An interview taken from our new digital issue. KALTBLUT caught up with German musician, actor and bestselling author, Nura, to delve deep into the thought processes behind her work, the challenges she faces in the industry, and what’s next on her musical horizon.
While her new album features an eclectic mix of sounds and vibes, its genesis and inspiration are deeply rooted in Nura’s experiences and beliefs. From collaborating with her dog to a surprise jazz-inspired track, and a fearless statement made with her album cover, Nura’s creativity knows no bounds.
Let’s talk about your new album “Periodt”, out since October, 6. Your dog Chili is also on it. How did that collaboration come about?
In fact, Chili is featured in the song “Bella” with a really loud bark. It wasn’t easy to record her barking, I had to beg for it. I wanted her to have a proper artist credit, featuring Chili But dogs are not registered with GEMA. Crazy, right? Registering her would have taken a lot of time, which meant the release would’ve been pushed back. For me, this is 100 % a reason to postpone an album, but I can’t release the album after the tour… so: sorry Chili, next album.
Your album contains different sounds and vibes. Was that intentional?
I have been working on “Periodt” for over one and a half years now. Other musicians have a read thread following through their albums, I don’t think I ever had that, not with any album. I make the music I’m in the mood for at that moment, which means different phases of life come together. I don’t need a concept for that. Some songs are out there, some are calmer, and others are statements through and through.
Musically, the song “Diego” stands out with its jazzy vibes. What inspired you to write it?
At some point, I heard a melody on the way to the studio. It was Radio Paradiso-like, and I had this rhythm in my head all day. I recorded this kind of elevator-style music in the studio and rhymed everything with the same ending as a joke. The whole thing came about as a freestyle and fun song. I sent the track to friends and suddenly everyone had it stuck in their heads.
The song wasn’t originally supposed to be on the album either, but one thing led to another. In the end, I’m very happy the song that took me the least time to write and came out of nowhere is now part of the album. It proves there are no rules. Nobody can tell me I am a rapper,
a songwriter or a singer. I don’t have to make a certain kind of music.
I like to try out different things and find out what suits me. If I wanted to, I could do Schlager tomorrow – that would be a shame for Helene Fischer, though.
Is there a Diego out there, or is he fictional?
If he exists and someone feels addressed, send them through to me! My girls asked me: where is Diego? In the end, the song is an appeal to the male world: it doesn’t take much to treat a woman well. It’s not about “buy me Gucci, a car and all of Dubai”.
It’s sweet and nice when a man takes you home at night, asks if you’ve arrived safely, or holds the door open for you… be attentive and a nice, good person – it doesn ́t matter what gender you are.
read the full interview here:
FOLLOW @NURA ON INSTAGRAM
THIS INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED A WEEK BEFORE THE RELEASE OF NURA’S ALBUM.
PHOTOS BY UNIVERSAL MUSIC & TATSIANA TRIBUNALOVA @TATSIANATRIBUNALOVA
