For this week’s Women That Rock featured artist I chose to do something a little different. I had the pleasure of interviewing a very special emerging artist. Not only does this amazing teen talent sing, but she’s also an actress, model, and radio personality. Yes I did say teen; she’s 16 years of age to be exact. Allow me to introduce to some and to present to others “Ny’Aira Collins”.
Ny’Aira told me she began singing professionally around the age of six, when she scored the leading role in a musical production of Annie in New York. This rising star has roughly fourteen years in the game and some of which, has been acting as well as singing. Ny’Aira has several acting roles on major television networks such as NBC, ABC and Nickelodeon. When asked what artist have influenced her career, I was surprised by the caliber of artist that came up on her list. Some of her musical influences are “Prince”, for his lyrical content of course and some others are legendary greats such as “Stevie Wonder” ,”Teen Marie”, “The Temptations”, “Diane Reeves” the late, great “Aaliyah”, “TLC” and the more current artist like “Sam Smith” and “John Legend”. Ny’Aira developed her passion and love for music at a very earlier age and it clearly comes out in her music. I asked her “What was her take on the notion that R&B music is becoming extinct”? She stated, she believes that the music has evolved in a way that it’s becoming more pop and slightly watered down, but she also believes that it’s not going to ever completely go away unless it stops allowing the people to feel. Now let’s talk about the music industry, I asked Ms. Collins did she think it’s better to be an independent Artist versus signing with a Major label. She stated, there are some pros/cons with both. Obviously, remaining independent allows you to have the freedom of expression; the artist is more likely to freely express themselves. Whereas if you’re signed with a major label, it is more of a packaged artist and the Label tells you what direction to go into.
Then I asked Ny’Aira, how she would describe the type of music she produces, and I absolutely loved her response. She told me that it’s more like bringing stories to the people; it allows the people to be able to feel.
Ny’Aira is working on a new project. She is getting ready for the release of her first debut Album entitled “Shades of Memoir”, she also goes on to explain that the album speaks on Love; Self Love and hatred just to name a few of the different emotions that are layered through the album. The album is slated for a late August release. It will be made available on Itunes and other various music outlets. I was able to hear a snippet from the album and I must say my favorite is entitled “Addicted”. I also need to mention that this amazingly talented young artist also hosts her very own radio program. It airs between the hours of 5 to 7pm pacific time. The programming features interviews with independent and mainstream artist currently in the industry. She states that, it is information told from the people’s perspective. Now, I know a lot of you may be saying how she juggles all of this plus her studies. Well, it appears she also has that covered as well. The artist is homeschooled and has tutors to assist her with her lessons, this young lady certainly has a lot on her plate and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this amazing, up and coming artist.
So guys, I hoped that you’ve enjoyed this week’s artist spotlight. I also hope that you go out and research this awesome talent. So, until next time remember to support your favorite artist and their craft. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled to catch this amazing talent in a city near you.
