We were lucky to catch up with Nia Marie recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nia, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something I’ve struggled with my whole life and truthfully, I don’t think I have overcome it. It’s something that evolves over time and always knows when to pop in at the most inopportune moments. But in learning that, I’ve learned to live with it. I’ve learned to let it go in one ear and out the other and to take it with a grain of salt. Are there times I believe it a little more than I’d like to? Definitely. But those are the moments I try to remind myself that there’s a reason why I am where I am today. There have been too many chances in my life that I didn’t take because of my imposter syndrome but now, I feel like I owe it to myself to receive what opportunities are presented to me. Even with that little voice of insecurity, even if I’m nervous and afraid, I’m going to do it anyway.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a pop/R&B singer-songwriter currently based in NYC.
Growing up, music was and always has been a centerpiece of my life. I am lucky enough to have parents who wanted me involved in the arts at a young age. So, between playing violin, playing piano, and dancing, music was always bound to be a focus of mine. However, songwriting was the piece I picked up myself.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to write songs that made people feel something. I’ve always wanted to be the storyteller for someone else, to be able to help someone feel seen and create common ground for people to connect through song. And while the songs have evolved over the years, this is something that has never changed for me.
After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, I began focusing more on what I was writing for myself and what type of artist I wanted to be. While I feel as though that’s ever-changing, I think I’m finally becoming more in tune with who I am and want to be as an artist, which has been the most exciting part of this journey.
Currently, my main focus is performing and recording new music. I’m hoping to start performing around the city with my band in the next few months, while also getting back into the studio to record the new songs I’ve been working on since releasing my debut EP last year, “Because You Said I Love You”.
I’m super excited for where this journey is taking me and I’m hoping I can continue to bring more people along the ride with me!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I think the three qualities/skills that have been most impactful in my journey have been a willingness to practice, take risks, but also, learning to say no.
Saying practice has ever been enjoyable for me would probably be a lie. But as a musician, it’s the absolute best thing for us. Being prepared can be the difference between getting a gig or not getting a gig. So, being willing to take the time to hone your craft, musician or otherwise, is super important. You owe it to yourself to be your best.
Taking risks can be so unbelievably scary and there are still times when my imposter syndrome/anxiety pops up to deter me from taking the chance I may want to take. But the best thing I’ve learned is that sometimes it’s better to do it afraid than to live with the regret that you never even tried.
Lastly, the skill of learning to say no is arguably one of the hardest skills to hone but can end up being one of the most important. I can’t say I’ve completely honed this skill yet but I’m trying to become better at putting my focus into the opportunities that will serve me the best. I am someone who likes to say yes to everything because I want to be able to do it all and be everywhere for everyone. But sometimes, it’s just not realistic. So, occasionally the time will come when you have to sit with yourself and make the hard decisions. But I’ve found it’s better to do one thing at 100% as opposed to two things at 50%.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Always! Along with performing and recording, another focus of mine has been collaboration. I want to write and perform with as many amazing artists as possible across all genres. So, if you’re reading this and would like to collaborate, feel free to reach out on either Instagram or through my website!
Contact Info:
- Website: niamariemusic.com
- Instagram: @niamarie_official
- Facebook: @niamarieofficial
- Youtube: @niamarie_official
Image Credits
Photographer: mal sounds
