An Interview with German Singer-Songwriter Nana Forest
Nana Forest discovered her musical style by covering her favorite songs in her own unique way. After her debut single, “Show Me Your Scars,” — receiving tens of thousands of streams — she finally released, “Daydream.” With this new single, the Munich-based singer-songwriter captures the moment of escaping everyday life into a daydream, reminiscing about a bittersweet moment from long ago. It’s an intimate, nostalgic yet energetic Pop song. The mood is driven by her genuine and delicate voice, making it the perfect song to just daydream away…
With her single, “Daydream,” out now, we took some time to hear more from Nana Forest. Read below to learn more about Nana Forest, the story behind her single, and what’s to come.
Hi Nana Forest! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Nana has actually been my nickname for a long time. Back when I got the first booking as a musician for a gig, the promoters asked what my artist name was. Without giving it much thought, I just used my nickname as my artist name at that time and stuck to it. However, just “Nana” wasn’t particularly unique, which meant finding me online was difficult. So, for the release of my debut single, “Show me Your Scars,” I decided to add my family name Forest as well. I’ve been making music as Nana Forest since then.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I’m from Munich, Germany, and currently also live there.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
It’s hard to tell when I actually decided to pursue a career in music. It just happened. When you’re a musician, you simply can’t NOT make music. I never had vocal coaching and just taught myself because I always had the urge to sing my favorite songs. At some point, I wanted to be able to play them too, so as a teenager, I took guitar lessons. I just loved singing and playing my favorite songs for myself. But, I gradually realized that others enjoy listening to me doing that. When you do what you love, things just fall into place.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
When I was little, we had a video tape or a DVD with music videos of Michael Jackson — I loved watching them. And I still remember when Michael Jackson and Friends played a huge concert in Munich in 1999. I was stuck in front of the TV and really enjoyed watching every minute! I don’t know if that influenced my sound today, but it definitely shaped my taste in music.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My musical style is an acoustic-Pop sound, driven by my genuine and unique voice.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I do Aerials Silk, specifically Aerial Silk Dance. I am not very good, but this kind of sport is such a beautiful mix of dance, strength, and elegance. Also, you tend to improve quickly, and I’m constantly expanding my boundaries in terms of physical strength and courage.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Ed Sheeran, Lewi Capaldi, Olivia Rodrigo, and Kina Grannis
What are some of your future music career goals?
Continuing making music to see where it takes me. I’m working on so many projects, right now, and can’t wait to see what it might lead to.
Now onto your release, “Daydream.” What inspired this song?
My songwriting always starts with a particular idea for a few lines along with a melody that randomly come to me. So, one day, part of the lyrics and the melody of the verse just popped into my head. I got inspired by the idea of reminiscing about a beautiful memory and just daydreaming away to escape reality. That’s something I find myself doing a lot. Haha, hello ADHD!
What is “Daydream” about in your own words?
It’s about embracing daydreams and reminiscing over cherished memories. Our minds are free, and we can replay the best memories whenever we want, just like a movie.
What is your favorite lyric in “Daydream” and why?
It’s the first two lines: “D*mn last night I dreamed of you again, isn’t it funny how this never ends.” As I said, those two lines just popped into my head one day, and I built the whole song around it. I think we’ve all been there — when someone suddenly happens to be in our head — even though we haven’t heard from them in a long time. That’s why that’s my favorite part of the lyrics.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from “Daydream?”
Allowing yourself to give in to a daydream and reminisce about happy memories, even though those memories may be tied to pain. This song is all about the bright side of such memories.
What’s one of your proudest moments of your music career so far?
After I released my debut single, “Show Me Your Scars,” people from all over the world reached out to let me know that they like my song. It’s not like this happens everyday, but now and then, I get messages like this. It means so much to me when somebody tells me that my music actually touched them or that they play it over and over again because they just love it.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned so far?
Keep doing what you love, even though you think you don’t know what you’re doing. Also: Everything happens for a good reason.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?
With my next releases, I want to go back to my roots: acoustic, raw, and more of a singer-songwriter sound. I’ll release and acoustic EP later this year and some of my favorite acoustic covers! Can’t wait for you to hear it!
Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanaforestmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nanaforestmusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ud2mF5UKphrvP2Qz3tExe
Before you go, tell us three random facts about yourself.
- I am a night owl. I’m most creative and highly motivated late at night.
- The first cover I played on stage was “If I Were a Boy” by Beyoncé when I was 18 years old. Only my closest friends really heard me sing before that.
- I love late, extended breakfasts.
Thank you for the great interview, wish you much continued success!
