Nadia Ali

For the British television and radio presenter, see Nadia Ali (broadcaster).

Nadia Ali

Nadia Ali in 2009
Background information
Birth name Nadia Ali
Born (1980-08-03) 3 August 1980
Tripoli, Libya
Origin Queens, New York, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2001–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website nadiaali.com

Nadia Ali (Urdu: نادیہ علی‎, born 3 August 1980) is a Pakistani American singer and songwriter. Ali gained prominence in 2001 as the frontwoman and songwriter of the band iiO after their debut single "Rapture" reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.[1] The song also charted across several countries in Europe.[2] Their 2006 single, "Is It Love?", reached the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart.[3]

After embarking on a solo career in 2005, Ali became a vocalist in electronic dance music. She released her debut album Embers in 2009. Three singles from the album reached the top-ten of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart, including the No. 1 hit, "Love Story".[4][5][6]

In 2010, she released a remix compilation titled Queen of Clubs Trilogy to mark her decade-long career as a singer. "Rapture" was re-released as the only single from the compilation and the song was once again a chart success in Europe.[7] Ali released the single "Pressure" with Starkillers and Alex Kenji in 2011, which became a club and festival anthem and received an International Dance Music Award.[8] In 2012, she collaborated with BT and Arty on the single "Must Be The Love"

Life and career

1980–2005: Early life and iiO

Nadia Ali was born in Tripoli, Libya to Pakistani parents in 1980. The family relocated when she was five years old and she was subsequently raised in Queens, New York.[9]

Ali started working in the New York offices of Versace when she was 17. A colleague from Versace introduced her to producer Markus Moser, who was looking for a female-singer (or "chanteuse") to collaborate on some of his original productions for a girl group in Germany.[10] The two teamed up with Moser working on production, while Ali wrote the lyrics and vocals for the songs.[11] Her first song was the single "Rapture", which she wrote in 30 minutes based on an encounter with an Australian nightclub patron.[12] A demo of the song was first played at the New York club Twilo in 2001 and received early support from influential DJ Pete Tong who played the demo on his show on BBC Radio 1. The song eventually became an Ibiza favourite after support from prominent D.J.s such as Sasha, Danny Tenaglia and Sander Kleinenberg during the summer season.[13] Released in late 2001 by Ministry of Sound, the single became a commercial success peaking at No. 2 on UK Singles Chart and Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play Chart, while charting in several countries in Europe.[1][2][3] The success of "Rapture", Ali said, caused the formation of iiO as the music they were initially working on was quite different from dance music and were asked to come up with a project name to promote the single.[14] They originally named themselves Vaiio after the Sony VAIO laptop Ali used to write the lyrics on.[2] The duo toured internationally and released several more singles, including "At the End", "Runaway", "Smooth", and "Kiss You". Their first studio album, Poetica followed in 2005.[4]

Ali left the group in 2005 to pursue a solo career, while Moser continued to release iiO material featuring her on vocals. Most notably, these releases include the 2006 single "Is It Love?", which reached No. 1 in America on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart,[3] the 2007 remix album Reconstruction Time: The Best Of iiO Remixed[4] and the 2011 studio album Exit 110.[4]

2006–09: Embers

Nadia Ali performing at Avalon, Boston in 2006

Ali started working on her debut solo album soon after leaving iiO, a process which took her four years. Her first solo release was the 2006 single, "Who is Watching?", a collaboration with Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren, which appeared on his album Shivers.[15] This was followed by "Something to Lose" in 2006, a duet with singer Rosko, produced by John Creamer & Stephane K and released by Ultra Records. The track was licensed to Roger Sanchez's Release Yourself, Vol. 5, as well as Sharam Tayebi of Deep Dish for his Global Underground debut Dubai.[16][17]

In June 2008, she released "Crash and Burn", the first single from her solo album. The single became a club success peaking at No. 6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play Chart.[5] She released the second single, "Love Story" from the as-yet untitled album in February 2009. It topped Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart in April 2009 and was nominated for the Best Progressive/House Track at the 2010 International Dance Music Awards at the Winter Music Conference.[6][18] Ali was featured on MTV Iggy in March 2009, where she recorded three live acoustic videos, performing "Rapture", "Crash and Burn" and "Love Story".[19]

The third single "Fine Print" was released in July 2009. Ali announced that the single preceded the release of her debut solo album Embers.[20] The single peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play Chart.[21] Embers was released in September 2009. Co-produced by Sultan & Ned Shepard, Alex Sayz and Scott Fritz, Ali self-released the album on her own label, Smile in Bed Records.[22] Embers generally received positive reviews, Chase Gran from About.com called it a "well rounded, gourmet album with impressive songs".[23] Gail Navarro from Racket magazine complimented Ali on her songwriting saying, "It wasn’t just her sultry sound mixed in together with that enchanting singing voice; her songwriting got me hook, line and sinker".[24] Speaking about the self-release of the album, she has cited her creative independence and the pressure of deadlines as the main reasons why she created her own record label.[25][26]

Ali released two collaborations in 2009, the first "Better Run" with Tocadisco was released on his album TOCA 128.0 FM and "12 Wives In Tehran" with Serge Devant was released on his album Wanderer.[27][28]

2010–11: Queen of Clubs Trilogy

Promotional material for Queen of Clubs Trilogy featured a playing card with Nadia Ali as the "Queen of Clubs"

Ali's first release in 2010 was the track "Try", a collaboration with German producer Schiller, chosen as the lead single from his album Atemlos, the music video premiered on YouTube in February 2010.[29] In April 2010, Ali released "Fantasy", the fourth single from Embers. The track was chosen as a single by her fans after a poll conducted by Ali on her Facebook page.[22] The music video for "Fantasy" was set to the Morgan Page remix, which served as a prologue to Ali's next project; Queen of Clubs Trilogy: The Best of Nadia Ali Remixed. The package was broken into three releases: Ruby Edition (August 2010), Onyx Edition (October 2010) and Diamond Edition (December 2010). It featured collaborations with, and remixes by, Armin van Buuren, Gareth Emery and Avicii amongst several other prominent DJs and producers.[30]

I think the fact that it (electronic dance music) is mostly male dominated makes females stand out that much more if they are driven enough. I believe anything is possible with hard work.

