In a music industry often defined by trends and expectations, QNOVA is a refreshing voice of authenticity.
Growing up surrounded by family members with musical aspirations, she found early inspiration in the art of self-expression.
Today, she stands as a testament to staying true to oneself, crafting a sound that is uniquely hers. In this candid interview, QNOVA opens up about her journey, the challenges she's faced, and the values that keep her grounded.
With her latest album, 'Qnovakain The Bars-Up', she showcases her lyrical prowess and creativity, reminding the world that being different is not just okay—it's powerful.
Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing and how it influenced your music?
QNOVA: I grew up around multiple family members that tried pursuing music careers. By seeing them creating music from a space that allowed them to express themselves, this inspired me in wanting to do the same thing. I saw the happiness that music made them and I wanted the same.
Who were your biggest inspirations growing up?
QNOVA: My uncle and seeing the music videos on television were my biggest inspirations.
What challenges have you faced in your journey to becoming a rapper?
QNOVA: The challenges that I have faced in my journey in becoming a rapper is proving who I am and what I stand for. Especially when I first started. People tend to think that you must “follow the trend,” talk about certain things, or look a certain way and this is something that I do not like to do. I follow my own trend and make my own moves. I want people to respect me for my music and not my body. The truer you are to yourself the more authentic you are. From years of displaying who I am as an artist and my capabilities, people are seeing my work ethics, respecting me as a true artist and accepting me.
How do you balance your personal life with your music career?
QNOVA: I balance my personal life and my music career by knowing when it’s time to take a break. When I need that break, I take it!
What do you enjoy doing outside of making music?
QNOVA: Outside of making music I enjoy road trips, cooking, being a mother and family oriented, and nature.
How has your family and friends' support impacted your career?
QNOVA: My family and friends support very much impacted my music career. Seeing them support me helps me to stay motivated and to know that I am doing something right.
Can you share a personal experience that significantly shaped your music?
QNOVA: If I had to share a personal experience that helped significantly shaped my music career would be when a music AR told me that my sound was “too hard.” I became discouraged and felt ashamed of my sound after this. I found the courage to break from this discouragement and more than ever before, I became motivated in accepting myself for who I am and how I sound. I love the fact that people can not compare my sound to any other artist. I love my sound!!!!
How do you stay grounded and maintain your authenticity in the music industry?
QNOVA: I stay grounded and maintain my authenticity in the music industry by knowing the fact that no one sounds like me and there is only 1 me? Like stated before, I follow my own trend.
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter the rap scene?
QNOVA: The advice that I would give a young woman that’s entering the music scene is to stay authentic, stay true to yourself and know your worth. I would also say to produce great quality music and work hard.
How do you handle criticism and negativity from both fans and the industry?
QNOVA: I handle criticism from both fans and the industry by first understanding that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Then I understand that advice and/or criticism can do 2 things... make you better or set you back. Criticism is needed. It helps mold and make artists stronger. No matter what it is, I still know my worth as an artist.
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
QNOVA: I realized at the age of 8 that I wanted to one day become a music star. I wrote lyrics of my own and rapped or sang it over tracks. I loved the feeling and expressed my emotions.
How would you describe your evolution as an artist from your early days to now?
QNOVA: I would describe my elevation as an artist from my early days to now with one word, creativity. My mindset of creativity is different and better. Creating to grasp people's attention is very important.
What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
QNOVA: The proudest moment in my music career so far is on-going. From things that I've learned in bettering my crafts, doing shows and interviews etc., are all proud moments and they are continuous proud moments. This is something that I love and have a passion for, so for me, they are all achievements.
Can you share any memorable experiences or collaborations you've had with other artists?
QNOVA: I look forward to collaborating with other inspiring and hard working artists like myself one day.
How do you approach songwriting and what inspires your lyrics?
QNOVA: How I approach songwriting and what inspires my lyrics is all in the track. I let the track “move” me. The feelings that I get from the track helps me decide my topics.
learned is to continue to put my work in front of people. This goes for my fans and those behind the music industry. I say this because, If you don’t display yourself, who will know you?
How do you stay creative and motivated, especially during challenging times?
QNOVA: During challenging times I stay creative and motivated by giving myself “me” time. This helps me reflect on things with clearer thoughts.
What do you think sets you apart from other artists in the industry?
QNOVA: My creativity, sound, setting morals in my music, and my story set me apart from other artists.
How do you see the future of your career and where do you want to take it next?
QNOVA: I see the future of my career reaching higher elevations in the music industry. Fans love my music! I would like to hear my music in commercials, films, and movies.
What impact do you hope to have on the rap and hip-hop community?
QNOVA: The impact that I hope to have on the rap and hip-hop community is to be yourself. It is important to know who you are and to stay true, especially as a woman. I want to show that it’s alright to be yourself and to know that you are accepted.
Album 'Qnovakain The Bars-Up'
What was the inspiration behind your new album'Qnovakain The Bars-Up'?
QNOVA: The inspiration behind my new album “The Bars Up” is with me displaying MEGA BARS! There are lots of word-play in my tracks and I wanted to show people how much of a female lyricist I am.
Can you describe the creative process behind making this album?
QNOVA: The creative process of making my album was me “riding” the beat! I allowed the beat to take me on higher levels of creating. This allowed me to produce quality music.
How does 'Qnovakain The Bars-Up' differ from your previous work?
QNOVA: My album 'Qnovakain The Bars-Up' differs from my other work because I used lots of metaphors! So basically it was explosions of BARS AFTER BARS AFTER BARS!
What message do you hope listeners take away from this album?
QNOVA: The message that I hope listeners would take from my album is to be diverse. Show all creative sides within yourself and don’t be ashamed of doing it! Don’t limit yourself, be diverse and go after your dreams.
Do you have a favorite track on the album, and why does it stand out to you?
QNOVA: I really can’t say which track is my favorite. All of the tracks play a role in creating and setting the “tone” for my album. From the beginning, to the climax, and at the end of the album, each track compliments each other and tells stories. All of my tracks “roll into each other” smoothly and it makes sense.
QNOVA is more than just an artist; she's a beacon for authenticity in an industry that often tries to box its talents. With a career built on staying true to herself, she's proven that realness resonates. As she continues to climb in the music world, QNOVA remains committed to breaking barriers, setting her own trends, and inspiring others to do the same. 'Qnovakain The Bars-Up' is just the beginning of what promises to be a legacy of artistry and influence.
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