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Step into “The Waiting Room”, Nanette’s latest 7-track offering that expands her creative palette, venturing past RnB and into afropop and amapiano. Inspired by legendary Rnb names like Brandy, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson, Nanette brings a therapeutic feel to the ever-growing Rnb scene. Nanette debuted her first single on Spotify in 2021, followed by her freshman EP “Bad Weather” in 2022. While the wait for “The Waiting Room” had listeners fidgeting, Nanette ensured to deliver a fresh take on her music. The project features some heavy hitters in the music scene, including Nasty C, Blxckie, Major League Djz, Zwayetoven and more. The exploration and experimentation of different genres and collaborations showcases her growth as a rising star.
I first heard the project shortly after its release and I was immediately drawn to her self-confidence and boldness. This isn’t new to Nanette’s storytelling style as she continues to explore themes of romance, heartbreak and yearning with unflinching honesty. I was excited to hear about her journey in creating “The Waiting Room”. When I was presented with the opportunity of an interview with her, I couldn’t pass up the chance to learn more about her creative process and influences. She happily shared more with us in the interview below.
Disclaimer: Interview has been configured/edited for reading purposes.
Having grown up in Durban, how would you say the music scene that side has influenced your perspective towards the creativity and free will of your own art as well as gaining the confidence to owning it?
I think being from Durban definitely comes with an automatic confidence of some sorts, I mean the music culture in Durban is very rich, everywhere you go, various music sounds are being embraced. The people are also very energetic and friendly so it’s second nature to enjoy music and community if you’re from Durban. I think that in turn has helped my creativity in the sense that I come from a loaded cultural hub, and there’s a lot of room for inspiration to be found in the Durban life and atmosphere.
Considering that you grew up around the evolution of music amongst two generations, how does your journey into pursuing music as a career begin and what was your first encounter with creating your first ever musical piece? Was your family supportive towards that decision?
My first musical encounter was within the theatre space, where I enjoyed playing roles that required me to sing and dance as well as act. From there, I went on to release a single on Spotify in 2021 titled “Call Me”, which was then followed by my debut album titled “Bad Weather” in 2022. As for my family, they have always shown support and love towards my gift in music although they first wanted me to get a degree as it was important to them that I have a backup plan incase music doesn’t work out.
Your debut album/project “Bad Weather” which dropped in 2022, gave us a glimpse into your world through a highly detailed storyline about your experiences with love. How would you say those experiences have influenced your state of mind when writing the project as well as your set perspective towards hope for love and what was your healing process from those times?
“Bad Weather” definitely spoke towards my experiences around love, but I think it touched on the general thoughts of a growing woman at the time. I made tracks like “Same Mistakes” and “The Nice Guy” to speak about something other than love. It was meant to be a self-reflection of the qualities that I both loved and hated about myself. In that sense, the album played a huge role in my continuous growth as I was able to understand who I am a lot better after its release.
Considering the efforts and set storyline from “Bad Weather”, The Waiting Room tells an interesting story, following the stages of a relationship that starts on a very bold note in “Tonight”. What inspired the creation of “The Waiting Room”and how does it differ from your debut album “Bad Weather”?
“The Waiting Room” really had no inspiration if I’m being honest. It sort of just put itself together. And from there, when it was time to give the project a title, “The Waiting Room” sat the best because it really did feel like I was in a waiting room for the past 2 years since releasing “Bad Weather”. So much has happened behind the scenes since the release of my debut album that I never anticipated which initially influenced the making of “The Waiting Room” outside of my general experiences. The EP is different to “Bad Weather” in the sense that subject matter differs a bit, the confidence is much higher, and there’s obviously way more stand out features. This EP was my opportunity to play around with genres a bit more as well as collaborate with extensive talent in South Africa.
The first song “I Got It” felt like a statement of your self-confidence. What has it taken to claim your power since your debut album “Bad Weather”?
