Nincina is an aspiring singer from Northern California. Singing is a huge part of her life and she has found music as an avenue to express herself and her love for music. She has been singing ever since she was a young child, and believes it is very important to follow your dreams. Nincina will be launching a website soon where you can hear more of her music. Enjoy!

GR: How old were you when you first started playing music? 

ND:I was around 6 when I first started playing piano, and I also played violin and clarinet. I’ve been singing since I was 2.

GR: Which instruments do you play? 

ND: Right now I play the piano.

GR:Is your family musical? 

ND: YES. All of my uncles and aunts from my mom’s side sing, and so does my mom. My dad also sang and wrote songs.

GR: Do you remember the first music you really connected with? 

ND: I used to watch The Little Mermaid and I would sing a song from the movie. That’s the first thing I remember. My mom told my pre-school teacher I would sing it so my teacher forced me to sing it for her one day in class. I was so shy but I did it and singing has made me more open to meeting people and outgoing.

GR: Where would you most like to perform? 

ND: I would love to go on tour and sing in a big arena filled with people. That is my dream.

GR: Who would you most like to open for? 

ND: Someone who can entertain. I love uptempo songs so maybe Rihanna or Beyonce.

GR: People are always comparing musicians to other musician’s, is there someone who people are always comparing you to? 

ND: I never really get any comparisons. I’m pretty different because I am Middle Eastern so I think that is what separates me from others.

GR: If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be? 

ND: If I had the right tone for rock music I would love that, or just acoustic music. I wish I knew how to play guitar.

GR: Do you enjoy writing music and/or lyrics? 

ND: I started writing songs before I took singing seriously. I have also written some music as well. It is the best way to clear my mind and write down what I feel into a song.

GR: What hidden talents do you have? 

ND: I am a very good cook

GR: Besides music, what else do you enjoy? 

ND: Being with family. They mean everything to me.

GR:What do you do to clear your head before a performance? 

ND: I tell myself that I’ve always wanted this moment and that I need to let go of my nerves and embrace my reality.

GR: What songs are on repeat on your iPod right now? 

ND: Rihanna’s new album.

GR: Where do you find inspiration? 

ND: In real life siatuations. Sometimes hearing other people’s music. Powerful lyrics really inspire me.

GR: What musical influences did you grow up with? 

ND: My mother for sure. I also grew up in the pop era so Britney and *Nsync were huge for me. I also love classical music because my dad always used to play it in the house so I have an appreciation for orchestra and opera.

GR: What has been the biggest challenge for you as a musician?   

ND: To make it my main focus. I, like everyone else, have had to overcome a lot of obstacles in my life. Trying to work through that and following my dreams has been difficult but worth it. I know it will pay off in the end because I never give up.

GR: How do you feel about an ever growing expectation people have that music should be free? 

ND: To me music is inspirational and relaxing. I would love for music to be free but I think people who play music or sing have talents that when they perform them, they are considered work. I believe everyone should be paid to work and if we want to hear more music then we should pay for it. It’s only right.

GR: What would you say to a young girl just starting out as a musician? 

ND: I would tell her to go for it and there is not limit in the world on how successful you can become. You can set a new standard if you just folllow your dreams and never lose yourself in the process, just become the person you are supposed to be.

GR: What can we expect from you in the future? 

ND: I have a couple things lined up so expect some big and small things. Like I said I would never ever give up and my hard work is being noticed. Definitely more music and performances so I will be traveling a lot in this next year.

GR: Where can we listen to your music and get in touch with you?

ND: You can find me at www.youtube.com/nincina123 and I also have a Facebook fan page and twitter @nincinamusic. I will be launching a website soon as well keep a look out ! xoxo