01Profile
A Nadia Sheikh Photo
Nadia Sheikh
Musician — London
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Nadia Sheikh, I’m half British half Spanish. Born in Spain and based in London.
Describe your style in three words?
Simple but effective.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds at Razzmatazz in Barcelona 2012. Noel and Oasis were a massive influence in the direction I took in music and 'Don’t Look Back In Anger' was the track that did it for me. I was about 15 and I went with my whole family to the show. I had a big sign that said "Name: Nadia. Dream: to sing Don’t Look Back In Anger with you" and Noel dedicated 'Don’t Look Back In Anger' to me. It was one of those magical moments!
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Oasis and Janis Joplin. Oasis are a huge influence for me and I never got to see them play live, so would be two birds in one stone. Janis was an absolute powerhouse, it would’ve been incredible to see her live not to mention share the stage with her.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
Britpop, punk and grunge. Being half British and half Spanish, I lived with one foot in each country all the time and I was always fascinated with the cultural movements that came from the UK and the US. I also love a lot of music that came from the Mod era.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
If it was an AAA conversation it would be Kurt Cobain. I’d love to get an insight into what really was going through his mind. Or Nelson Mandela or David Bowie - lots of lessons to learn.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
I really like the Forum in Kentish Town and KOKO, they’ve just got something about them. But my favourite small venue has to be The Water Rats!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Parents. I know a lot of parents aren’t supportive of their children deciding they want to ditch a 'normal' job and instead pursue a career in music, but hands down if it wasn’t for mine I wouldn’t be where or who I am today.
Nadia Sheikh is an independent London-based indie rock artist chosen as one of This Feeling’s 'Big in 2018'. She’s collaborated with Jamie Morrison (Stereophonics) and played at festivals including Isle of Wight and FIB (Benicassim festival).
Her new single 'Toxic' has garnered support from Radio X's John Kennedy and Planet Rock.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Can’t Buy Me Love' - The Beatles
I used to have the A Hard Day’s Night film and album when I was a kid and I would just watch/listen to it over and over again.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Things I’ll Never Say' - Avril Lavigne
I was huge Avril fan in my early teens. My parents took me to see her live at Manchester arena when I was about 11 and that pushed me to pick up a guitar.
One record you would keep forever?
'Back In The US' - Paul McCartney
It’s a compilation of Paul’s, The Beatles’ and Wings’ best songs. It just sparks feelings!
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Last thing I remember,
I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
‘Relax’ said the night man,
‘We are programmed to receive’
You can check out any time you like
But you can never leave"
'Hotel California' - The Eagles
A song you wished you had written?
'A Day In The Life' - The Beatles
Everything in that track is just brilliant. There’s so many aspects of it that clash with itself that shouldn’t work but they do. The two completely different parts with the mad orchestral arrangement in the middle. It’s just great!
Best song to turn up loud?
'Song 2' - Blur
Biggest moshpit I’ve ever been in. It was Benicassim festival 2015 and as soon as the track kicked in the crowd went MENTAL.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Knowing Me, Knowing You' - ABBA
My parents used to have the ABBA Gold album at home and I used to listen to it a lot growing up. Their songwriting is just brilliant!
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Uptown Funk' - Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson
It’s just so groovy!!
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'No. 1 Party Anthem' - Arctic Monkeys
I love the anthesis of the title of the song and the vibe. Perfect song to listen on the tube back!
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Sam Fender - Absolutely love his work and his lyrics, especially 'Leave Fast'
Calva Louise - So many bangers on their album 'Rhinoceros'
FEET - I saw them play at The Lexington recently and just loved them!
Francesca Louise - She's got airy folky vibes and a voice that melts you.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Nadia Sheikh, I’m half British half Spanish. Born in Spain and based in London.
Describe your style in three words?
Simple but effective.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds at Razzmatazz in Barcelona 2012. Noel and Oasis were a massive influence in the direction I took in music and 'Don’t Look Back In Anger' was the track that did it for me. I was about 15 and I went with my whole family to the show. I had a big sign that said "Name: Nadia. Dream: to sing Don’t Look Back In Anger with you" and Noel dedicated 'Don’t Look Back In Anger' to me. It was one of those magical moments!
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Oasis and Janis Joplin. Oasis are a huge influence for me and I never got to see them play live, so would be two birds in one stone. Janis was an absolute powerhouse, it would’ve been incredible to see her live not to mention share the stage with her.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
Britpop, punk and grunge. Being half British and half Spanish, I lived with one foot in each country all the time and I was always fascinated with the cultural movements that came from the UK and the US. I also love a lot of music that came from the Mod era.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
If it was an AAA conversation it would be Kurt Cobain. I’d love to get an insight into what really was going through his mind. Or Nelson Mandela or David Bowie - lots of lessons to learn.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
I really like the Forum in Kentish Town and KOKO, they’ve just got something about them. But my favourite small venue has to be The Water Rats!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Parents. I know a lot of parents aren’t supportive of their children deciding they want to ditch a 'normal' job and instead pursue a career in music, but hands down if it wasn’t for mine I wouldn’t be where or who I am today.
Nadia Sheikh is an independent London-based indie rock artist chosen as one of This Feeling’s 'Big in 2018'. She’s collaborated with Jamie Morrison (Stereophonics) and played at festivals including Isle of Wight and FIB (Benicassim festival).
Her new single 'Toxic' has garnered support from Radio X's John Kennedy and Planet Rock.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Can’t Buy Me Love' - The Beatles
I used to have the A Hard Day’s Night film and album when I was a kid and I would just watch/listen to it over and over again.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Things I’ll Never Say' - Avril Lavigne
I was huge Avril fan in my early teens. My parents took me to see her live at Manchester arena when I was about 11 and that pushed me to pick up a guitar.
One record you would keep forever?
'Back In The US' - Paul McCartney
It’s a compilation of Paul’s, The Beatles’ and Wings’ best songs. It just sparks feelings!
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Last thing I remember,
I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
‘Relax’ said the night man,
‘We are programmed to receive’
You can check out any time you like
But you can never leave"
'Hotel California' - The Eagles
A song you wished you had written?
'A Day In The Life' - The Beatles
Everything in that track is just brilliant. There’s so many aspects of it that clash with itself that shouldn’t work but they do. The two completely different parts with the mad orchestral arrangement in the middle. It’s just great!
Best song to turn up loud?
'Song 2' - Blur
Biggest moshpit I’ve ever been in. It was Benicassim festival 2015 and as soon as the track kicked in the crowd went MENTAL.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Knowing Me, Knowing You' - ABBA
My parents used to have the ABBA Gold album at home and I used to listen to it a lot growing up. Their songwriting is just brilliant!
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Uptown Funk' - Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson
It’s just so groovy!!
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'No. 1 Party Anthem' - Arctic Monkeys
I love the anthesis of the title of the song and the vibe. Perfect song to listen on the tube back!
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Sam Fender - Absolutely love his work and his lyrics, especially 'Leave Fast'
Calva Louise - So many bangers on their album 'Rhinoceros'
FEET - I saw them play at The Lexington recently and just loved them!
Francesca Louise - She's got airy folky vibes and a voice that melts you.
Nadia Sheikh - 'Toxic'
Nadia Sheikh - 'Going Down'
Nadia Sheikh - 'Flip The Coin'
Nadia Sheikh - 'Redemption' (Live)