"My aspiration is to be that female producer who brings younger women in and ensures they feel at ease [in the studio]." Nieve had her first performance in August 2022, shortly after releasing 'Girlfriend' on AWAL Recordings, the independent label she joined after generating interest on TikTok. Initially, she was matched with an older male producer who suggested she should create "girly pop music," a dismissive comment that the rock-loving artist rejected. However, with new collaborators she feels comfortable with, Nieve is now more receptive to diversifying her guitar-driven style. "I believe I've established my identity through my music – people recognize who I am," she states. "So, if I want to go for 'girly pop,' I will embrace it. I now have significantly more freedom to explore that."
From a young age, Nieve was attracted to performing, but her lack of confidence hindered her attempts to audition for school plays. Nevertheless, she had enough childhood bravado to audition twice for Britain’s Got Talent—first as a solo performer and later as part of a duo called Inseparable. During her first audition at six years old, she became "so scared" that her mom allowed her to withdraw. The second time, a somewhat older Nieve and her guitar-playing partner was making progress until they had a falling out. "We didn’t really live up to our name,” she comments with a hint of irony.
Nieve recalls participating in the reality show as her first encounter with imposter syndrome, even though she "didn't know what that was" back then. "Everything you see on TV is real," she remembers. "You’re in this large waiting area surrounded by people performing magic tricks while [producers] come to interview you and put a sticker on you. It’s such an unusual experience." Overall, she reflects positively on the show because it led her to realize she wanted to pursue an artistic career. "I didn’t make it onto the actual TV show, and I'm now thankful for that, because if I had been on TV, I wouldn’t be creating this music."
Despite the ongoing pressure to satisfy her online audience, Nieve feels content with her current situation. "I adore this job and am very grateful, but it can be challenging at times,” she shares. Her primary goal for 2025 is to "continue releasing new music and reveal who I am," although she would welcome another great support opportunity. "But I only want to tour with artists who resonate with me – artists whose fans I could see enjoying my music," she explains. At the moment, Sam Fender and Wolf Alice top her list. "And I'd get to enjoy their performance every night!" she adds with a laugh.
Looking ahead, Nieve has "big dreams" of teaching herself to produce her own music. She also wants to widen her range of collaborators beyond just "the boys" downstairs. "Maybe in LA there are many more female producers and writers, but I feel like I haven’t had that experience here," she expresses. "My ambition is to be that female producer who welcomes younger women and helps them feel comfortable [in the studio]." Having participated in songwriting sessions with older men where she felt a disconnect, she understands how suppressive such dynamics can be. "It's truly hard to open up about your feelings – even with the people I currently write with, who are my best friends,” she remarks.
Establishing a musical community is evidently important to her. Before relocating to the capital a couple of months ago, her base in London was at the family home of fellow indie talent Fred Roberts. "We’re two musicians who reunited at the right moment. Our music is different, but we share the same dreams and goals, which is incredibly motivating," she notes. Nieve adds that she was fortunate to have a place to stay when finances were tight early on. "If I ever win an award, they will be the ones I thank," she mentions.
Now, when she visits her village in Shropshire, she realizes she is on the right path. "I don’t mind if people stare at me because of my hair and eyebrows, which they do since it's that kind of place," she states. "I aim to be the person who is completely free and does whatever she wishes. I want to be the most authentic version of myself." While her journey is still in its early stages, it's undeniable that Nieve Ella is well on her way.
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