We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nina Nepa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nina, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
My debut release, I wrote “unCharted” to describe my transformational journey away from mechanical engineering into a music-driven career. I worked on this project truly from cradle to grave. I wrote, recorded, produced, and mixed the track, capturing a super talented cellist to accompany my arrangement. This track was just the first step on the long road ahead of me.
Nina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a mechanical engineer turned singer-songwriter, producer, and musician. In 2020, I was let go from her job in Los Angeles due to COVID-19 and began to reevaluate my priorities by starting to write her own music. The following year, I enrolled in Berklee Online’s Music Production master’s program. Currently, I work part time at Pen Station Studios in Santa Monica, CA, to continue developing my craft. The services I provide are songwriting, producing, engineering, and mixing. I also perform live with artists to support them as a keyboardist and/or background vocalist. In a homogenous male-dominated field, I think I stand out as a queer female producer & engineer to provide a different perspective and energy to the creative process. I am most proud of the diversity of projects I have done. My production style ranges from singer-songwriter ballad, to jazz, to electro pop. I work with artists from all walks of life, and I encourage everyone to be their most authentic selves. I want potential clients to know that no matter where they come from, or how they identify, I welcome them with open arms.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Naturally, there is a lot of skepticism about going into the music industry. Mechanical engineering is a societally embraced path of employment, surefire way to financial stability. No one ever questioned my decision to become a mechanical engineer. There are many risks and instability that can come with a career in the music business. However, making the transition from mechanical to engineering has been the scariest decision and greatest risk of my life. I ran as far as possible in the opposite direction from where I imagined my life would be. I ran away as fast as I could to find myself again. I’m so happy I did.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think the most effective way to support creatives is to directly contribute financially to their projects and endeavors. Whether that be show tickets, merch, or an album/single release, it’s the most helpful way to ensure that artists thrive. In a world of streaming platforms, artists aren’t compensated nearly as much as they deserve. To combat this, I encourage people to buy what the artists are selling, from the artists themselves. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ninanepa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina.nepa/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-nepa-9267b097/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1T3rT1ng_PMo0GONrDEOFA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ninanepa
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ninanepa
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Chris Rieger Media, Andra Knox, Amber (@am_beyy)