So, let's see what happens when Nejma AlKoor visits Section 36 Music!
Your recent single, “False Promises”, is just outstanding. What can you tell me about it?
False Promises was honestly something I wanted to record for a while because it's a very painful experience I had to go through. I just wanted to put my feelings out there so if anyone else is feeling this way or if they’ve been through something similar they can relate to it. I also tried not to make it super sad. I tried to add some major chords in there to show how I had hope for something that was not really what I thought it was going to be.
Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?
I remember being in the studio and the producer is telling me to feel what I'm saying. The lyrics are very intense, and I could not really feel my feelings at the time because it’s kind of hard in a studio setting to put your feelings out there. So I think my favorite memory is him telling me to just close my eyes and just to live the present moment and to just forget about like technicality or anything like that and just focus more on how I’m feeling and portray that in the song. That’s exactly what I did and I felt very free as I was singing it, especially the chorus
You are attending Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?
I’m in my fifth semester at Berklee. As a professional music major, I focus mostly on music business and performance and a minor in production. I think, to be honest, Berklee is the right place for me because it's not just a music school. It's more of a community. I get to see a lot of different cultures, a lot of different backgrounds, religions. I just love learning so much from other people here. Also is like the education I gained here is a lot. I didn’t know I would gain this much. Another thing would be the experience and just exposure in the music industry. I’d say that Berklee finds you as an artist, and that's why I think like Berklee is the place for me.
You have twice appeared on MBC The Voice. What were those experiences like?
I appeared twice on The Voice Kids, the Arabic version. The first time I was 10 and would only sing western and the second time I was 14. I would say both experiences were good and bad. The good reason was gaining the exposure and the experience. I would say it was just a lot of pressure for a 10 year old or 14 year old. You, with these shows, kind of have to be in their point of view “perfect” condition, and that’s a lot of pressure to put on someone at those young ages. But I'm just very grateful for the experience overall because it was something I needed to do.
If you could cover any Disney song, which one would you choose? Why?
It would be Almost There from Princess and the Frog. It’s a powerful song but yet beautiful and upbeat. I love it.
What are your immediate musical goals?
It would be just to keep making music as much as I can and reaching people who can relate to the music I do and people who can feel safe from listening to it or watching me perform it. And also, because I am studying business, in the future I’d like to do something for music like teaching Middle Eastern music specifically for women. Just, honestly, the music I do is filled with love and I would always love to portray that and to make people feel loved and comfortable with everything I do.
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I'd say that's a wonderful goal.
As always, I want to thank Nejma for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview.
I'm sure you’ll all want to follow her and see what she has going on. I would follow her on Instagram and Spotify to make sure you don't miss a thing.
Thanks again, Nejma, and good luck reaching your goals!