I am excited to get this one started. The first question was asked by Luciana from When I make it to LA. She asked, “Was there a distinct moment when you decided to put out your own music or did it start out as an inch that grew? Nija explained a story when she was working with Jay z and Beyonce (so casual right). Nija had played Beyonce the demos she had done and Beyonce told her that she has the most beautiful tones in the world. The validation from her and gave her the courage. (I would absolutely feel validated by Queen B herself too). Beyonce said it so “yass” of course. Then Beyince featured her and asked her to stay on the track. Nija is a big believer in signs and that everything happens for a reason, so it was meant to be. She did everything she sought out to do, all signs were there. It was the right timing. So basically, she had a growing itch with definitive moments so she said lets do it.
When I Make it to LA also asked Nija, “Do you live by any mantra or saying?” Yes Nija absolutely does. Her biggest thing is to trust your gut, which is what she has tattooed on her wrist. I love that. She explained how it has been the biggest saying for her since beginning of time and the beginning of being in the industry. Nija has led each of her decisions by intuition and trusting her gut. Every decision so far has been great when following her gut. Will prevails. Never failed her.
Next question came from Sarah from RAREPEACE Magazine. She asked, “which music genre inspires you to create your music and what styles and instruments are your favorites?” She grew up on so many genres from music. New Jersey is a melting pot, she explained. Nija really loves all genres. Her parents would also listen to any genre of music such as, jazz, r&b 70’s r&b, gospel, from church. She explained that she is drawn more to R&B. She still had been bumping Paramore growing up along with other types of music including Justin Timberlake and NSync. Pop and whatever was on the radio influenced her. Pop, rap, and R&B are her favorites. R&B Nija loves the most because it is one of those genres that you can play going to sleep, waking up, and any setting. She is influenced by every song she listens to and pulls something from them and every genre.
Sarah then asked, “if you could travel for a month back in time, which music era would you go back to?” Nija responded by explaining that she would go back to the 70’s music era. She loves the vibes of music from Marvin Gaye and Jackson 5, the music of that time. She loves that era of Jackson 5. Michael was becoming a teenager and had more mature songs. She is locking in to 70’s music. Nija also explained that in the 70’s, artists and musicians used instruments in a different way. In a pure way. They used guitar, piano, and voices, the most creative, in the purest form. She also loves that there was a lot of soul during that era.
A question that was asked by Emma from Never Mind Magazine was, “what advice would you want to give women who want to be in the industry? Immediately with no hesitation Nija said, “stand your ground, be confident.” she realize getting into the industry that she felt like she had to prove herself, and explained how you should not let that weigh on you. “Show up and show out” Nija said, I love that. Nija explained to us women, don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. “Remember you are strong and remember your morals.” Loving her vibe yass! “People will try and take advantage of you because you are a woman, be confident.” Her vibes are amazing. She wish as life as an adult would have came with a manual. But it is okay she explained how you will learn. Also how to do life. She is wise, I am loving these questions and her answers!
Nija surprised us a couple of songs and played an unreleased track for us!! It was so good I will be definitely getting into more of her music.
All in all, this was a great press conference. Nija has a lot of success ahead of her and she deserves every bit of that with her hard work, dedication, and great personality. Amiright? Go New Jersey artists! She is down to Earth and this was an enjoyable press conference, don’t forget to check out her work! She genuinely has such good vibes. I would love to be her friend!
Until next time, peace fam!
– Andie:)
Nija’s Socials:
Oh Andie 
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