StarBuzzOnline.com : Tia's Talk with Singer/Songwriter, Guitarist and Hip-Hop Dancer Rebecca Nazz

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Pop and dance is what you’ll think of when you first hear this fun spirited bright artist, Rebecca Nazz. Born in Kuwait, but raised in South India and Canada, this young singer/songwriter, guitarist and hip-hop dancer is coming up from the underground in Toronto. Writing and developing her own material she offers a poignant blend of poetic lyrics and thoughtful melodies. Growing up in Canada, she quickly became part of the local music scene.

I had a chance to talk to her.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Kuwait and raised in India (Bangalore/Ooty) and Canada. My family immigrated to Canada in the 90’s following the Gulf War.

How do you think the environment you were in and your surroundings

shaped for what you do now?

I grew up in an environment that exposed me to the artistic world of singing, theatre,

and different musical instruments. At home and at school, I was surrounded by music. My mother taught me to sing my first song, “La Isla Bonita” and she enrolled me in community shows and talent shows. My parents supported my growth by enrolling me in private instruction for guitar. I also watched performers like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Cliff Richards, Gloria Estefan, Apache Indian, Vanilla Ice, Boy George, and George Michael. I was always imitating, learning and performing every opportunity I got.

What led you to realize that you wanted to be a singer and a song writer?

I realized I wanted to be a singer the first time I was on stage, at eight years and I had the audience’s attention singing “Postman”. I knew this is what I wanted to do because the crowd went crazy and I was happy to see the smiles on their faces. I was inspired to start songwriting in my teen years after reading lyrics by Michael Jackson “Black and White”, Apache Indian “Arranged Marriage”, Madonna “Holiday”, John Lenon “Imagine.” These songs showed me that through songwriting you can inspire the masses, and promote a positive culture. Songs are able to transcend cultures and generations, no boundaries existed and I wanted to be a part of this movement.

How do you think you are impacting the south asian community with your talent and art?

As a singer/songwriter I hope to make a contribution by creating a new sound with music that fuses Western dance with East Indian pop. I am all about bringing something new to the culture and showcasing what we have to offer the world. I also work as the ambassador for the Ethan Felix Foundation which raises funds to educate selected underprivileged youth in India and provide them with necessary training to succeed in the workforce. My hope is that through the music, awareness is raised for the organization and that I am able to impact the education and training of underprivileged youth in the South Asian community, while reaching them through my music.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently promoting my EP “Intimate” in Canada and performing at local venues in Toronto/Montreal. I recently returned from the UK where I completed a profiling performance with Brit Asia TV. The hot single off my EP is “Indian Boy” featuring Apache Indian, I hope everybody takes a listen. My EP is available on ITunes and Amazon. You can visit http://www.myspace.com/rebeccanazz to get a copy of the EP.

What do you have in mind for the near future?

In the near future I will be working to promote the EP and further the music with interesting remixes and videos.

Careerwise what is the one thing that has been very special to you?

To date, my collaboration with my idol and mentor, Apache Indian on the song “Indian Boy.” My girlfriend Prantia Solanki and I wrote the song in a coffee shop in a week and I used to joke about requesting Apache Indian to sing on it. The fact that Apache Indian agreed to the feature, everyone loves the song and that I am now performing this version is very special to me.

Do you have any particular music project you have wanted to work on or be a part of?

I have always wanted to work on a world music project that draws on Latin, Indian, and Middle Eastern sounds to create a very unique pop track. I have no doubt that in due time it will all happen.

Let us listen to her...............