Nora Lei
Photo credit: Philip Tabak
Singer/songwriter Nora Lei released her latest single “Together” on December 4th.
The self-written pop single was inspired by relationships. “The song is all about fighting for your relationship. You remember the good times, hard times, and the times you start to feel crazy…but really you’re just scared. You both know you’re supposed to be together so you keep trying and, in the end, you’re glad you did,” she says.
The new single follows “Never Knew Why” released in July, which garnered over 142K streams on Spotify.
The New York-based artist also created a successful swimwear line, Perfect Peach.
“Together” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Philip Tabak
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I remember being in my basement in the suburbs, I would get dressed up and dance and sing for hours to artists like Shakira, P!nk and so many more iconic women. I’ve always been a very emotional person and so I’ve always gravitated towards music that I can express myself through. I owe that to being an Aquarius!!! Singing has always been a huge part of my life. Even when I was pursuing design, music would always come to me without trying. I would always be jotting down words and mumbling melodies.
I grew up with my family constantly moving around to different cities and countries, which affected me tremendously. Each place I lived sparked a new part of me and led me to where I am today. I’m so grateful for this. I love culture, meeting new people, hearing new stories, having new experiences. I always say my time in England made me a dreamer, California made me a believer, and New York just inspired the shit out of me.
How would you define Nora Lei, the artist?
A lover with a lot of emotions. Powerful words sung softly. I just want whoever hears my music to be able to connect on the same wavelength and really feel like they can own that song and create their own experience from it.
"Together" is your new single - could you tell us the story/inspiration behind it?
I was inspired by relationships, and how things can get heated. When you are in love there can be so many emotions involved. “Together” is all about fighting to be together and getting through the ups and downs.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process? Who helped you create this single?
I actually found the beat online and instantly connected with it, I wrote lyrics to it within that same hour. I recorded the vocals and then worked with a producer who produces and mixes my music.
What do you like the most about the single?
“Together” is more upbeat than my past single. You can really dance to it and I love that.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
The artwork is super whimsical and ethereal. I love nature and it is such an inspiration to me and my music.
What is your goal for this single?
I hope people will dance and enjoy listening to it, and that hopefully they can relate to the craziness we all experience in relationships. In the end, it’s all about love. I want people to feel that and just have fun when they hear it.
Could you tell us more about your line Perfect Peach? What does this experience as a designer is teaching you?
I started the brand in my early twenties. I had been working with a bunch of different designers, like Mara Hoffman and Cynthia Rowley, and I was so in love with fashion and the way you can express yourself with it. For a time, I’d grown up near the ocean and loved the beach lifestyle so I started my own brand in hopes of women feeling confident in their bodies in my swimwear. Being a designer is definitely a lot of work, and it has taught me so much. You have to be in it because you love it… but, then again, that’s just like with anything!
What do you like the most about being a designer?
I love the actual designing element. I could sit for hours sketching different designs, it’s just ingrained in me. I also love seeing women in my designs. It feels good to know that they feel good when they are wearing them.
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
Being an artist for me is all about creating and doing what I love. It’s very therapeutic to me. I love to write so it’s an outlet for me to get things out of my head and onto paper. When I go back and listen to my songs it brings out so much in me because I live it again. There is a lot of passion that goes into my music.
What advice would you give to young artists?
I am a young artist, so I’m still figuring it out! But… be yourself and don’t fit into anyone's mold! I feel like there is a lot of room to just do you. I love hearing new sounds and music.
You lived in different places around the world. Any favorite memory?
I loved growing up in the countryside of England. I definitely became a dreamer there. My mother is an incredible gardener and the land we lived on was full of different plants and animals. It was an adventure every time I stepped into the garden. I will never forget those days and I think of them often.
2020 is slowly coming to an end. What major life lesson have you learned this year?
I’ve learned to slow down!! Not everything needs to be rushed. Be present, be in the moment and enjoy what you are doing. This time allowed me to start my music career and grow my songwriting skills. I’m so thankful for that.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More kindness, more acceptance. We are working towards this and that feels good. We need so much more of this. I always smile at people on the streets in New York as I think it's great to be kind to people and it’s free. Who doesn’t have time to be kind?
What message do you want to give to the world?
Do what makes you happy, express yourself however you want to, and don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Be the best version of yourself for you.
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