NORA ??
1. Congratulations on your LIT Music Awards achievement! Could you share more about your journey and background in the music industry?
I grew up in Milan with music woven into my daily life. My parents took me to concerts from a very young age because I was always dancing and responding to the rhythm, even before I could walk. I've basically lived—and still live—with headphones on, creating playlists and exploring every genre I can find.
Over the years, experiences such as seeing Beyoncé and Lady Gaga perform live, discovering J-pop, Japanese culture, and later K-pop, dancing at Random Play Dance sessions in Japan, and experiencing techno clubs in Berlin have all shaped my artistic identity. Music has always been my compass.
2. How do you see this recognition influencing your future music?
This recognition encourages me to keep exploring new ways to connect cultures, rhythms, and communities through music. It reinforces my belief that bringing people together through shared experiences is a dream worth pursuing.
It has also given me the confidence to take creative risks. Whether through music, lyrics, fashion, or visual aesthetics, I've learned to trust my instincts and embrace what genuinely inspires me. That mindset—and the courage to keep growing—was something my parents always encouraged.
3. What's the moment you first realized music was your calling? Can you describe it?
It all began in Japan during a Random Play Dance session. Watching people come together through songs we all loved made me realize I wanted to create that same sense of connection through music.
4. What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've drawn from while creating your music?
I often find inspiration in unexpected places, from the ambient soundtracks of the video games I enjoy to the voices, accents, and everyday sounds of the cities I've explored. Those experiences stay with me, blending into new rhythms and ideas that naturally find their way into my creative work.
5. Do you have any quirky rituals or habits when you're composing or recording?
It might sound a little unusual, but I often begin by sitting quietly on the floor for a few minutes, combining deep breathing with meditation. It helps me clear my mind, stay grounded, and create work that feels genuine and connected.
6. How would you describe your creative process? Is it more of a jazz jam session or a perfectly orchestrated symphony?
It's definitely more like a jazz jam session—playful, spontaneous, and driven by freedom. I let ideas develop naturally until they come together into something complete.
Sometimes that creative space is entirely my own, and other times I share it with people I trust. Either way, it's one of the most enjoyable and freeing parts of my creative process.
7. How do you want people to feel or experience when they hear your music?
I hope they leave feeling connected—to themselves, to one another, and to the moment. Music has always given me that feeling, and I hope my work can inspire others to experience it too.
8. What's one risk you took with your music that completely changed your career path?
One of the biggest creative risks I took was allowing my music to reflect every side of who I am—not just the vibrant, playful moments, but also the more honest and unfiltered parts of my journey.
I hope that openness allows people to connect with my music on a deeper level, finding authenticity not in perfection, but in the stories and emotions we all share.
9. What's the song or artist that first made you fall in love with music, and why?
Seeing Beyoncé in 2016 and Lady Gaga in 2017 were defining moments in my musical journey. Beyoncé inspired me with her extraordinary vocal ability, while Lady Gaga showed me the power of constant artistic evolution, fearless experimentation, and creative expression.
Their performances embodied empowerment, creativity, and emotional strength, inspiring me to fully embrace my own artistic voice and pursue music with greater confidence and authenticity.
10. What's one moment in your career that you consider a turning point, and how did it shape your journey?
Publishing my first song was the moment I stopped waiting for permission to express myself. I'm still growing into that confidence, but pressing "release" marked the beginning of my journey as an artist.
What made it even more meaningful was the support of the people around me. From the dancers who brought the choreography to life to the musicians who believed in my vision, their trust and collaboration made the experience even more rewarding.
11. If you could describe your award-winning work in a single sentence, what would it be?
A song where past and future dance together, reimagining a classic through a contemporary lens while reflecting my musical journey—one rooted in empathy, honesty, and the freedom to express my true self.
12. What was the most challenging part of creating this piece, and how did you push through?
One of the biggest challenges was reimagining a song with such a rich cultural legacy while honoring the spirit that made it so memorable. The goal was to create something contemporary without losing the essence of the original.
Together with my team and collaborators, we worked to strike a balance between respect and reinvention, preserving the song's recognizable heartbeat while introducing a fresh sound. We achieved this by trusting the creative process, listening closely to the original, and building a musical bridge between past and present with Beat of a Romance / Cha Cha Cha.
13. What upcoming music project or album are you currently working on, or is there a new genre or style you’ve yet to explore but are eager to try?
I would love to continue experimenting with new sounds, particularly Berlin-style techno, while exploring the influences of J-culture, Italo-disco, K-pop, and my Italian roots. Blending these different musical worlds is something that excites me and continues to shape my artistic direction.
Who knows—one day you might even hear me sing in Italian. I'm also learning new instruments, including the bass and drums, and I'm excited to see where that creative exploration leads.
14. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be, and what would the vibe of your track together be?
From my Italian roots, I'd love to collaborate with Rose Villain. We share a passion for J-culture, creative experimentation, and using music as a way to explore our own worlds. I admire her sound, and I think together we could create something bold, empowering, and full of personality.
If I could collaborate with an artist from the past, my choice would undoubtedly be Prince. Purple Rain has always been a personal anthem for me, and his artistry, innovation, and unforgettable stage presence continue to inspire my musical journey.
15. How would you inspire fellow musicians to participate in music awards, and what valuable advice would you share to guide their journey?
I'd encourage them to see awards as an opportunity to share their work with a wider audience. Stay curious, stay true to your passions, and don't be afraid to let people see your creative journey. Every voice brings something unique to the industry, and your work deserves to be part of that conversation.
Creativity is never complete—it continues to grow with every new perspective. That's why your voice, your ideas, and your story matter.
