Nella by MB Koeth

Tigre GEM: Global Emerging Musician, Nella

As Nella steps onto the stage, her voice and presence resonates deeply, embodying a rich blend of old-school soul with contemporary flair. Known for her deep connection to her adored Venezuelan culture and commitment to the empowerment of fellow women songstresses, Nella’s latest album, En Otra Vida, draws inspiration from a pivotal moment in her career—a reflective journey brought about by reaching a milestone age. This album not only revisits songs from her youth but also reimagines classics with new meaning, woven together with her vibrant energy and soulful dedication to the art of music.

Reflecting on her journey, Nella speaks about the moments of crisis and introspection that brought her back to the roots of why she sings and why she creates. “For me, it was like medicine—a way of returning to who I was and finding my voice again.” In our conversation, we delved into Nella’s creative process, her inspiration from female songwriters, and the grounding influence of her Venezuelan culture.

Tigre Sounds: How did your background in Venezuelan folklore and passion for Andalusian rhythms shape your unique sound?

NELLA: My passion for Flamenco and Andalusian music was something that came late in my life while I was at Berklee making music. I actually thought I would be the next Christina Aguilera from [Isla] Margarita, hehe. I grew up singing the music of my favorite pop icons: Mariah, Christina, Whitney, you name it. It wasn’t until I was 21 that I discovered Coplas Españolas and I completely fell in love. I felt very connected to these sounds and they came natural to me in a way. It makes sense culturally, because where I’m from in Margarita Island, Venezuela, the Andalusian influence in our music is very, very clear. I felt like I could sing it, not like a flamenco singer, because you have to be born there to sing like that, but I felt a connection. So I started falling in love with this, and it also made me realize that I should sing in Spanish—I only sang in English. It was a beautiful connection for me with the music, being able to sing in my language. It was an eye-opening moment in my life. And, of course, even if I don’t make Andalusian music, I’m very influenced by my way of singing. And Venezuela, of course, is always with me; I have a tattoo of the island where I’m from, and no matter what I do, it’s always there in my lyrics, or in the instruments I try to incorporate into my music, or the rhythms. It’s always there, in one way or another, even if I don’t make Venezuelan folk music.

TIGRE SOUNDS: What inspired your latest album, En Otra Vida, and how did you choose the tracklist to reinterpret it?

NELLA: En Otra Vida was inspired—or I think it had to happen because I had this existential crisis, which I think we all have, maybe every decade, I don’t know. For me, it happened in my 30s, and it was like… I call it a crisis, but it’s a good crisis because you start questioning yourself, like, why are you doing what you’re doing? I think it’s something everyone should ask themselves in any career, on any path. There’s a moment when you’re doing something for so long that you’re like, “Ok, you’re on autopilot,” and you don’t appreciate all you’ve achieved. And you start questioning yourself, “Oh, I have a Grammy, next. Oh, I collaborated with Juan Luis Guerra, next.” Instead of thinking, “Oh my God, I’ve dreamed of this my whole life.” I should stop and be grateful for my life, my team, myself, little Nella. 

So, for me, it was that moment when I wanted to re-answer those questions and the reason I started singing. And that led me back to the music I sang when I was little.

Tigre Sounds: This album truly does feel like a journey back to your roots. How has it impacted your relationship with music?

NELLA: Absolutely. It’s helped me remember why I started singing in the first place. It took me back to the music I grew up with, to songs that my parents played. It was a way of grounding myself and finding that spark again, especially through music by female composers I admire. Creating this album felt like therapy. It allowed me to pause and reflect on everything I’ve achieved, something we often overlook in the rush of life. It reminded me to be grateful—for my career, my team, and the journey itself.

TIGRE SOUNDS: Can you tell us about your experience working with Javier Limón on your debut album, Voy, and how that helped shape your artistry today?

NELLA: My first album was, of course, always a dream of mine. Many people dream of the Grammy, the award—I always dreamed of hearing my own voice on an album, on anything, on a cassette, on anything. The first time we made this album, it was like an introduction of my voice to the world. With Javier, if you listen to it, the album is very raw, like percussion, guitar, and my voice. I even remember telling him, “My voice is too loud in the mix,” and he’d say, “It doesn’t matter, it should be loud. This is your introduction to the world.” And it was an album we made, following our roots, with an avant-garde twist, not trying to follow any trend. If you listen to it, you’ll understand what I mean. It was a beautiful surprise for us, of course, to win the Grammy and all the joy it brought us, my first tour, my first everything. And working with him was also incredible; he discovered something in me and made me believe in myself more. It’s amazing when you find people on this path who believe in you and share the same vision. For us, art was the root of everything, the center of it all. It was a beautiful process for me, and a beautiful album that, of course, I’ll cherish all my life—it was my first baby.

 

TIGRE SOUNDS: You’re collaborating with amazing artists; who has had the biggest influence on your musical career so far?

NELLA: I’ve had the honor of collaborating with many artists. I’d say each of them has contributed something to my life, personally and musically. For example, Alejandro Sanz or Juan Luis Guerra, who of course I admired since I was little. Meeting your heroes and also realizing that they’re so humble, that their humility matches their talent, is a beautiful and incredible gift, especially for a young artist. So when I met them and had the opportunity to record with them, it was like a dream come true. Then, I saw how important it was to keep your head in the clouds but your feet firmly on the ground—they’re a great example of that. And of course, now with my latest album, where I collaborated with many wonderful women— Yendry, Nicole Zignago, Gale, Paula Arenas, maye — I always say I wanted them on this album because I admire how fearless they are with their productions and music. They don’t care about what’s happening outside; they’re like, “This is what I want, this is what I feel,” and that, to me, in this world, at this moment, is very, very admirable. So yes, each of them has contributed to my life and music in so many ways.

Tigre Sounds: How has your Venezuelan heritage specifically influenced En Otra Vida?

NELLA: My roots are always with me. Venezuela has gone through so much, and it’s a part of me that I carry in every song I sing. It’s beautiful to know that, through my music, I can share that part of myself with others.

Tigre Sounds: What scares you about life, En Esta Vida?

NELLA: What scares me most is not being able to see my parents. Family is everything to me, and I can’t imagine a life without them.

by MB Koeth

As Nella reflects on her journey, it’s clear that her music is much more than melodies and lyrics—it’s a bridge to her roots, a celebration of her heritage, and a testament to resilience and growth. En Otra Vida is not just an album; it’s a soulful exploration of identity, an ode to the music that shaped her, and a love letter to the fearless women and traditions that inspire her artistry. Through every note, she invites us to pause, reconnect, and find gratitude in the beauty of our own stories.

With her unmistakable voice and unwavering commitment to authenticity, Nella continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Her journey is proof that music has the power to heal, to connect, and to transcend borders. And as she boldly steps forward, honoring her past while embracing the future, we can’t wait to see where her path takes her next.

 

Photos by Mary-Beth Koeth and Andrescora