Mar Yvette
She may not be a household name yet. But singer-songwriter Nastachia Jones is giving her heart and soul to make her dreams come true.
Stepping onto the music scene in 2015, Nastachia created her YouTube channel NastachiaTV as a way to showcase her vocal talents and get her name out in the public. Although it was her cover of Mariah Carey’s “I Don’t” that first garnered attention, she has since been building a solid following and racking up views — more than 24,000 and counting — with her soulful vocals and magnetic presence.
Now, the 22-year-old has taken the next step with “Real Thing,” her sultry and rhythmic debut single produced by Zach Bromberg. With lyrics that express her journey as a young female artist full of ambition and hope, the song serves as a reminder to everyone that you should never give up on your dreams — and never let go when you see an opportunity.
Nastachia reached out to Homegirl Talk after seeing our interview with June’s Diary to share her own story and the advice she can offer others who dare to dream.
People often dream of a career in music not only because they love music, but because they dream of the glamour it can bring. You’ve only been in the industry since 2015, but what are some things you’ve learned so far that might surprise people?
I’ve learned that it’s a lot of hard work building your career, especially being an independent artist. We grow up seeing the glitz and glamour, but we don’t see the hard work it takes to actually get there. Also, realizing that things just don’t happen overnight. This journey is long and filled with lots of blood, sweat, and tears, but if that is what it takes to be successful and reach my goals, I’m all for it.
In your single “The Real Thing” you sing “I got my eyes on the prize, I ain’t stoppin’ / Til I get that dream in my hand, I stop at nothin’.” What drives your ambition and how do you define success?
My ambition is driven from the fire I have in my heart to make my music and be heard by the world. I’ve been singing my entire life and have always known that this is my gift. Therefore, I want to bestow my gift to millions of ears. Success to me is making myself and my family proud and truly accomplishing everything I set my mind out to do. Success is also in true happiness and being able to live out my dream every day that I live.
What does keeping it real mean to you?
Keeping it real is living in your truth. Not being afraid to “do you” no matter what anyone says. Speaking your mind when your intuition tells you to, making those positive and/or brave decisions for yourself even if someone tries to deter you, and lastly, truly loving yourself.
Breaking into the music industry, let alone making a living from it, is tough. What is your advice for other young women out there who are thinking of pursuing a career in music?
Make sure you’re doing it because this is your genuine passion. That’s where the true opportunities begin to manifest. Perform at that venue even if there aren’t too many people there, take on that gig with a great opportunity even if the pay is low (or there isn’t pay), and be your own investor.
Invest in whatever it takes to make that record, produce that show, or anything else needed to put yourself out there as an artist. I know it’s hard, but if you really want something, you won’t let anything get in the way of that. You’ll find a way.
You share a lot of encouraging messages on Instagram along with photos of your current weight loss journey. Even though body acceptance is promoted more than ever before, women are still pressured to fit particular physical molds. What do you have to say about body positivity?
Embrace your body! I love my body no matter what. My body is my temple and if I am confident with what I’m working with, other people will love it. My weight loss journey is for me. I want to feel good in my own skin, I want to be healthy, and I want to be happy. Exercise is not only for weight loss and looking good, it’s about feeling good, too.
Exercising gives me loads of energy, conjures up inspiration for new songs, and it changes my mental state. After a workout, I want to eat healthy and make better decisions for myself. I understand that women might feel pressured because all around us, we see images of women that might not look like us. You begin to compare yourself to them and feel guilty because you don’t look exactly like them and that’s walking down a dangerous path. Every woman is beautiful and unique.
If we all looked the same, our individuality would be gone. That “thing” that makes you who you are is beautiful. I feel as if we should love and accept our bodies, but still take care of them. We only have one.
On one of your Instagram posts you wrote, “Singing is how I express myself. It’s the most therapeutic experience, singing my pain away.” Talk a little bit more about that.
When I’m feeling down and blue, I sing. When I’m feeling happy, I sing. When I’m feeling sexy, I sing. The energy that runs through my body when I sing a song I wrote or a cover from one of my favorite artists is tremendous. It makes me feel so good. It take my mind away from any stress I’m going through, makes me feel joyous if something excellent has happened for me, or makes me feel even more sexy when I’m in a flirty mood. It’s my greatest way to express myself.
In that particular post, I wasn’t having the best of days. So instead of staying in bed all day and crying, I got myself up and started singing a feel-good song which was “Rope Burn” by Janet Jackson. By the time I was finished filming the video, any negative thoughts I once had were gone. That’s the power of song right there.
If you never got another like, follow, positive comment or view, would you still be making music?
This is a really good question. It goes back to the answer I gave to your question earlier on the advice I’d give to women trying to pursue a career in music: “Make sure you’re doing it because this is your genuine passion.” I would absolutely continue making music because it’s what I truly love to do. Before I even got into the industry, I wasn’t doing it for the views. I still don’t do it for that, to be honest. But the views and likes make me grateful that people resonate with my work. I’m appreciative for every single one.
Name some of the musical artists that inspire your sound.
The list can go on for days! But just to name a few I love Sade, Toni Braxton, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, George Michael, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder. My number one favorite artist is Michael Jackson. He has inspired me in so many different ways. I love his versatility in music and his stage presence. All of those artists — and a lot more I didn’t mention — have inspired me with their soulful/pop music.
Who are the women you admire most?
My mom. She is so strong, beautiful, and intelligent. She has taught me everything I know and I am forever grateful for the woman who is my mother. She is funny, emotional (which I love — we always have a good cry while sharing a glass of wine together), and she’s caring. My mom is the best woman I know and I let her know how thankful I am for her everyday. I love you, Mommy!
Finally, what’s the overall message you want people to get from your music?
I’m strong, loving, ambitious, fun, and just like you. I am a human that hurts, a human that loves, and a human that cares. I’m a woman that will work hard for what I want and will never give up. By any means necessary, I will strive to give the people what they desire from me, and spread my gifts throughout the world. I want people to know that music is my life, it’s my career, and it’s my first love.
Keep up with Nastachia on Instagram for the latest news on her journey!
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