Meet NiA | Songwriter / Artist / Musician

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

Hi NiA, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic/creative career because initially it felt natural. I say initially because, now it’s turned into a whole other bigger meaning. But, initially words would start to come to my head easier, plus playing around with my flow and rhyming style. I just loved doing it, figured I was pretty decent, people were starting to tell me how great I was once I finally built the courage to release and I really love writing, so I figured why not be a songwriter. Then just finding hard beats to accompany my vocals on top of that…I don’t know it’s like a never ending satisfaction. Don’t get me wrong I love all my songs, they all have a special in my heart forever but, once I’ve finished one song it’s like, dang that was great but..I want to do another one.

So I’ve grown a lot with music and now I want to pursue bigger goals such as beginning my own businesses to help the community and tons of other upcoming artist/talent out there and give them the platform for the world to see them. With also dreams of creating a clothing line that’s affordable for most. And while all just simply being able to finally give back to all those who’ve supported me. I know money can never repay them but, I will give back to them in whatever way I can.

Lastly, I pursued music because it gives you the freedom to express your voice and touch soo so many other amazing people around the world…through just my voice on a record. I love being able to escape and go into another zone, create, then sit back and listen to what I just created. Then to be able to get to share that like on stage, traveling overseas, meeting so many people who support and who love you and your music just as much as I do…that’s simply another feeling I don’t think I’ll be able to explain. Hopefully one day I will soon.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

One I feel what sets me apart is that I’m authentically myself even through my art. My artist name is my literal real name. It’s not that I couldn’t have come up with something, but personally I just said to myself, “if ima do this for real, ima want the world to really know me for me”. I don’t know why but a lot of people are shocked when I say that my artist name is my real name but, probably cause most artists don’t do that. Regardless of that, I sing and rap about everything I live/d or experience/d. I feel a lot of artists cap, put on a gimmick or create a whole other persona just to get “famous” or to get people to like them. But me I don’t..I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not. I just show up as me and people naturally gravitate.

And I don’t care about fame. I really wouldn’t care about money if didn’t hold so much value. I only care about it and want millions of it because, it’ll give me the freedom to do the things I want here on Earth. And I could finally give back to the people I want and love. But what I really want in life, money can’t buy. And a lot of artists portray like that’s what it’s all about. Some use theirs for good but a lot don’t. I can show you better than I can tell you though. Mark my words..I’m going to do things no other artist has ever done. I’m just getting started, but soon you’ll see what sets me apart. I think listening to my music is just a start.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come and most excited about what’s to come. I know that might sound crazy but, I’m honestly blessed to have come so far. I know I only have so much further to go. But I’m excited for the future most and what that will bring. Some lessons I’ve learned along the way is to always carry that confidence with me wherever I go, to stay focused on what I’m supposed to be doing and why I began in the first place, never lose sight of who I am no matter who judges, and to control what I can control. I really could go on but those are some just to name a few.

Secondly, the few things I want the world to know solely about me is that, I’m a blunt, honest, hardworking, loving, caring, loyal person who genuinely just wants to see everyone succeed. As an artist I want the world to know, I’m not just solely a singer or rapper. I can do both yeah but I’m an artist. I enjoy writing, creating unique flows and melodies over hard beats, while rhyming words together. I’m not trying to be the best singer or the biggest rapper. I don’t care about first week sales and nor do I want to be signed to any major label. Respectfully, I’m independently carving my own lane. I just want to create music, release it and go around the world sharing it with all my supporters.

As far as my brand goes, it comes from my story. In my past I’ve dealt with some financial hardships and gone through so much mental and emotional pain. Lord knows, I can’t even count how many nights I’ve cried and all night at that. I’ve dealt with abandonment issues, loneliness, depression, suicidal thoughts/near attempts, low self-esteem, thinking I’m never good enough for anyone or anything and never having confidence in anything I do for practically my whole life. Besides two people, those things probably would and have never crossed anyone’s mind. But that’s cause I don’t like to show my feelings. I don’t like opening up to people and trusting them because I’m the one who gets disappointed every single time. So, I stay to myself. However, I’ve got to the point where I decided I need to change something in order to grow. I’ve healed, grown and learned so many lessons as I listed above. I’m not perfect, definitely still a work in progress but, I’ve neglected myself for way too long now. And that’s where my brand comes in, which I’m not going to mention the name yet but, it is in the works and coming soon.

My brand is going to be everything I’ve ever wanted to be and everything I’m meant to be. What I’ve always been afraid to do. It’s everything I’ve come from and where I’m going. And it’ll be that for those who feel the same, who I feel should be apart of my team. My brand is going to be a dream come true. For me and all the ones I love, my community, and so many others out there in need. I try my best to be a person of my word. And all I need and ask for is your love and support. One day at a time, I’m going to make this world a better place. Through me/my story, my brand and music. My whole team and support system is going to take over. 🦋🖤

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some cool spots I might take my friend to check out in Atlanta would be The Rooftop, Botanical Gardens, Georgia Aquarium, or Coca-Cola Factory just to name a few. Maybe grab a bite to eat at The Varsity, 777 Oak Street Eats, a food truck park downtown, or on the Belt-line.

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?
I’d like to shoutout and thank God and music for getting me through countless tough times. Without either or I don’t know if I’d still be here.

Next I’d like to shoutout and thank my mom and sister Deanna and Adanya Cleveland. They’ve shown a ton amount of love and support since I said I even wanted to start pursuing music. Big big love to them forever, cause that has always helped push me to keep going.

I’d like to shoutout and thank my manager Angeula Manhertz who has been since the start of my career. She’s shown a tremendous amount of love and support, and was the only one who reached out willing to work with me to jump start a music career.

I’d like to give a special thanks and shoutout to my long time friend “NJ”. She’s also a person who’s helped a crazy crazy amount from the beginning of my journey music as well. Really has been there and continues to be there for me in the times when I need someone in my corner.

I’d like to thank and shoutout two close people to me who’ve shown tons of love and support as well who are Jasmine and Jocelynn. Not much needs to be said…they know, I always got them for life.

I’d also like to shoutout and thank any videographers and photographers that have helped me bring my music/artistry to life. Also for the continued support and willingness to work with me as I’m coming up.

And last, I’d specially like to shoutout and thank alll the people who’s ever shown me support. Whether that be in person, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. Shoutout the ones who show love in the comments/messages, the ones who stream my music, those who share it, who’ve made a purchase and shown up to my performances, I thank you all so so much for your continuous support. Y’all definitely keep me focused and ready to always give y’all something new. I love you all and can’t wait to see how big we grow!

Website: Coming Soon..

Instagram: @4eva.nia

Twitter: @Nia_Cleveland

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UClODiV4X8uh49LXFvdlhTWQ

Image Credits
Tay Favors Sergio Freire Karolina Melocra