Meet Upcoming Trans Artist, Nervosa

Meet Nervosa, a young transgender rapper of color and activist that aspires to become a voice for underrepresented trans artists everywhere. You can check out her post-modern rap music with electric undertones on Soundcloud here.

J: So firstly, how would you describe your music to someone who's never heard it before?

N: Well, I would like to say that my music is freeing. I like to express myself through art and creation. My music is my child and I raise my songs by working on each line to make sure they are perfect in every way I can. I don't do half made music, and my fans can tell how it sounds. I love the sound of different genres and I like to infuse genres. So answering your question, I would like to call my music experimental. I definitely don't fit into one sound... I like a little bit of everything!

J: Nice, I like it! Why restrict your music genre or style to only one label, right? Experimenting is fun and can result in amazingly unexpected sounds, lyrics or beats. My next question would be, who are some of your biggest musical inspirations or artists that you look up to and enjoy?

N: I tend to only listen to my own music. If you go through my actual iTunes, you'll probably only see my discography. Now if I'm feeling like I wanna listen to other artists then I listen to Beyoncé, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and a lot of beats. When I mean a lot of beats, they are infested on my computer by the thousands. As far as inspiration, my inspiration actually comes from my clairvoyance and being completely in my head all the time, daydreaming about anything.

J: How does it feel being a trans artist in the music industry, and what struggles have you faced?

N: It's really difficult to be honest. But if I didn't think it could be done I wouldn't do it, you know? I love the music, just not the industry. I'm not a fake person and I find it hard to be phony in order to make it, so I mean I guess I'll have to figure out how to make it and still be one of the real ones, yeah?

J: Of course! And to be completely honest, who really needs a false persona in order to make it? I feel as though a person's raw, real, and individualistic form is their best form. Also, representation (especially in such a huge/influential industry) is very important. Props to you! Alright, if you could say anything or give any advice to other trans artists in the music industry who have gone through the same hardships as you, what would you tell them?

N: I would tell them that it's not a competition. Female rap is already so competitive and I don't like to see competition at all, so for someone to make it a competition... You're fooling yourself. Also, beef is old news. It should be all about the music. No need to determine a "top artist" or a "queen". A "queen of trans rap" would be corny.

J: "It's all about the music" is refreshing to hear, especially nowadays. Finally, where do you hope to see yourself having developed as a musician during the next five years or so? What impact would you want your music to have on those that listen to it, especially other trans people that are searching for representation in the music industry?

N: In the next five years I see myself as an established artist that has a solid fanbase ready to stand up for what they believe in. I think that a lot of people see me as an activist which is cool, so I hope I can hold the torch for members of the LGBT+ community that aren't always allowed to speak for themselves. I love the LGBT+ community so much and I want so see a better future for all of us, not just one specific group. One day I see myself with a debut album and a voice that is heard, if you ask me.

J: Thanks so much for taking time out of your day for this! You're a talented and dedicated person, which I find really admirable. I also love your work, in all honestly. It's super unique and fascinating to me.

N: Thank you love!

Listen to NerVosa's latest single, the acapella version of her song Catwalk, here. You can also find her on twitter @nrvsa.

By Jaskrit Bhalla

Twitter/IG: @jaskrit_b