Nardia’s “Is It You” hits like a quiet revelation—gentle in sound, but heavy with feeling. It’s the kind of track that catches you off guard, pulling you into that all-too-familiar moment of meeting someone and wondering if fate is at play or if it’s just your heart playing tricks. Her voice is rich, aching, and unafraid to sit in the silence between the lines, letting every lyric breathe. Paired with a dreamy, diner-set video that feels like a scene from a love story you’ve half-forgotten, the release captures the blur between reality and imagination. Fresh off a Top 5 finish at the 2025 International Blues Challenge and a resume that includes sharing stages with Beyoncé and Adele, Nardia proves she’s not chasing trends—she’s creating moments. And this one lingers.
Your new song, “Is It You,” has a lot of emotion. Can you tell us what inspired it?
“Is It You” came from a really vulnerable place. It’s about that moment of uncertainty when you’re searching for clarity in love—wondering if the person in front of you is truly the one or just another chapter in your story. I wanted to capture the rawness of that feeling, the push and pull between hope and doubt. Musically, I leaned into rich, soulful melodies to amplify the emotion, letting the vocals carry the weight of that longing. It’s a song that asks a question we’ve all faced at some point—whether in love, life, or even within ourselves.
“Is It You” feels like it’s both a question and a statement at the same time. Do you think the song is more about seeking answers or about accepting the unknown?
“Is It You” definitely walks the line between seeking answers and embracing the unknown. There’s a longing in the lyrics, a desire for certainty, but at the same time, there’s an acceptance that some things in life—especially love—don’t always come with clear answers. I think the song captures that moment where you’re hoping for confirmation, but deep down, you know that some things have to unfold naturally. So, in a way, it’s both a question and a statement—questioning love but also surrendering to the journey it takes you on.
How does “Is It You” fit into your upcoming album, Own Every Scar? What should fans expect from the album?
The album as a whole is about embracing every experience, every wound, and every lesson that shapes who we are. It’s these experiences and imperfections in our lives that make us perfect. The songs are raw, honest, and full of stories that explore love, loss, resilience, and empowerment. Fans can expect a mix of soulful r&b, powerful ballads, and more dynamic, groove-driven tracks that reflect the highs and lows of the journey. It’s all about owning every part of yourself—flaws, fears, and triumphs—and turning them into strength.
The music video for “Is It You” has a cool, dreamy vibe. How did you come up with the idea for the video?
I worked closely with Matthew Kelley from Mindseye Productions, and from the moment he heard the track, he was inspired. Within 24 hours, he had a fully formed concept and couldn’t wait to share his vision with me. His passion and professionalism were incredible. The clip is set in a retro diner where reality blurs with fantasy; the clip transports viewers into a dreamlike world of longing and mystery. As neon lights flicker and time seems to stand still, the question lingers: Was it really him, or was she simply lost in a dream? fantasy, transporting viewers into a dreamlike world of longing and mystery. It’s a visually stunning music video that brings the song’s emotions to life through cinematic storytelling.
Is there a song from your new album that you’re especially excited for fans to hear?
I’ve been writing so much music that narrowing down the final tracklist for the album has been incredibly tough. Right now, there are about 12 songs, and while I’m excited about all of them, if I have to choose….. The title track, “Own Every Scar,” is the heart of the album—it perfectly captures the theme of empowerment and embracing imperfections. Writing it was an emotional experience; it’s raw, honest, and deeply personal. Another favorite is Thinking About You, a soulful track filled with beautiful call-and-response moments, rich harmonies, and vibrant horns. And then there’s Closer to Me—that song just hits you right in the heart!
Your music combines R&B, blues, soul, and jazz. How did you end up mixing all these styles, and who influenced you?
Blending R&B, blues, soul, and jazz has always felt natural to me because I grew up surrounded by music through my family that carried deep emotion and storytelling. My father was a blues guitarist, so blues was in my blood from an early age. As I evolved as an artist, I was drawn to the raw power of soul, the sophistication of jazz, and the groove of R&B. Artists like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Eva Cassidy, and Ray Charles have all influenced me in different ways—whether it’s their vocal delivery, their ability to tell a story, or the way they made every note feel alive. Some modern artists I am drawn to include Lianne La Havas, India Arie, Emily King and Snoh Aalegra due to their melodic arrangements, amazing harmonies, and soulful vocals. My music is a reflection of all those inspirations but also of my own experiences and emotions, which bring everything together in a way that feels authentic to me.
When did you start performing music? Do you remember the first song you sang in front of an audience?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember—ever since I was about five years old. My Italian cousins and I would put on little performances for our family at Christmas, and with my Filipino cousins, it was jamming with the guitar and singing. Even back then, music was a big part of my life. My primary school teacher actually told my mom that there was something special about my voice when I was five, which really encouraged my family to support my love for singing. The first time I ever performed in front of an audience was at church, but the moment that really stands out was singing my own rendition of Amazing Grace in high school. That performance was a turning point for me—after that, my teachers and friends really encouraged me to pursue music, and I started performing more and more.
You’ve played on big stages before. What’s the most memorable performance you’ve had so far?
I’ve had the privilege of performing at festivals across Australia and internationally, but one of my most unforgettable experiences was playing at the Orpheum Theatre as part of the 2025 International Blues Challenge. Unlike a regular gig, this was a high-stakes competition, bringing a unique mix of excitement and nerves. I wasn’t just performing—I was representing myself, my band, and my supporters back home, all while striving to make my country proud. Making it to the finals as one of the top five bands out of 400 acts worldwide was an incredible achievement, especially as the only female in the band category. While I didn’t take home the top prize, the experience was truly extraordinary, and out of this experience has come a lot of opportunities.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through your music and the process of creating it?
Through my music and the process of creating it, I’ve learned that I am deeply connected to storytelling and emotion. Music has been a space where I can be completely vulnerable, and in that vulnerability, I’ve discovered my strength. It has shown me that my voice—both literally and figuratively—is powerful and that my experiences, no matter how personal, can resonate with others in ways I never expected.
I’ve also realized that I thrive on evolution. My music has shifted over time, blending genres and influences, and that mirrors my own personal growth. I’m constantly exploring, pushing boundaries, and finding new ways to express myself. Whether it’s through songwriting, performance, or collaborating with other musicians, I’ve learned that creativity is limitless when you’re open to the journey.
Above all, music has reinforced that I’m not just an artist—I’m a communicator, a healer, and someone who wants to connect people through shared emotions and stories.
If you could tell your fans one thing about your journey, what would it be?
Stay true to yourself, even when the road feels uncertain.
My journey has been anything but linear—there have been highs, lows, moments of doubt, and incredible breakthroughs. But through it all, I’ve learned that staying authentic, embracing growth, and trusting the process is what truly matters.
Music has been my way of navigating life, expressing emotions, and connecting with people on a deeper level. Every song I write and every performance I give comes from a real place, and I hope that through my music, you feel empowered to embrace your own journey—flaws, detours, and all.
No dream is too big, and no path is too unconventional. If my story shows anything, it’s that passion, perseverance, and self-belief can take you places you never imagined. So keep going, keep creating, and never let the world dim your light. And most of all, embrace your imperfections because that’s what truly makes you special!
