Find out where you can hear Nstasia in Dubai

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Find out where you can hear Nstasia in Dubai
Nstasia

Published: Sun 15 Jul 2018, 11:55 AM

Last updated: Wed 18 Jul 2018, 11:34 AM

SHE'S THE LATEST resident musician at Q's Lounge, Palazzo Versace, Dubai, and comes personally recommended by Quincy Jones himself. Haitian-American singer-songwriter Nstasia has been settling into the venue for a few weeks and is now looking ahead to the next couple of months entertaining the city. Having already written songs for notorious artists and producers such as Beyoncé, Major Lazor, Kelly Clarkson, Nicole Scherzinger, and many more, this residency is one of her first forays into breaking out on her own as a compelling emerging artist, renowned for her undeniable skill as a songwriter and ability to create captivating, R&B songs and performances.
Born in Miami, Nstasia (real name Nastasia Griffin) grew up around music, having spent her childhood in studios with her father, a live jazz and funk musician playing for Betty Wright, Eugene Wilde and more. The songwriter then relocated to Atlanta for college, where she gained inspiration for her debut EP, New Religion, which features production by Skrillex, among many others. The promising new star continues to rise to success with her debut single Trap Or Die becoming the fourth most shared song on Spotify in the U.S.
Nstasia became iHeart Radio Digital Artist of the Month in January 2018 and performing sold-out shows at The Peppermint in Los Angeles in March 2018 and Live Nation's Ones To Watch in New York. Her fresh, self-assured sound and unique performance continues to attract the attention of remarkable audiences; with Beyoncé recently cutting the Nstasia-written records Can't Say It's Over and Hate Myself In The Morning, and upcoming collaborations including Skrillex, Jason Derulo, and Calvin Harris.
We caught up with the musician to find out what to expect from her Dubai show.
How does it feel to have your own residency in Dubai?
It's a complete honour! I've never been to Dubai before but it's always been very high on my bucket list. I guess you can say I manifested this. I love the vibe of Q's Bar and Lounge. I believe a lounge musically curated by the legendary Quincy Jones is enough to be said for any and every one to come out. The ambience is perfect for zoning into the music of the artists that perform here. Dubai is very different. Culture-wise quite different but I love it. I'm so excited to learn more about the people here.
What can people expect from your shows? How would you describe your style and music? Can people catch a quick preview somewhere online?
I'd tell all who want to come out and vibe with me to expect to feel. Be ready to get into whatever zone makes you feel free and let it take over you. Don't be afraid to dance and enjoy yourself, when I'm on stage we're all one. I love that type of show. I'll be singing songs from my EP titled New Religion as well as covering songs from a few of all of our favourite artists. I'd say my style is a gumbo. A mixture of all the melodies from your favorite genres mixed in one: fresh, urban and alternative. I've released a couple of projects that I'm very proud of, they can be found on my site NSTASIA.com as well as all your streaming services.
Making your name as a writer, how has the transition been to standalone performer? Are there any difficulties you didn't foresee? As a writer, how did it feel watching such high-profile stars perform your music?
I started performing way before I got into writing for other artists so the transition felt like I was just getting back to what I know and love. It was such an honour to have such high profile artists sing my lyrics and melodies. It was very motivating and inspiring. Having Macy Gray release a song co-written by me was out of this world. I've always been a huge fan of hers. She's legendary. Skrillex is another artist/producer that I loved working with for my NewReligion EP. He's just genuinely such a great person we definitely keep in touch.
Is there any high-profile artists' success you wish to emulate? Who do you enjoy listening to?
There are so many artists that inspire me. Prince, Tracy Chapman, Drake, Celine Dion, Lana Del Rey, Adele..etc I could go on and on with the list of artists who have a piece of my admiration. My plan is to be as successful as I can be while being true to my art.
Being given a ringing endorsement from Quincy Jones must be very touching. How does it make you feel? How has his musical legacy touched you over the years?
It makes me feel like all of these years of working hard have paid off! It's something that people only dream of and I'm actually living it. I'm truly grateful. Words can't express the amount of gratitude I have. Quincy Jones' legacy has had an effect on everyone in the world in some way. He's written some of the greatest songs in the world that have literally changed the world. As a musician we all have a bit of Quincy Jones in our music.
What is your ultimate career ambition?
I'd love to make a crowd of millions feel healed by just hearing the tone of my voice. I want the effect of my experiences heard through my music to cause deep feeling and a cool vibe in everyone.
Do you think the music industry is ahead of the curve in terms of supporting diversity and female performers as opposed to the film industry, for example?
Some of our biggest artists are women. I've never experienced any issues with getting support from the music industry because I'm a woman. Luckily my dreams in music have always been encouraged by the people who matter to me.
How do you like to relax or what would be your ideal night out?
I'm pretty simple when it comes to relaxing. A few candles lit, chocolate covered almonds and a bomb music playlist is all I ask for.
"This talented little lady has been one of the best kept secrets in the industry, as a songwriter, for artists such as my lil siblings, Beyonce and Usher, but now it's her turn to take the stage...And I couldn't be more proud to welcome her to our stage at Q's Bar & Lounge! I've got no doubt that her high falsetto will take you to the next level and I can't wait to hear what y'awl think! Enjoy!" - Quincy Jones
david@khaleejtimes.com 

By David Light

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