An Interview with Danish R&B Sensation, Nabiha!

The Danish singer-songwriter, Nabiha Bensouda is currently primed to become the next breakout pop-star in the US. Just today, this platinum-selling songstress is offering up a free stream of her debut EP Mind The Gap via The End Records / ADA.

Her lead single, “Mind The Gap” shot up to #1 on the UK, Danish Airplay charts, as well as multiple countries across Europe, and the official video has garnered more than 1.1 million views. This brand new EP also features Nabiha’s upcoming second single “Animals”. 

Learn more about this talented singer in the following interview!

So when did you first decide that you wanted to be a performer?

I have always been singing to myself but I didn’t know until I stepped on the stage the first time at age 15.

Take me on the musical journey of your career so far? What has gotten you to this point? How have you grown as a musician since you started?

I’ve played so many styles of music to get me where I am now. I have played with and learned from talented musicians all over. I strive to keep growing, I try to learn something everyday and hope to continue to do so.

You have toured with and worked with a lot of incredible musicians. Who have you learned the most from?

A combo of all of them. I have learned many lessons. Some on how to build a team around you, relax and be yourself in this sometimes crazy world of music. I am constantly inspired by the amazing people around me. I think the one lesson that has been most important to me, is to believe in myself and my music

When you are far away from your home in Denmark, how does your family and friends handle it?

They handle it like pro’s. I couldn’t ask for a better supportive
system than the one I got. I think my parents knew that music was my life, long before I dared to believe it. They understand that I can’t be there as much as I would love to, and their pride and support is priceless. Luckily Skype and social media keeps me connected with friends and family, and gives them a sense of being with them always even when I’m traveling

What music are you listening to now? Any new artists out there that you are loving currently? What do you think about the music on the radio today?

I’m currently in the studio working on new material, so I’m listening to a lot of my own stuff, haha. But the latest Beyonce album is in my stereo right now. Right next to John Legend’s “Love In The Future” album. I also love me some deep house, especially before going on stage. But anything goes really. It just depends on my mood. I love checking up on new music on the radio.

Where do you get the inspiration for your music?

Traveling inspires me. So does talks with friends, love, life and everyday stuff. Really just life in general, you know! I try to record or write my ideas down as soon as they appear. It helps a lot when working in the studio.

Tell me about the songs on your EP, Mind The Gap?

It’s a mix of my 1st and 2nd album togethers with a couple of brand new songs, including my new single “Animals”, which I’m super excited about. I wanted the songs on the EP to give a little taste of what I’m about and whats to come.

“Mind the Gap” is both the name of the album and the title song. I
came up with the idea in London, while riding the underground trains. I saw the signs and heard the voice say “MIND THE GAP” every time the train stopped, it was such a big part of my daily routine in getting to and from the studio. But to me, “Mind the Gap” also got me thinking of the gap between my teeth, something that has become much of a trademark for me. Where I come from in Africa, to have gap teeth means that you’re a lucky person, so I thought it could be fun to try and combine the two ideas, representing both me as a private person and my musical journey – in more ways than one. 🙂 Hopefully you will love it as much as I do.

How has your summer tour been going? Any favorite venues and crowds yet?

We wrapped up the tour in the end of August. What’s not not to like about playing festivals. I get to not only play but see some of my favorite bands perform. It’ s a win, win. So many amazing experiences to choose from but I think the most interesting was in the Faroe Islands at The G Festival. If you are a nature nut, go! The festival was on the beach and the scenery was breathtaking. I was taken back with all the fans singing the words. It was my first time there and I can’t wait to return.

Why is this lifestyle of traveling/touring and performing one that works for you?

I just love it! Even if its busy, it’s such a great gift to be able to do what I love the most.  In my everyday life, I am very structured, I take every task seriously but I got to admit that I am slow at some things, mostly because I want to make it right.

I do my vocal and breathing exercises and I rehearse. With all of that I also try to make sure its not too serious. It’s most important to have fun. So the combination of this lifestyle kind of breaks it up and pushes me to get out of my daily routines and comfort zone,

Living or dead, who is a musician that you would love to work with and why?

Robyn, Diplo & Danger Mouse. They’re inventive, visionaries and of course playful.

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something funny that’s taken place with the band (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?

I too get star struck sometimes.. Once I was closing a televised awards show and there next to me stood Nikolaj Coster-Waldau of Game of Thrones fame. He started speaking to me as we all started to walk off stage. I was so struck I pivoted and walked the opposite direction. Later that night I was standing with my manager and he was to my left. He started talking to me again and what came out of my mouth was complete gibberish. Once he walked away, my manager just started laughing at me.

Any pre-performance rituals?

We do some shots before we hit the stage. My tour manager is an American living in Denmark. She is linguistically challenged and Danish is not her forte. Her husband is from the northern part of Denmark and his dialect is much different then mine and the other members of my band. When it’s time to make the toast we all follow her suit and butcher our native tongue while we all roll our hips and laugh.

When you aren’t performing or writing new material, what do you like to do for fun?

When I have free time, I love to travel, relax, hang with friends and family, go see shows or hit up new restaurants. I am a crime and sci-fi junkie too, HBO & Netflix help’s me unwind.

Is there anything in particular that you’d like people to take away from listening to your music?

This is just a bit of me and my world, and I hope they will come back for more.