NINA: A Synthwave Icon

By Vero Kitsuné

German artist, singer-songwriter and producer Nina Boldt, or simply known as NINA, has been captivating audiences with her effervescent and pastel-tinted romantic tracks that celebrate the sun-kissed, delicate side of the neon-soaked spectrum of the synthwave genre. Taking inspiration from the ‘80s era, NINA’s approach to her craft carries a distinctive motif that is tastefully nostalgic sans the campiness often associated with nostalgia music. Her approach is painterly in nature with refined brushstrokes, combined with impeccably emotive vocal delivery, thoughtful lyricism, and just the right amount of fine glitter. Her marquee track “Beyond Memory” is considered a synthwave essential and has helped seal her seat as synthwave’s true Golden Girl and fixed icon, being one of the first female artist-producers leading in the genre.

In September 2019, I had the honor of personally getting to know NINA when she and fellow synth pop artist Parallels flew to New York to kick off their North America tour starting at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. Italo-disco and synthwave dynamic duo - and my perpetual stage comrades - Bunny X and I (as CZARINA) served as hosts and opening acts during that memorable evening, when the synthwave community coming from different parts of the country all pooled into the halls of the Knitting Factory to experience a rare, historic all-female lineup headlined by the synth queens. During that period, I discovered what is truly striking about NINA is how she is true to form to her music and her image. Despite of her success and achievements, NINA is remarkably gentle-natured, low-key and unassuming, which is often a rarity in this day and age. Yet behind the doe-eyed, delicate golden frame is a seasoned superstar that easily commands the stage, the spotlight and the hearts of her adoring fans and peers - her “Synthians.”

In anticipation of her upcoming trilogy of new releases this summer, I recently caught up with NINA to discuss all the basics behind her story, the array of changes and growth since her last tour and the release of her sophomore record, Synthians.

So Nina, for those who are new here, please tell us where you are from and how did you initially get into music? When did the NINA project first start?

I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. I started singing at a very young age and at 15 I started taking classical vocal lessons. By the time I was 18 I was a backing singer touring and performing at various TV Shows including “Top Of The Pops”. This is when I developed a taste for performing and truly got hooked, or as we say in Germany “I licked blood”. Ha.

At age 20, I decided to widen my horizon and move to the UK where a lot of my musical idols come from, like Depeche Mode, David Bowie and Queen. 

Living in London really inspired me, because it’s filled with pop culture and I met so many interesting musicians who helped me along the way and taught me a lot about writing and production. “We Are The Wild Ones” was my first official Single, released in 2013.

How long have you been writing and producing?

I started writing lyrics and poetry when I was about 12 and began my career as a performing artist in my 20’s. I eventually got into the production side of things in my 30’s and now have my own studio in Berlin.

You are known as one of the first female pioneers and a fixed icon in the synthwave scene. “Beyond Memory” continues to be a strong staple in every synthwave playlist among “Automatic Call” and many others. Tell us what brought you to the ever-growing popular nostalgia genre?

I’m an 80’s baby, so I naturally love Pop Culture from that decade. I always liked the idea of reliving feelings from my childhood, while creating something new with my own music. When I lived in London, I noticed a retro-modern flare in the indie music scene that was very 80’s. This was somewhere between 2010 - 2015. It suited me, so I went with it and by the time “Beyond Memory” came out, this wonderful new genre called “Synthwave'' grew and the people of the scene embraced me. I have felt at home “ever synth” ;) 

Who are your musical influences and heroes. Is there anything in particular (whether it’s a film, event, occasion, era) that has shaped your creative perspective and stylistic direction?

Freddie Mercury (Queen), because he’s larger than life. Jim Morrison (The Doors) for his lyrical oeuvre. John Carpenter for his iconic horror movie scores and Nena for her vocal talent and raw power. I love horror movies and I’m really into ghosts and the supernatural. I write a lot about longing for another reality whether it be past, present or future. All of this combined has helped shape my music.

Please share with us what your first full-length record, Sleepwalking, and your second full-length record, Synthian, are about. How have you grown creatively, emotionally and artistically between the two major offerings. 

“Sleepwalking” explores love, betrayal, memories, breaking free, loyalty and the realm between reality and dreams. With the success of this record, I connected with so many amazing fans and I met so many great artists during my tours. This experience ultimately inspired my next record “Synthian”. 

“Synthian” is a more immediate record. So, rather than writing a song about what has happened to me, I was writing about what was happening to me at the moment. For example I wrote “The Distance” as I was falling in love and “The Wire” is about the urgency of time and the importance of maintaining a meaningful connection. And of course the title track “Synthian” is a love note to my devoted fans.

Through all this experience, I’ve learned so much about music production and I’ve become a much better songwriter. I used to be a very shy artist but now I feel liberated and bold in my creative process. My new upcoming songs are more raw, hands-on and emotionally charged.

You recently turned a major chapter, struck out on your own and are now working independently. What direction do you see your music going into and what does the future hold for NINA?

Without getting too specific prematurely, I definitely think I’m going to take more creative risks and will experiment with new ideas. I’d like to challenge my own voice and sing in new ways. I’m working on a special collaboration project with Radio Wolf. It’s very cool. We’re messing around with all kinds of sounds. It’s electronic, it’s rock’n roll, it’s experimental. It’s fun to combine our mad brains. I’m also working on my third album aimed for a 2022 release. 

What do you think is the future of synthwave and where it is going?

I honestly don't know. Everything is so unpredictable. But my hope is that it’ll have a long lifespan and grow, not just in reach but also in creative ideas. And as much as I love the 80’s, there are great musical ideas of every decade to explore. 

What would you say is the most important thing about being a musician today and what continues to inspire you and drive you?

Keep creating! Make music because you love it, be true to yourself and hang in there.

I’m inspired by my collaborators. It’s special when creative worlds collide and marry into one. Stay connected; I look to my fans during tough times. They give me hope when I need it the most. 

Do you have new releases coming soon? Please tell us about it. 

I’m releasing a trilogy of new Singles this summer; produced by electro-rock auteur Radio Wolf and songwriting legend Ricky Wilde. For all the latest news, subscribe to my mailing list: www.iloveninamusic.com.

In 2019, we had the honor to experience the Automatic Gold tour with you and Parallels. And we know you still have the show scheduled with Ollie Wride coming up. Any tour plans slated for the future once it’s safer to travel again?

Yes, Ollie’s show is on December 5th and then I have a show in Berlin with Adam Is A Girl on Dec 18th. Then Hotline Bristol on June 4th 2022. There is another big Festival planned for late 2022, which I can’t announce just yet but it’ll be big. In the meantime, I’m gonna be spending a lot of time in the studio creating and when the time comes, I will launch a new and updated live experience.

Anything else you would like to share? Last words to your fans?

Keep burning bright, Synthians.  

For more NINA and to keep updated with her new works, visit iloveninamusic.com