Photo by Michael Levine

Don’t be misled by Nya Jade’s album cover “My Denial.”
“Some people assume that a Black female has to do either R & B or Hip-Hop. I have a lot of influences and I didn’t want to get pigeonholed,” Nya says about her entry into the music world as a pop/rock singer.

Having been compared to Tina Turner and Tracy Chapman, Nya says, “My sound is separate from Tracy Chapman because I’m a bit more rock and pop than she is. She is bit more folk.”

Nya was inspired by many artists, such as Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder and U2. She says, “If Bob Marley was living, I think he would have been a great person to meet and collaborate with. I’m inspired by so many bands—current and past.”

Nya could have bowed down to the pressure of record execs and imitated other artists that are currently popular. Instead, she took a chance and the results have been phenomenal. Nya elaborates, “I think it’s neat to put out what I want to put out and still have people respond to it.”

Nya enters the music arena via San Francisco. Her family has been supportive of her career choice. Nya says, “I think my parents were okay with it once I got the degree[Economics] that I could fall back on.”

With things changing in the music industry, Nya feels, “There’s space for new and innovating ways to get your stuff out there. . .especially with myspace.com. People are latching on to the fact that I started my own label. Record companies have to change to fit how things are changing in general.”

“My Denial” gives listeners a glimpse into the essence of Nya. “I want listeners to hopefully hear my experiences in my music and to leave with a different prospective. I want them to be able to relate and create a bond—an artist/listener bond. I also want them to walk away knowing that here’s an artist that’s not afraid to do rock and pop and appreciate the fact that I am who I am,” Nya says.

“My Denial” has an array of songs to fit any mood. “‘No Pill’ is the first song and people seem to enjoy the groove. ‘Next to You’ is pure piano and vocals. It’s a pure love song. ‘Best I Can’ is a song I wrote for me. I think everybody has gone through the process I convey in the song,” Nya says about a few of the songs on the CD.

For those who are interested in a music career, Nya says, “Stay true to yourself.” She addresses female artists directly. “I think we get caught up with what we see in the media. You can be sexy and smart and not be half naked. It’s about selling your music; not your body or soul.”

What can listeners expect from Nya in the future? Nya responds, “I’ve let listeners hear me do some rock on this album, so the next album will be a rock album and it won’t come as a surprise.”

Nya appreciates the love and support she has gotten from fans. “I’m looking forward to meeting people online and at shows. I hope people continue the journey with me.”

“My Denial” is Nya Jade’s debut album. To learn more about this artist, visit her website www.nyajade.com or www.myspace.com/nyajade.

If you want good music, good lyrics and something different to listen to, then Nya Jade’s My Denial is a CD you must have.

Interview by entertainment writer Shelia M. Goss. She's also the national bestselling author of My Invisible Husband and Roses are thorns, Violets are true. Her website is www.sheliagoss.com. For more entertainment news, go to www.e-spire.blogspot.com.