Empowering and making her presence prominent, the LA-based vocalist, producer, and DJ makes an impact within the industry to build a space for femme voices – we welcome you to Nala. A multifaceted artist continuously finding new ways to advocate and uplift femme voices. Whether that be through energetic sets or recently relaunching her label Mi Domina, Nala is pushing the norms within the industry.
The Electric Hawk got the opportunity to chat with the established artist and discuss this new era of Nala, what to expect with the return of Mi Domina, and what potentially needs to change within the industry.
In Conversation With Nala
seradopa: Well, for our Electric Hawk audience that may not be familiar. From being a pioneer & inspiration in uplifting femme voices to bringing such a unique experience with your sets. Who is Nala nowadays?
Nala: Nala embodies creativity, strength, and persistence from the female perspective. A lot of my experience in the creative world is determined by what it’s like to be a woman so it’s a female-forward creative endeavor.
seradopa: New fans probably aren’t familiar with your Rock and Alternative producing/engineering background. How does it feel to showcase that fully by combining it with your signature style and brand?
Nala: I’ve been developing the rock-dance sound for a couple of years, but not every release is a commercial success. Hopefully, in the coming years, I’ll be able to make it more and more clear. Every time I do nail the sound, it feels really great and like I’m walking through uncharted territory!
seradopa: Recently you’ve let go of management and reinvested in different aspects of your project. How does it feel now working with a hand-picked team for Mi Domina?
Nala: I feel really in control of my life and plans at the moment. Not having management allowed me to see where I was being held back and also how I wanted to operate moving forward.
At the moment, I’m surrounded by wonderful and hardworking people who are excited about the work they’re doing and we all get along so well. It’s been a great experience and it taught me that I don’t need to be dependent on big industry to accomplish anything.
seradopa: While Mi Domina has been on a brief hiatus, what inspired you to relaunch the label? Did you see something missing in the electronic space that you wanted to bring to others?
Nala: We’re in a bizarre and interesting period where label loyalty no longer carries weight for music listeners.
I realized I had an opportunity to release my music in the way that I wanted, and also work with other artists who share similar tastes and styles.
I figured I could help develop and promote artists I like this way and give them the support that many labels aren’t providing anymore.
seradopa: What does Mi Domina mean to you as a whole? What is the biggest message you want to convey with the imprint?
Nala: Mi Domina translates to ‘dominates me’ in Italian. I wanted to release music that felt strong and confident, that had a clear voice and message.
seradopa: You continue to pave the way in pushing the norm and boundaries in a male-dominated industry. How do you want to continue pushing and inspiring femme artists with Mi Domina?
Nala: I plan on providing a space for feminine-sounding dance music. The majority of major dance releases right now have a very masculine approach to them sonically and oftentimes lyrically.
seradopa: What have been some of the most exciting and scary lessons you’ve learned while relaunching Mi Domina?
Nala: Nothing is scary to me anymore. I’m just excited to be creating freely and supporting other artists.
seradopa: What do you believe has been changing for the better and what do you believe needs to be improved/changed immediately in our industry? How could we better build a supportive community within the electronic scene?
Nala: There’s a downsizing happening where independent releases are becoming the norm. People are collectively abandoning big business and seeking support from individuals who care, which I believe helps shake some of the abusive business practices that happen in corporate spaces.
“What needs to be improved is going back to creating phone-less spaces that focus on being present and not worrying so much about internet virality.”
I’ve seen firsthand how artists can have 1.2 Million Instagram followers and millions of streams but that doesn’t mean they’re successful in real life at shows and festivals. They’re two separate realities and should be treated as such.
Listen to Nala and her latest release “Spiritual Psychosis” below!
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Looking for new music? Keep up with our weekly Spotify Playlist, Fresh Hunts. Updated every Friday with all the latest releases. Whether it’s the newest drops from Nala all your favorite artists, some old-school, or underground…we just want you to hear it.