Exposed Vocals interviews Nesta
Nesta (Singer-Songwriter-Arranger) After many years of being a club dancer, Nesta started in 2000 to experiment with her lyrics and melodies at jam sessions in music cafes (The Hague, the Netherlands) this led to collaboration with various artists and musicians and her current solo career.
Nesta has made her mark as Mc/vocalist in the local Dubstep and Drum’n ‘ bass scene in clubs and with House DJ’s on beach parties. She was also backing vocal for various groups. In 2009 Nesta released her first single and video “All I Need” online, but after two years performing with her band it became quiet around the Singer/songwriter due to illness. Currently she works behind the scenes to her new EP named Finesse, Nesta has always written her songs but currently she started arranging/producing herself. Her lyrics are about being loved and hated, pining for her roots in Cape Verde, domestic violence, madness, reflection and old-fashioned true love. Her genre is for you to decide.
“My musical influences include Soul, Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop and Everything I’ve ever heard and loved” – Nesta
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Nesta: You caught my eye on twitter..
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Nesta: I grew up in Cape Verde, Germany and The Netherlands. My parents are very culture orientated, so they fed me all kind of music.
My dad played the guitar and we sang a lot together. Since I can remember, I’ve always came up with songs and performed for my fam.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Nesta: My name is Vanessa, friends call me Nes. Since my greatest inspiration is Bob Marley, I decided to use Nesta as an tribute to him.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Nesta: I think its great. It gives fans a feeling of being connected with artists and able to be the first to listen to new stuff.
People are more likely to share and repost that way I think.Yes I have given away free music for the love but of course for promotional purpose.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Nesta: Lol I have no idea! I’m creative with music but I am no marketing wonder, all I know is that I was doing what I was doing (solo) and all of the sudden I had a band a I was asked to perform. My advice is don’t let marketing stray you from the creative proces too much.The more you have to offer when they see you.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Nesta: I’ll improvise.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Nesta:: No I have never toured, I hopefully I will though
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Nesta: I can be inspired by anything! The rhythm of my own walk and the sound my heals make inspire me.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Nesta: No I don’t, I only use soundcloud as a kind of demo space. I’m actually scared getting noticed.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Nesta: I do not listen to embarrassing songs… Only Chris Brown’s new flame.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Nesta: I would record an album a year, I would shoot the dopest video’s since Hype Williams.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Nesta: I started making beats since oktober 2015 with (you won’t believe this) Apple Garage band. I’m planning to give it a try at Red Bull studios in Amsterdam if they will have me.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Nesta: Through social media so far.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Nesta: It would be with Bob Marley anywhere on a big stage, because we both love to dance in the moment.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Nesta: My new EP named this summer. Very light, bright, sunny soulful House music.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Nesta: I would do hair I guess.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Nesta: I don’t remember buying my first album, I do remember my first tape that my cousins from the States send to me: Guy. I get goose bumps saying this so…
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Nesta : I have Lupus (SLE) In my case that means that I can’t work regular shifts or from nine to five anymore. Therefore I have a lot of free time on my hands. I believe that everything is how it’s meant to be.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Nesta: Happy new songs, my EP “Finesse” look out for it! https://twitter.com/search?q=nesta_finesse https://soundcloud.com/nesta_finesse
