Manchester-based alternative-pop singer-songwriter Nxdia is taking the music world by storm with its unique blend of vulnerable lyrics and modern production. Born in Egypt and raised in the UK, Nxdia draws inspiration from their multicultural background and writes and sings in English and Arabic. Their latest EP, "In the Flesh," delves deep into their personal experiences and emotions, exploring themes of self-reflection, frustration, and the limitations of interpersonal relationships. With gritty guitars, shimmering synths, and catchy lyrics, Nxdia's music captivates listeners and has garnered millions of streams and the support of significant platforms like BBC Radio 1 and Spotify. Their dynamic live performances have also made waves, including appearances at notable festivals like Liverpool SoundCity and Manchester Factory International. Please continue reading to learn more about Nxdia and their exciting musical work and passion for mental health.

Where are you based?
Manchester!

Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? How did you first get into music and what inspired you to become a singer-songwriter?
Music/writing/journaling and poetry were just always fascinating for me. I’d mainly watch slam poetry for years and hum melodies to myself about anything. I’d post covers and originals on youtube until I hit 16/17 and found out about being able to record music, from there I was fixated, it opened up a whole new world for me. It’s just what I love most.

You’ve mentioned that your early memories of growing up in Cairo involved drawing, poetry, and storytelling. How has this background in creativity and storytelling influenced your music?
I think it made me pay attention to things around me. I didn’t really ever felt like I’d processed an emotion until I’d written about it and that extended to music. I definitely use it as a tool to figure out how I feel about things.

Your new EP, “In the Flesh,” explores themes of introspection and vulnerability. Can you delve deeper into the inspiration behind the lyrics and the overall message you hope listeners take away from the EP?
I think navigating adult life for me has been deconstructing a lot of how I felt, but maybe didn’t acknowledge growing up. I think overall I’d hope people felt less alone in specific or potentially ugly feelings that we may feel, but not talk about. It just helped me feel less stressed to sit and explore these feelings instead of pushing them down.

The title of your EP, “In the Flesh,” suggests a personal and vulnerable exploration. Can you discuss the significance of this title and how it aligns with the themes of the EP?
Just being stuck in my body and head growing up, feeling like I was playing catch up with people who understood things that I didn’t seem to. I guess I spent a lot of time feeling like I was missing something, too concerned with my internal dialogue to interact properly with the world around me — stuck “in the flesh”.

”Decay”; seems to touch on societal issues and the frustration of living in an unfair system. Can you talk about the motivation behind this song and what you hope it brings to light?
I was just angry, seeing and experiencing the shift of the cost of living. My mum would keep me educated on political matters from when I was younger and champion for equality, quality of life for people, and fundamental rights. It felt good to write a song about the awful things, the rising cost of living has done here.

All of your songs on your album are great and feel very personal. Do you have one that you are most proud of?
Thank you, it changes all the time. I’m proud of ‘decay’ because of the hand I had in helping produce it. It has encouraged me to try and get more involved and lean into ideas more. I want to be able to contribute to production more and more.

Your music blends elements of alternative pop with modern production. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Probably Alternative pop with Arabic and English lyrics for the most part, so far everythings been quite eclectic though! It’ll be fun to define it further with the next project!

Your music incorporates both English and Arabic languages. How does this bilingual approach enhance your storytelling and connection with your audience?
It brings together two worlds in my mind, two languages that I’ve grown up with and spoken in my household — it feels more personal when I write in both languages. Also, when other people reach out who speak both languages and are excited to hear music that includes both — dude it makes me so so happy.

Your songs have received millions of streams and you’ve been supported by various platforms and radio stations. How does it feel to see your music resonating with people on such a large Scale?
Honestly, I think it’s already so far beyond what I can fathom. I’m just so grateful, it feels so insular when I’m making music that to think it goes beyond me at all, especially to this extent genuinely blows my mind.

Your live performances have taken you to various cities and festivals, including a halftime show at a cricket game in front of 19,000 people. What has been your most memorable live performance so far and why?
Honestly, so many have been significant moments in time for me, but Pride in London, performing in Leicester Square resonated with me so much. My background, my identity, these are all parts of me that I felt melded together then, in a really lovely open way, one of my favourite experiences.

You recently performed at a charity gig for Mind Cheshire. Can you tell us about your involvement with Mind Cheshire and why mental health is an important cause for you?
I have anxiety and have leaned on mental health services in the past. Even if i hadn't though, I love people and I’m passionate about well being and anything that helps people process potentially debilitating issues. I was really grateful to be invited for the gig, to support a cause like this is something im all for and something I want to continue doing.

Any advice for those struggling with mental health?
Talk to people, we internalize so much because we don't want to burden others, but when you’re experiencing something scary or overwhelming it’s best to say it aloud — as scary and intimidating as that may seem!

What can we expect from you in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
I’m in the process of making more music and gigging as much as possible. I have a few upcoming gigs to end the year, I’m always sharing them online, especially across socials. I’m excited about exploring more and more music, always.

How do you hope to continue evolving and pushing boundaries within the pop music genre?
Including more of an Egyptian influence and trying new things, even if it’s outside what I typically gravitate towards. I just want to make cool shit and stuff I find exciting!

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your music?
Honestly, I just love hearing what people take away from the project, what they like/dislike- what they think about everything, I love using music as a tool to connect as much as I can with people.

It has been a rough few years, how have you been staying positive?
Vitamin D supplements ahaha, but also I have incredible friends and a wonderful family. I find myself leaning on them more, and I just try and focus on what I’m grateful for and doing what I want to do as much as I can.

What is your motto in life?
A Paulo Coelho one — ‘when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it’. My mum gave me The Alchemist when I was a kid, and this quote has stayed with me since.

To learn more about Nxdia, please follow them via the links below:
Instagram: @nxdiamusic
TikTok: nxdiamusic

Photo credit: @photosbyjrd

Nxdia - Delivering a Compelling Mix of Vulnerability and Pop Prowess