Every week, people comment on how much they love the theme song for this show. If you’ve been listening and wondering who sings the hauntingly beautiful lyrics… it’s dance music juggernaut and the Grammy-nominated artist, Nadia Ali.

Nadia Ali grew up sheltered, sneaking out of her house to hit the nightclubs of New York City in her teens… but not to imbibe, like most kids her age. No, she was there for a different intoxicant: THE MUSIC.

Enamored by rhythm and sound, she vowed that one day it would be her voice emanating from the speakers. What she couldn’t have imagined was that when she finally achieved that dream, it would be SO MUCH BIGGER than she ever could have imagined.

Nadia’s career took her to some incredible places, and she shares her journey and insights today on the show, including her advice for stepping into your greatness and having confidence even when it seems impossible.

And, most excitingly (for us here at the pod, at least!), she’ll fill us in on the story behind the theme song that has taken us all by storm: the beautiful tune called MAZE which opens and closes this very podcast each and every week.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:40] Jamie introduces Nadia Ali.

[09:28] Nadia talks about her South Asian background and growing up in New York City. 

[16:14] Nadia reveals how her music career began. 

[23:10] Nadia sings her song, “Rapture” for Jamie.

[24:48] Nadia describes her imposter syndrome during the start of her singing career, especially performing in the rave scene. 

[30:58] Jamie explains the significance of DJs and dance music in Europe and how “Rapture” helped make the genre more mainstream. 

[33:18] Nadia describes why she had to stand up for herself in the industry and talks about knowing her worth.

[40:03] Nadia talks about getting out of bad contracts and finding a balance between resentment and gratitude for the challenging experience. 

[44:36] Nadia speaks about empowering herself and the importance of being your own advocate. 

[49:45] Nadia recounts meeting her husband on tour and she and Jamie discuss the realities of motherhood. 

[56:41] Nadia explains the reigniting of her flame and where her career is headed now.

[01:02:07] Nadia talks about the meaning of her song, “The Maze” (the theme song of the podcast!)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[33:25] Nadia explains how her identity as a female minority impacted her experience as an artist in the early 2000s. 

[43:25] Nadia credits the mentality of being “all in” and advocating for herself in propelling her music career. 

[01:04:13] Nadia recounts a key memory that reminded her to be grateful for the “blessing of being alive”.

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Nadia Ali for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Nadia on Instagram @thenadiaali.

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Nadia’s Bio: 

Nadia Ali is a Pakistani-American singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in 2001 as the lead vocalist of the band iiO, known for their hit single "Rapture," which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. The band's 2006 single "Is It Love?" also topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart.

Starting her solo career in 2005, Ali released her debut album Embers in 2009, with three singles, including "Love Story," reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart. In 2010, she celebrated a decade in music with the "Queen of Clubs Trilogy," featuring a successful re-release of "Rapture."

Her 2011 collaboration on "Pressure" with Starkillers and Alex Kenji became a club hit and earned an International Dance Music Award. Ali's 2012 collaboration with BT and Arty on "Must Be the Love" and her 2017 single "Almost Home" with Sultan + Shepard also achieved notable success. In 2018, she shifted to indie pop with her experimental project HYLLS. In 2022, she worked with Michael Calfan on the track "3, 2, 1."

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