Exclusive Interview with NADINE MAKALEW

The song “The Other Side” is a tribute to those who have endured difficult long-distance relationships that ultimately turn toxic for both parties. The combination of many components, including pop melodies, an electronic beat from R&B, and acoustic instrumentation, gives this song a lively yet soulful and nostalgic quality. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

NADINE MAKALEW: I am originally coming from Indonesia. I did music for a long time. Then I was living abroad to pursue my music career for several years and I went back in 2022 to focus more on my solo career instead.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

NADINE MAKALEW: Yes i grew up learning classical piano at first. That’s where the passion starts to grow. Since then it never really stopped. Then I studied music in Germany and the Netherlands learning a fundamental of songwriting.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘NADINE MAKALEW?

NADINE MAKALEW: This is really tough question. I grew up listen to many kinds of music. The genres that I heard has been very versatile. But if I have to some artists it might be Ray Charles, Tori Kelly and Demi Lovato.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

NADINE MAKALEW: The key is definitely the story of this song. I was hoping to be able to deliver the message about how you stand for your self, self love and self worth! You are worthy.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?

NADINE MAKALEW: I never think of it structurally to be honest. Cause I’ve been listening to many kind of musics, so for me it comes naturally and the inspiration comes visually. I would describe the definition of pop for me is an easy listening with the complexity of lucious sounds.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

NADINE MAKALEW: Now I see the function of music mainly as a tool of an expression. But I aim to utilize music for engaging the audience about environment perse music in sustainability.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

NADINE MAKALEW: I feel satisfied with the amount of time that I spend to create the music and sound that I visualize. In the future I’d like to use more organic sounds and using nature sounds.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

NADINE MAKALEW: Piano is always be the main instrument how I create music. The idea starts with the rhyme of the lyrics then comes the harmonies straightfully. Lastly put everything in the studio and add strings and vocals. I think the work wouldnt be done without the collaboration from the other session players and the producer.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

NADINE MAKALEW: Definitely financial issue and how I build my own brand as an artist independently. I enjoy the whole process from the scratch but it takes quite some time in terms of marketing, social media strategy and playlist pitching

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

NADINE MAKALEW: I would consider a successful point in my life where I can make a showcase of mine and have a tour with the music that I made, so I can share those to the people who needs to be heard and listened.

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

NADINE MAKALEW: I do what I need to do, so I simply ignore and pay attention more the things that I want to do in the future.

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

NADINE MAKALEW: I like both aspects but I think the interaction with a life audience has a different impact for me. I can speak to those interactively and telling the stories behind the song.

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

NADINE MAKALEW: I think it’s important for them to know the meaning of the song. But they can interpret the story differently in their own way