Welcome to the private chat with the gifted artist and writer, Nadine Makalew. And it comes as no surprise that the stage name Nadine is the embodiment of her true self. Her original blend of RnB beats, pop melodies and soulful vocals has helped her make waves in the music scene. Her album “The Other Side” is the culmination of a personal journey and struggles that she has faced in her long-distance relationship, which became toxic.
Music was a haven for Nadine since her childhood, being a source of comfort and a way to express herself, in spite of speech difficulties. Moved by the example of her family, particularly by the affirmation and the love of her father, her music depicts the themes of survival and resilience. As an indie artist, she has to deal with the industry’s challenges, yet she stays true to her goal of making music that touches a chord with her fans.
In this interview, Nadine gives an insight into her creative process, the way her style is developing, and the problems she encounters being a musician. Stay tuned as we dig deeper into the artistry of Nadine and find out what is in “The Other Side” beyond.
Listen to The Other Side below
Follow Nadine Makalew on
What is your stage name
Nadine Makalew
Is there a story behind your stage name?
My stage name is basically my original name and I think it just fits the way it is
Where do you find inspiration?
I mostly find inspiration when I am going somewhere. It doesn’t have to be during the holiday but even for small examples like on a motorbike, sitting on a car. Generally, just something related to movement
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I think it changed my life. When I was a kid, I got a speech delay and music is saving me from that. Since that it never really stopped.
Without music I don’t think I’d take a risk to go to Europe, where I spent abroad for several years. It’s just Ive been clinging with music too much
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Yes and no. My sisters and brother really love music. So does our parent. Besides me none of us really doing music professionally. But I’d say my grandpa has influenced me including my siblings a lot in music. He likes to sing very much and he’s in love with classical music
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Actually dad is the one who supports me the most and often watching me perform since I was a kid even until now
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I sang before I was able to speak eventually, but i started to play piano when I was three years old. Since then it never stopped so eventually I joined many music activities at school, choir church and band. Later in teenage years i learned write a song by myself without any basics from 13 in my native language and from 18 I started to write in English.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
International band that i watched for the first time i think it’s secondhand serenade. I just loved rock music back then. There weren’t many international singers performed at our hometown so we just happened to be lick to be there.
How could you describe your music?
My music is really a mixture of everything. Although the main genre is pop but I just love to put a glimpse of other genres such as R&B, Soul, Rock and other genres
Describe your creative process.
I always write my music from piano. Thats where I start with everything. Actually I don’t really have a solid formula what and where do I start. But I know I always like repetitive pattern. So the pattern is like the beginning of the songwriting. The pattern can be from the harmonies, lyrics, melodies etc. From there you develop the instrumentations, sounds until you reach to the most important aspect: the vocal.
What is your main inspiration?
My inspiration is always about survival, trivial and struggle. I think from the survival and struggle experiences that I went through, I always able to interpret through the music. And I can share my personal experiences to the universal.
What musician do you admire most and why?
My taste has been changing for too many times. I just like someone who can sing and play groovy. I admire Tori Kelly so much ! Demi Lovato is definitely on the list as well. Recently I like Raye so much! For a pianist I’d say I like Hiromi the most! Hard to say one
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Definitely. The way i write, sing, arrange and produce has been changed a lot. More references, more experiences had evolved me in my musical experiences. I can slowly identify myself who I really am as a musician
Who do you see as your main competitor?
It’s a tough question but even my boyfriend who happened to be a musician is my definitely my contender. Please check Jims Wong ! He’s amazing btw !
What are your interests outside of music?
I love to cook and dancing so much! Travelling is definitely one of the activity that I like the most.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I think I will be in a restaurant business or I become a content creator making for cooking show or anything else.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
Financial situation for sure! You have rent to pay while you still need to make a living from music. And the road is very long to reach to the point where I can pay myself from the music that I make
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
I think if I can change one thing that would be the work environment. It is still being under appreciated especially this industry for women.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
The other side is one of the songs that I like the most. Sometimes you feel uncertain with your own writing. But this time it feels very natural and the fact that it genuinely coming from your experiences and transfer it into the song. It’s just incredible
What are your plans for the coming months?
I will release another single and in the middle of the year the album will be released. Don’t miss it!
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
In the future I will be for sure. For the upcoming music I have collaboration with the musicians not the other artists yet. But on my previous songs I did have some of it 🙂
What message would you like to give to your fans?
For an independent artist like me! Don’t give up with your dreams! Your story deserve to be sung into a song ! Keep dreaming!
