At just 13 years old, Nova Miller is causing quite a stir in her home country of Sweden, but it won’t be too long before this guitar playing, piano rocking, Swedish sensation will be a household name here too.
Pop Scoop! had a chat with Nova after her flying visit to London where she spent time working with John Legend. She spoke about her inspirations and growing up in a musical family. In addition, she faced a few of our Quick-Fire Biographical Trivia Questions!
Can you define your musical style?
Wow OK, I would say it’s very guitar driven because I like to write songs on my guitar. It varies from up tempo fun style to more serious songs. I think it’s cool to talk about serious subject matters in my lyrics that I know many people go through, like bullying or having bad self esteem. I really want people to relate to my songs. I’m a pop story teller!
It’s been a busy start of the new year for you with your visit to London to work with John Legend. How did that come about?
My manager Lolene knows John and he saw some of my videos on Youtube. I guess he liked them so he emailed her saying that he wanted to work with me, which I was so excited for! John is awesome and we are in process of making more time to write together. Big up JL! LOL.
What was the first spark that got you going musically?
Well, both my parents are musicians so I guess music was a gift from them! Music has been around me my whole life and I started to play instruments like violin and piano at a very young age. But it wasn’t until I turned eight that I really started to sing. Me and some of my friends made a pop band in school and I was the singer. I also began listening to Taylor Swift and I got so inspired to start writing songs. Then when I turned 10 I got my first guitar and I couldn’t get my fingers of it.
Which music artists/acts are you inspired by?
I really like Taylor Swift it feels like we’re friends. I love her songs and I feel like I can relate to them a lot. I’ve always loved Christina Aguilera too. I’ve admired her vocal skills since I was six, when I got my first album of hers called “Back to Basics”. I also really like the way she puts on her shows. I also really like Bruno Mars, his voice is amazing and he plays instruments like I do, He’s super bad!
How do you start writing a song? Does a tune, a harmony, a mood or lyrics come first?
I always start with the title/name of the song. I want to have like a message in the song. Than I start to choose what chords I want to have in the song. I often have a melody in my head and a few ideas for a chorus. Than I just start writing! It’s not easy I’m basically learning all the time how to express myself in a way people will find exciting.
Which music artist’s/act’s career path would you ideally want as a model for your own?
I hope to have a career that lasts long. Music is my life and it’s the thing that I love the most so I want to work with it my whole life. I think Taylor Swift’s career is a dream! shes killing it, I would love to have a career like hers. I also thing Ellie Goulding is very good and she really deserves everything she has.
If you could collaborate with any contemporary music artist/act/producer, who would you pick?
I would pick of course Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera or Bruno Mars. I think I would pick Max Martin as a producer and I also listen to Ariana Grande a lot myself and I admire her vocals. I would love to work with them someday!
What are your thoughts about the importance of social media for today’s music biz?
I thinks it’s essential to speak to my fans/future fans. Without them I’m nothing and they are the reason I make music. I use instagram (@novamillerofficial) twitter (@novamiller2112) facebook ( Nova Miller) and I also have a blog! (blog.novamillermusic.com) come hang with me ;)
What does performing live mean to you? Do you prefer live audiences or studio work?
I love everything about singing. Studio work is kind of new to me so I think it’s very fun to record. But I think I love performing the most, it makes me so happy. I always get an adrenalin kick, I just love it so much.
Do you have any rituals or routines you always do the day of / or right before going on stage?
I’m very calm before I go on stage. I always go through the whole show in my head the night before and I drink lots and lots of water before hand. I go to a place in my head like five minutes before the show where I “load my energy” and than I have everything for the show so I can be the best I can!
Is there something you have to have while working in the studio (a mascot, a special drink/food)?
I always have warm tea in the studio but not a mascot yet! I have to get one :) send in your suggestions!
QUICK-FIRE BIOGRAPHICAL TRIVIA QUESTIONS
What’s your favourite colour?
blue!
And your favourite animal?
I love squirrels
Do you support a team or sports star?
Actually no I’m not very into watching sports, I like to do it myself!
3. What’s your favourite food or meal? Do you usually eat-out, take-out, or cook yourself?
I looove sushi! I often eat out with my friends but otherwise I cook myself.
Favourite film of all time?
The Note Book and Singing In The Rain!
First album you ever bought? How old were you? Do you still listen to it?
My first album was Christina Aguileras “Back To Basics” ,I was five years and yes sometimes I listen to it!
What song do you have on constant repeat at the moment?
”Blank Space” by Taylor Swift and ”Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding!
What’s the last book you finished? What are you reading at the moment?
It was a book by a Swedish actor called Jonas Gardell and the book is called “En Komikers Uppväxt” and its Swedish for “ A Comedian Growing Up”. I’m reading the first book in the “Carrie Diaries” book series.
What’s the last gig/concert/or festival you went to, which you didn’t perform at?
John Legend ‘All Of Me Tour’ in Stockholm!
Coffee or tea?
Tea! I drink at least five cups a day!
X-Factor or The Voice?
The Voice! Yello
Your favourite item of clothing right now?
My yoga pants, I wear them everyday after school!
Which celebrity, if you met them in person, would you turn into a total, embarrassing fangirl about?
I would say Channing Tatum he’s dreamy and Ariana Grande!
What was the first poster you put on your wall as a young teen?
Actually it was Marilyn Monroe at first. Than it was Justin Bieber aaall over my room!
What’s your essential, can’t-live-without gadget?
My guitar, my phone and my speakers in my room!
Do you have a pet?
No I don’t but I would like to have a dog called Doris :)
What qualities do you value most in a man or a woman? Are they different?
I think both men and women should have the same qualities that I appreciate: kindness, honesty and not taking yourself to seriously
What’s your favourite journey?
So far it’s when I went to Greece but in the future I would love to go to New York. If you can make it there! You can make it anywhere
Who is your ultimate hero?
My big sister, I admire her a lot.
And finally. . . what is your life motto or favourite saying?
It’s: You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great!
And I just want to thank Pop Scoop! for this amazing scoop and awesome questions. Look forward to the next time. And all the beautiful people reading and listening a million thank you’s xo xo
