Nadjah Nicole Speaks On Dealing With Fame & Working With Carvin Haggins.

Nadjah Nicole has become a household name in the state since her appearance on NBC’s “The Voice.” Though she did not win the competition, Nicole’s career post-show has begun to take off. Recently, she’s been working with industry legend Carvin Haggins, who has been nominated 19 Grammys and has worked with the likes of Jill Scott and Justin Timberlake and is largely responsible for the success of Musiq Soulchild. Nicole’s new found fame has changed her from a locally known singer to a nationally recognized talent. This weekend she will get the chance to serenade her hometown during one of the city’s premier summer kick-off events.We caught up with Nicole to find out what she’s been up to since her appearance on “The Voice” and how it has changed her life.

Q: How has being on “The Voice” changed your life?

A: Well, people respect my artistry a lot more. I used to get a lot of comments like, “how’s the music thing going,” now it’s more like, “how’s your music career going.” When people stop and ask me about my career they are more interested and want to know exactly what I have been doing. I appreciate that people are taking me more serious because music is where my heart lies. The show has also given me many opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to do. It’s all been very overwhelming and I’m still humble but it is nice to be recognized for something you love doing.

Q: When was the first time you got a taste of what stardom was like?

A: When I was 16 I got the chance to perform at the Apollo Theater in New York. After the show I was mobbed by people just wanting to meet me and tell me how much they enjoyed my voice. It was an amazing moment for me because I felt so much love. It was amazing to me to see people be touched by my music. It really made me take my career much more seriously. Before Apollo I was mostly doing church events, weddings or singing the national anthem, but once I got that taste of what it could be like I began to get in the studio.

Q: How have you dealt with the fame and people noticing you when you’re out?

A: Sometimes it’s cool but every now and then it can get awkward. Sometimes people don’t think to ask before they just run up and hug you. I don’t mind taking pictures or talking to people and usually when I’m with my daughter people are very respectful, but if I’m by myself or with my mom people can get a little touchy. That took some getting used to. I don’t always see myself as a famous person because I’m naturally just very humble.

Q: What was the hardest part about coming home after the show?

A: The hardest part is living up the expectations and professionalism of the show. When you’re out in L.A. you spend a whole two weeks in the studio just working in one episode. Your day may start at 5 a.m. and end at 10 p.m., so it was a shock coming back when you have to work and find the time to work on music when everybody is available. It’s not microwave fast anymore and that’s frustrating because when I’m ready to work, I’m ready to work.

Q: What was your favorite part of being on “The Voice”?

A: Learning from so many great people was my favorite part of the experience. You have people locally who may do an album or push their music, but learning from people who do it all day every day as a career with nothing on the side has been life changing. Watching someone work that is all in, full time in their career has shown me how we as local artists need to step it up. Sometimes, as Steve Harvey says, you have to make the jump and dive head first into your passion.

Q: What has it been like working with Carvin Haggins?

A: I have really been learning my worth as an artist. When you come back from the show it can be a little of a shock. It’s easy to go into a depression because you feel like “Who am I?” after the show is over. Carvin helped me realize that my appearance on the show means I should be respected for my work. He’s shown me so many aspects of recording and negotiating. His business knowledge alone is so important to my growth as an artist.

Q: What are you currently working on for this year?

A: I am actually getting ready to drop my EP in June. The single and video will be out soon and the song and EP are produced by Carvin. Later this year I am going to drop my album so it’s going to be an amazing year. I am excited for all the opportunities coming my way!

Follow Nadjah Nicole on The Voice & Social Media

Instagram: @NadjahNicole

Facebook.com/NadjahNicoleMusic

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