Meet Nana Razaia | Singer-songwriter, Recording Artist, and Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nana Razaia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nana, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
The concept of giving up isn’t something I entertain, I rather change my plans and consider new approaches. One of the things I learned this year was that we have all the answers we need. We can look for them outside of us, but if we ask ourselves and listen, we can find what we’re looking for. That’s a practice I do often now. I used to overthink so much about which decision was the right one that I started to feel like I was losing control over my destiny. That’s a scary place to be. I regained control over my life when I realized that my mind is a powerful force and I will always be led to my answer.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m proud of my resilience amidst navigating anxiety and depression this past year. I really care about what I make and how things are done in the most micro way. Everything is spiritual and alive with energy. Every step in the creative process matters and honoring that makes for some beautiful, authentic works. I’ve been quietly working on new sounds and a new artistic direction altogether while overcoming major mental blocks. I recently released a single, “Paris”, where I experiment with a pop punk sound for the first time ever! When everything felt chaotic, I found simplicity in music. Something grew from the concrete and my songwriting only keeps getting better. Something about being honest and honoring my emotions. I’m happy to say that as I do this interview, I’ve been able to work through my anxiety and gain new perspective. As an empath, I’ll never stop feeling all the things, which I now see as my superpower.

I want the world to know that I’m a storyteller and a “yung wild boi” who defies all odds. I want to invite everyone to dream big with me and remind them that it’s only impossible if they say it is. I also have new music on the way, a self titled EP led by my latest release “Paris” available for streaming on all platforms.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m taking them to shop with me at Avalon Vintage in Highland Park because surely, they enjoy finding gems as much as I do. They have an amazing collection of vintage pieces with a wide price range. Whenever I need new wardrobe for a shoot, that’s the first store I hit up. That and the Silverlake Flea. For dinner I’d take them to Elephante in Santa Monica. The drinks are so innovative and their passion fruit pavlova dessert is incredible! Wednesday night we’d go to Bar Franca where I’d introduce them to homies, enjoy good music, and soak up the good vibes. Never disappoints. We’d check what movies are showing at Alamo Drafthouse and kick back while indulging in some good brews and good eats. If I’m feeling up for the ride and if the weather permits, I’d take them to Point Dume in Malibu to enjoy the perks of what feels like a private beach while occasionally spotting a seal sunbathing. So cute!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people and entities that deserve credit, but I want to shoutout Modern Musician, the incredible team, and its members. Modern Musician is an online marketing and artist development company made for artists who want to grow their fanbase by finding true fans and earn a living in the process. It’s a three month program filled with trainings, one on one calls with coaches, endless resources curated for the independent artist. I first started as a client and was asked to join the team a couple years ago and have been with them ever since. What I love about Modern Musician is the feeling of community that it brings. It’s easy to feel lonely and helpless as an independent artist when we spend so much time making music and invest thousands of dollars to not see much return. I’ve met so many beautiful souls who care about the work and are dedicated to seeing each other succeed. Not only have I learned so much but I truly feel seen and supported.

Website: https://www.nanarazaia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanarazaia

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nanarazaia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nanarazaia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/nanarazaia

Image Credits
Sincere Dennis Kwesi Mark