At first it took a lot of power and patience in myself and the people around me as not everyone will move at the pace you intend to move at. So that required me to also set some boundaries with myself and others just so that I can set a tone which paints me in the eye that I intend to be seen in.
You explored different sounds and genres in “The Waiting Room”. The album blends RnB, a soulful feel, afrobeats, and piano. What inspired you to venture out towards different genres?
I always want to express myself in as many ways as possible. That’s what I’d say inspired the genre-blending. I never want to feel boxed or feel comfortable in my sound. It’s fun to keep experimenting and finding oneself through the music.
The title of your debut album “Bad Weather” was a double edged sword, relating to a fear of storms and to the audience, relating to the rollercoaster of emotions we go through. Is there anything that inspired the title “The Waiting Room” in a similar fashion?
Yes. So “The Waiting Room” represents the amount of patience and time it took to make the next move career-wise. I spent a lot of time behind the scenes figuring my career and life out, and a lot of people got frustrated waiting. Hence the name, both myself and the fans went through a journey of waiting to get this music.
Your listener base has grown tremendously from your Soundcloud days to late, with “The Waiting Room” reaching a million streams. Additionally, you’ve had songs earn spots on music charts and claimed a “Best R&B” nomination at the 2023 Metro FM Awards. How do you balance the pressure to succeed with maintaining your artistic authenticity?
First and foremost, I believe in keeping good people around me that care for my well-being as their fond care and love influences our day-to-day encounters which impacts the creation of my art. Secondly, I like to not focus on my career and the music life when I don’t have to as I think it is very important to be able to switch off from work and have an ‘on’ button for social life. Lastly, I am a firm believer in keeping myself grounded and surrounding myself with people who don’t see me as just Nanette the artist but as Siphesihle. With that being said, all these things help me maintain my artistic authenticity as well as keeping the pressure at a minimal.
One element that has remained constant is you switching from singing in English to isiXhosa, especially on songs that are particularly emotional. Is it important for you to include your home language and childhood influences in your music?
Yes, it is very important for me to include my language as I come from a household with a very proud Xhosa father and Zulu mother. They both made sure I know who I am very well, and I think my language plays an integral part of my identity to a point where it is important for me to take it everywhere with me. My music allows me to also pay homage to my upbringing and my heritage as being a black Xhosa woman has allowed me to be aware of my strength and the position I play in society. I’m also aware that it’s up to me as a creative to uphold my culture and I wouldn’t want to be anything else but the Xhosa girl I am!
Your album boasts collaborations with Nasty C, Tellaman, Major League DJz, Baby S.O.N, Nvcho, and Christer. Which collaboration was the most memorable to you in the creation of “The Waiting Room”?
I personally enjoyed making “Tonight” with Nasty C and Tellaman as it was initially created at a writing camp for Nasty C’s “I Love It Here”. The song was supposed to be a part of the “I Love It Here” album, but fortunately enough it never made the cut and thats how it got to be a part of my EP. So thank you to Nasty C and Tellaman for giving me the song as it made a difference to the EP experience.
Are there any artists or producers you hope to work with in the future?
On the producer side, I really want to work with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and on the artist side, I’d love to work with Brandy from the old school era, and Victoria Monet from te new age era .
Which 4 songs since your childhood would you say remain the most memorable for you and why?
I would listen to these CDs every chance I could get:
- Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross
- The Best Things In Life Are Free by Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson
- Cater 2 U by Destiny’s Child
- Queen Of My Heart by Westlife
What do you wish to share with the next generation of artists as a piece of advice when starting out?
Never underestimate yourself. Always be willing to adjust your plan, and stay humble and respectful, for your own peace of mind if anything.
Nanette’s journey is far from over and I am excited to see her continued growth as an artist. As she continues to explore new sounds and expand her listener base, I’m eager to consider what’s next for this talented singer-songwriter. It is certain that she will carry on offering her listeners an honest perspective on navigating the world of romance.
Listen to “The Waiting Room” by Nanette below:
