You! Stop what you’re doing rn because we have exciting news. We had the amazing opportunity to have a chat with international singer, NOURI. The songstress from New Zealand is fresh on the scene, having just released her debut single ‘Where Do We Go From Here‘ on November 6. But she’s no stranger to the music industry, having been featured on the soundtrack to Daddy’s Home 2 and having performed the U.S National Anthem at the prestigious Staples Centre in Los Angeles, all within the span of a year.
To say that this girl is a big deal would be a gross understatement, and we’re totally obsessed with this young talent. She’s currently at work on her EP, all set for release in 2019.
If you haven’t heard her catchy single yet, it’s all about young love and how volatile it can be the early stages. We can’t help but relate. Give it a listen and add it to your Spotify playlist too. You know you want to…
Well, let’s get into it, shall we? Not only is she charming, she’s got a killer sense of humour. Funny girls are always welcome at Cosmo. Here’s what she had to say:
Q. Firstly, a big congrats on your single “Where Do We Go From Here”. How does it feel to have your song play on the radio, across the globe?
A. It was such a surreal moment. I worked so hard to get to this point that hearing it on the radio for the first time was a feeling I can’t even describe. I’m so happy that my mum was there to witness it.
Q. What was your inspiration behind the song?
A. This song was written from a really raw place, when I was struggling between my passion for singing and my love for someone else. It was hard to chase my dream and love someone at the same time, and I feel like that really resonated within the lyrics.
Q. Do you have a process before you write your music?
A. I write most of my lyrics in the car. It’s so funny because everyone thinks it’s a really strange place to do my writing. When I’m in the car, I’m by myself so I can really dig into my emotions for those kind of lyrics. The scenery’s always changing and that helps inspire me, as well.
Also, I CANNOT stand it when people talk in cars! That’s my time to listen to music you know, so, just like, “SHHH”!
Q. What inspired you to get into music?
A. Well, I’ve been singing since I was really young. I’ve just always wanted to pick it up but, I never knew if I was allowed to.
C: I can imagine that it must’ve been a very intimidating step to make; to declare to everyone around you that you want to pursue singing.
A. Exactly. When you say that to people they just pass it off as a “big dream”. Especially when you’re a Middle Eastern woman, it’s the hardest thing to hear… they think you’re crazy. But, I started proving everybody wrong and I moved to LA last year. Working with a Grammy-award winning producer really helped me find my sound. He instructed me on how to write and record my music and, it’s really what started everything.
Q. What kind of music did you listen to growing up?
A. I listened to a wide range of music growing up: from Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears to Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake and N’SYNC, I was a real big fan of pop, especially the music videos.
C: Speaking of which, I loved your music video. How did you feel shooting it?
A. That was such an amazing day. Like, everything that could go wrong probably went wrong but, it was still the best day ever. The director cancelled at one point five hours before the shoot, the location wasn’t perfect. But, I told the manager and my team at the time, “Let’s just go with the flow, and let’s see what happens. Let’s not stress this too much. If it’s meant to happen, it’s going to happen”. And then, it became the best video I’ve ever done.
Q. If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A. Either Whitney Houston or Michael Jackson, just because they’re such legends. I wish they were still alive. Their voices were just out of this world. Like love them or hate them as people, no one can deny how amazing their music is.
Q. Tell us more about your EP, what can we expect?
A. I’m writing the music right now and I’m always in and out of the studio. Its music you can dance and cry to. It’s going to come from such a raw place and I really hope everyone loves it as much as I do.
Q. Do you have plans of performing in Dubai any time soon?
A. I mean, if you guys want me there, I’ll be there! Once, my EP’s done and everything goes to plan, I’m definitely going to be there to perform.
Q. Do you have any advice for those looking to follow in your footsteps?
A. Honestly, you just got to believe in yourself firstly. Because if you don’t, no one’s going to believe in you, and that’s what I had to learn. I was super confident walking into any room and made sure I changed the minds of the people who said no to me. You just have to believe in yourself and be strong.
Everyone has their own opinions, be it good or bad, and you just can’t let that get to you. This industry is so tough, you have to be tough to make it. If you have a passion, just go for it. Everyone else will follow. You just have to put in the work and make sure you’re doing the right things and not playing by the rules sometimes. Rules are meant to be broken (laughs).
Q. What’s your fave fashion brand?
A. I’m a big Chanel fan. If I could collaborate with any brand, it would definitely be Chanel. Whether it’s their perfume or their clothes, I’m obsessed
Q. What 3 beauty products can you never leave the house without?
A. Oh, this is easy! I can never leave without my lip liner, my mascara and my powder. Recently, I’ve been obsessed with Fenty Beauty. Rihanna has done such a good job!
Rapid Fire…
Horror or Rom-Coms?
A. Rom-Coms.
Heels/Sneakers?
A. Sneakers.
Pizza/Pasta?
A. Pizza.
Friends/ Riverdale?
A. Friends.
Finish the Sentence…
My fave movie is… Titanic.
The worst pick-up line I’ve ever heard is… Are you a parking ticket? ‘Coz you’ve got FINE written all over you.
My biggest pet peeve is… People chewing too loud.
My favourite Kardashian/ Jenner is… Kanye (laughs). He’s so creative and he can be crazy sometimes, but deep down you know where he’s really coming from. But honestly, I love Kris. She reminds me of my mom.
My current celeb guy crush is… Leonardo DiCaprio
Bonus Q: What do you think makes a song great? The music or the lyrics?
A: It could be one or the other, depending on the song. But honestly, I think a great melody is key because everyone can understand it, no matter the language. The melody is universal and it can make you feel something, even if you don’t really understand the lyrics.
If you fell in love with NOURI just like we did, follow her on all her socials;
Instagram: @Nouri
Twitter: @iamnouri
Facebook: facebook.com/iamnouri
Website: iamnouri.com