Nina Nesbitt Interview

Nina Nesbitt is a 17 year old singer songwriter from Edinburgh. A rising star with an appearance in the new Ed Sheeran video ("Drunk"); a support slot for Example's UK tour and she received airplay of her new single 'Glue' on BBC Radio 1 last week. I sent her some questions about her inspirations and what to expect from her in the future.


How and when did you realise you had a gift for singing/song writing?
I've always written songs and sung since I was very little as its something I naturally enjoy but I guess people saying they like it or are inspired by it made me realise I could be a singer and also hearing from other musicians I look up to that they support my music gave me a lot of confidence and reassurance.

Who are your musical inspirations?
I don't have a particular one, it's more a variety of very different artists such as Ellie Goulding, Ed Sheeran, Eva Cassidy, Joni Mitchell, Example and more. All quite different styles that inspire my own music.

What is your thought process when you sit down and write a song?

I don't really have one, they just kind of come out. It's not something I 'sit down and do'. I'm constantly writing all the time, whether it be writing lyrics on a train, recording melodies at home, it's something that comes naturally to me and each song has a different process. Sometimes it'll be a lyrical idea, other times it'll be a guitar riff or sometimes it's an experience that pours into a song.

When can we expect a new album and how similar/different will it be to the 'Live Take' EP?
It'll be another EP and it'll be out in April. It will be similar in terms of song writing style but I'm including a few more instruments this time as it won't be live takes and I'll also be playing my piano as people haven't seen that side to me before. Still keeping it real and organic feeling.

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
There are too many to mention! Nirvana - it'd be random. Example and myself are writing together soon though and I'm really looking forward to see what comes of that as I find his lyrics inspirational to my own songs.

What is your overall ambition as an artist?

To be successful in writing, recording and touring.

What's next for Nina Nesbitt?

More music for you all to hear and touring! I'm heading off on a European tour in march with Ed Sheeran, then my new EP, then my headline UK mini tour and Example arena tour. then on to festivals etc so it's a busy time for me!

A song from her Live Take EP: