Hiya Nyla, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Music was never really a decision for me—it felt like it was given to me from the beginning. I think my first scream might have been a song! I started singing in a Bavarian children’s choir at age five, continued throughout my school years, and even did my A-levels in singing. Music has always been a part of me, wherever I go. I began writing songs at 13 and uploaded them to YouTube, where they received a great response. It was just a matter of time before I decided to pursue this professionally.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
I started singing in a Bavarian children’s choir, learning traditional songs, and later picked up guitar with my mom’s support, even though money was tight. I joined the school choir and formed two bands, performing frequently, including for big events like the Lions Club concert in Passau. We played rock, and later jazz, covering artists like Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin. In my 20s, I explored jazz, even auditioning for the Anton Bruckner University in Linz. A few years ago, I found my passion for R&B, and just recently, a few months ago, I discovered Hyperpop. Hyperpop has been a lot of fun because I get to express a more playful and energetic side of myself.
What’s the live music scene like in Vienna right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (besides you, of course)?
Vienna’s music scene is vibrant and diverse, with lots of hip-hop and a new wave of artists in the “Neue Neue Deutsche Welle.” Recently, Zeitfang, a known photographer in the music scene, discovered my work and was excited about my song. He reached out to me and connected me with the local scene, which has been an honor. I’d also recommend checking out Ben Clean; I’m a fan of his music, and he’s a fantastic artist in the Vienna scene.
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s amazing that one viral video can make you famous, but it’s rare and often exhausting to constantly make content to promote yourself. There’s the risk of burnout because even after putting effort into videos and promotion, it might not get the attention you hoped for. I’ve faced some negative comments online, but I’ve learned not to take them to heart unless they’re constructive criticism. Ultimately, I focus on the support and positivity, knowing that personal taste varies and not everyone will like everything.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I feel like I’m in an interesting position right now because so much has happened in a short time. I recently released my first single a few weeks ago, and my second single was just released on November 1st. I’ve already performed at multiple concerts this year, which is exciting for someone who’s just starting out. I have great connections with talented musicians and producers and feel confident that the future holds something big. I may not know exactly where I stand yet, but I definitely know where I’m headed.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I’ve won multiple chess competitions, I speak Danish fluently, and I’ve visited every country in Europe.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture?
I’ve had a tough experience with misunderstandings early on in my career. There was a big misunderstanding between me and another label, which made me feel hurt and betrayed. At first, I took it deeply to heart, but I’ve learned to let go of things that aren’t constructive. I used to be a people-pleaser, but now I know that if criticism isn’t genuine or helpful, I don’t have to accept it. This experience has taught me how to handle things in a more mature way.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?
I sometimes think about political conspiracy theories—it feels like we’ve been in a kind of “cold war” for a while, with tensions everywhere. It seems like something major is brewing behind the scenes, but I try not to get too wrapped up in it or too political.
What was your best experience on stage?
The best feeling on stage is when the audience is singing and screaming the lyrics with me. It’s amazing to know that people not only enjoy my music but are moved by it enough to memorize it and sing it back to me. There’s nothing more beautiful than connecting with others like that.
What was your worst experience on stage?
I haven’t had a truly bad experience on stage, but I did perform while I was a bit sick recently, which affected my voice. Instead of a letdown, though, it was uplifting because the crowd sang louder for me. It showed me how supportive and engaged they were, which was special.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
People might be surprised at the number of languages I can understand or speak, and even the types of alphabets I can read.
What are the next steps you plan to take as a solo artist to reach the next level?
I’ll be working with several amazing producers in the coming months. My EP is set for release on November 29, with an album already in the works. I’m especially excited about a project coming out in early 2025 that’s close to my heart. Every single, every EP, and every album is another chance to express myself, and I can’t wait to share it.
I hear you have new music; what can you tell us about it?
My new song, Schreien, was written toward the end of a relationship where words and actions didn’t match, leaving me confused. It’s a feeling many can relate to, and music is my way of processing those emotions. Schreien reflects the frustration and dependency I felt—a vent for those toxic feelings. It’s a raw, personal song, but I’m glad to have moved past that experience.
What was the recording process like?
Recording Schreien was a memorable experience. I wrote the song on my way to work as a flight attendant, and after a 12-hour shift, I still wanted to record it. I went straight to my producer Richi’s studio in my uniform. We didn’t even have a pop filter, so we used my red stockings as a makeshift filter! We finished recording in under an hour, and it was such a fun and spontaneous session. Shoutout to Richi for always making it a great time.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
The biggest learning curve has been structuring my songs to bring ideas to completion. Out of about 50 demos, I’ve started working on 10 to develop them into fully organized songs. This has helped me create a foundation, though I still have lots of demos to release. I have enough music planned to last the next two and a half years, and I’m excited to keep building on that.
Would you change anything now that it’s finished?
One line in the song mentions that I’m “flying around” because I was a flight attendant then, but I’m no longer in that role. While it’s not quite accurate anymore, I’m still excited for the song’s release.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I’m incredibly grateful for everyone supporting me on this journey. I have two shows coming up—on the 12th in Vienna and the 22nd in Linz—and I can’t wait to see everyone there. I’ve got more projects on the horizon, so stay tuned. 2025 is going to be my year!
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