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Gimme Five

Gimme 5: Nia John

6 February 2025 53 21

A cheeky Q&A with Pure Local Extra guest, Nia John

What do you remember about the first song you ever wrote. Do you still play it?

The first official original song I released was Don’t Let Go with Al Steele in 2021. It’s a beautiful song, a ballad, go listen to it. Some people say they still get comfort from listening to it now. It’s like a friend reaching out to you so you’re not alone. I currently rarely perform my original songs live as Al does all the instruments which would be a bit difficult for him to do by himself. Thus, I use the backing track of my originals to perform in public. However, watch this space I may work again with musicians in future to get a band out there.

Imagine you’re spending year on a desert island and you can take just one band or artist’s entire catalogue of music with you to listen to. Who’s music would you pick?

Halestorm is my favourite band as Lzzy Hale is a good female rock role model. There’s a lot of variety in her music from hard hitting rock songs to ballads that would keep me entertained.

What music was being played at home when you were a kid?

Definitely influenced by childhood music as I had an older brother who became a rock drummer in original and cover bands. Therefore, I grew up listening to Iron Maiden, Kiss, Metallica, Anthrax, Black Sabbath, Guns N Roses, Motley Crue, Poison, White Lion, etc. Even though I’ve been classically trained, I always go back to my roots. My strength lies in being a rock singer above all other genres. Also rock music is closely related to saving live music as we need outlets for skilled musicians

If you could go back to being a teenager what would you do differently, if anything?

I guess try and see the bigger World view and believe in ambition as growing up in the valleys it was hard to have aspirations or even believe they’d come true. I would spend less time having boyfriends and more time learning musical instruments.

Where in the world would you most like to visit and why?

I would like to go back to Florida as that is where I got married and it was truly a beautiful experience.
I’ve also always wanted to go to Sorrento, Italy, as people say it’s beautiful. I had an Italian pen pal as a child, and an Italian games producer used my cover of Holding Out For a Hero for his game trailer soundtrack. Therefore, definitely have to go to Italy one day!