[INTERVIEW] TRINA’S PROTEGE NIA AMBER
With a new single set to be revealed next week via her “Night with Nia” extravaganza, Nia Amber talks to VIPER about working with Miami megastar Trina and which classic songs she considers untouchable…
Tell us what inspired your “Night with Nia” performance?
I really wanted to give my fans and supporters a special gift. They’ve been so understanding and supportive that I feel like they really deserve it! With everything that has been going on in the world, I haven’t been able to be as consistent with dropping content or music and yet they still show love and support; that means a lot! The Night with Nia is all for them to show my gratitude for their loyalty, which will be dropping on March 11 alongside my newest single, ‘D.A.’.
You’ll be revealing your ‘D.A.’ video, what can we expect from the visuals?
This video will definitely be bringing the heat! It’s sexy but at the same time, it has a feel-good vibe. The set was amazing; the lighting set the mood and the dancers bought the heat. This video will be one for the books. I can’t wait for you all to experience this fantasy with me. Stay tuned, March 11th can not come soon enough!
You’re known for your covers, what song would you love to cover but it feels “untouchable?”
I would love to cover ‘Dangerously In Love’ by Beyonce and ‘My Mind’ by Yebba. Although I’d love to cover these songs, I feel they’re completely untouchable. Those artists set the mark so high; the amount of emotion they sang with and the execution of the songs gives me chills every single time. I don’t feel it can be done any better than the original. I’m honestly a little scared to try [laughs], some songs should just be left untouched.
The message of your music is love and acceptance, how did you find ways to embrace these messages in your own experiences growing up?
Although this was a tough journey for me, I’ve learned to embrace all of me, flaws and all! I have come to realise that God made me exactly how I’m supposed to be. Once I came to that realisation, I began to see everything from a different perspective. I began to embrace my beauty and truly love myself. I’m in a great space and I truly believe that self-worth and self-love should be first in everyone’s life.
You’re Trina’s protege under her label, Rockstar Music Group. What’s the best advice she’s given you?
Trina has always reminded me to stay focused, to keep going and to always remain humble. At times things can get frustrating and overwhelming, but I always hear her voice encouraging me to go harder and never give up on myself. Is she tough on me? Absolutely! She has expectations and is very clear as to what they are and what she expects. Even though at times this can be tough, I keep going with my one thing in mind… I CAN DO THIS!
You’ve shared the stage with renowned artists like Doja Cat, Latto, Saweetie, Lil Kim, Megan Thee Stallion, K. Michelle and more. Which of the above would you most like to collaborate with?
Yesss! Not only was that a very exciting and major opportunity for me, but has also been an experience that motivates me everyday. I remember meeting all of the young ladies backstage and we were all talking about the grind. Since that time, they’ve all become super successful. That gives me the hope to keep believing and working hard. I would love the opportunity to work with all of them, they’re all so extremely talented. I know that if we could work together, we would produce magic.
You have plans to one day start a foundation geared towards inspiring and empowering youth. What are your other career goals?
There are so many things that I would love to do, but I would have to say that at the top of my list would be to start a foundation and expand my brand beyond music. I would love to star in a movie or TV sitcom, walk the runway for a major designer, perform in a musical, have merchandise and maybe even write a book. I love entertainment, arts and culture; if I can touch that in any way it would be a dream come true.
You’re a triple threat, at what age did you write your first song?
I would definitely consider myself very talented. I love to sing, dance, act, just create in general. As far as writing is concerned, I feel I’m a little more comfortable collaborating at the moment. I’m still finding my footing with writing but recently have been getting much better at tapping into that creative side. I wrote my first song at the age of 10, just playing around with my uncle. However, I don’t know if I would actually count that as my first real song! [Laughs]
You’re of Bahamian heritage, in what ways has this influenced your sound?
Although I wasn’t born in the Bahamas, my family originated from the island. I love singing ballads, however I also really enjoy singing uptempo music with funky beats. Island vibes bring just that. I absolutely want to dig a little deeper into exploring my roots and making some music for the Islanders. I’m actually working on a song now that has a dope island vibe.
Speaking of working on a song, tell us what you have coming up?
I’m actively working on music to drop this year, I have been for so long! I’m a perfectionist so I hang on to my music for a good while before I release it. I know my fans are about ready to kill me for that – ‘D.A.’ has been anticipated for months now; I’m sorry y’all! It will be worth the wait, I promise! As for 2022, you can expect BOPS. I’m working on an EP that will be about five or six songs and it will have some dope features. I have so many songs in my catalog that I’m in love with so it has been quite a challenge deciding. We’re planning to drop the EP in the summer, so STAY TUNED!