– Nadia Ali[31]

With a decade-long career, MTV described Ali as one of the "enduring empresses" of electronic dance music and the Queen of Clubs Trilogy as "aptly titled".[32] Noted for being the "definitive" and "unmistakable" voice of dance music, she is said to have "enriched" and "invigorated" the genre.[33][34] Ali has gone on to become an oft-requested collaborator by DJs and producers.[22][35] She was praised for acquiring notability in a male and DJ-dominated genre where vocalists serve as supporting acts.[31][36] She said this was a double-edged sword as she was also treated as competition by DJs.[35] In December 2010, she received her first Grammy nomination when the Morgan Page remix of "Fantasy" was nominated in the Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical category.[37]

Her first track with iiO, "Rapture" was re-released as a single from Queen of Clubs Trilogy with remixes by Tristan Garner, Gareth Emery and Avicii. A new music video for the track was shot based on the "Queen of Clubs" theme and released on 24 January 2011.[38] The song peaked at No. 3 on the Romanian Top 100 chart, while charting in other European countries.[7]

Nadia Ali performing at Armin Only in Poland

Throughout 2010, Ali's collaborations with DJs and producers were released. These included remixes of her upcoming collaboration "That Day" with Dresden and Johnston, which were released on compilation albums. The next, "The Notice" with Swiss duo Chris Reece was released on 13 July.[39] Ali was featured on the track "Feels So Good" on Armin van Buuren's fourth album Mirage. Released as the fifth single from the album, the song was voted as the Best Trance Track at the 27th International Dance Music Awards.[8][40]

During 2011, Ali announced the release of collaborations with several DJs and producers. The first of these was "Call My Name" with the duo Sultan & Ned Shepard, released by Harem Records on 9 February. "Call My Name" was a club success, charting at No. 5 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart.[41] The second track "Pressure", a collaboration with Starkillers and Alex Kenji was released on 15 February by Spinnin' Records.[42] The Alesso remix of "Pressure" became a club and festival anthem and received support from notable DJs such as Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia and Calvin Harris and was voted the Best Progressive House Track at the 27th International Dance Music Awards.[8][43]

In April, iiO released the studio album Exit 110, which featured Ali on vocals. On 23 May, her next collaboration, "Free To Go" with Alex Sayz was released by Zouk Recordings.[44] She was featured on Sander van Doorn's second studio album Eleve11 on the track "Rolling the Dice", a collaboration between van Doorn, Sidney Samson and her.[45] Her next release was the single "Believe It" with the German duo Spencer & Hill, which was released on 3 October by Wall Recordings.[46] She collaborated once again with Starkillers on the single "Keep It Coming", which was released on 26 December by Spinnin' Records.[47]

2012–15

Nadia Ali performing at Josephine's in Washington, D.C. in 2011

As of February 2010, Ali had begun working on her second studio album.[22] A music video for the lead single from the album, "When It Rains", was released on her YouTube channel in August 2011.[48]

In May 2012, Ali announced her move to Los Angeles citing the need for a change after spending 26 years in New York City.[49][50]

Her first release in 2012 was "This Is Your Life", the fourth single from Swiss DJ EDX's album On the Edge.[51] That was followed by "Carry Me", a collaboration with Morgan Page, the fourth single from his third studio album, In the Air.[52] Her next release was "Must Be the Love", the lead single from BT's ninth studio album A Song Across Wires, which was a collaboration between him, Arty and Ali.[53] In 2012, she also pre-announced her album "Phoenix", which, as of September 2015, had not shipped.[54]

In December 2012, Ali announced her engagement to her fiancé, who she married in October 2013.[55][56]

In January 2014, Ali released an acoustic cover of The Police song "Roxanne" as a free download.[57] In September 2015, Ali released the single "All In My Head", a collaboration with PANG!.[58] The release was her first single as a lead artist since 2011.

Musical style and influences

Ali is perhaps best known for her characteristic voice and vocal abilities.[24][33][59] Reema Kumari Jadeja from MOBO described her work as "masterfully encapsulating euphoric and melancholic, Ali’s signature music style sees Eastern mystique caressed with intelligent electronica and fortified with soul".[33] The songs on Embers were likened to Madonna's work in her prime and a "modern re-interpretation" of Stevie Nicks. Billboard praised her voice for having "too much life on its own".[24][34][59] Ali has been influenced by an eclectic mix of artists, which she credits to her Eastern background and upbringing in Queens.[14][26] She listed alternative, folk, Indian and Pakistani music as her biggest influences.[12][14] Some of her vocal and songwriting influences, she said, were Stevie Nicks, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Madonna, Sade and Bono.[10][12][25]
"Crash and Burn" (2008)
"Crash and Burn" combines Ali's signature music styles: Eastern, electronic and acoustic
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Her debut album was noted for a blend of electronica, acoustic and Middle Eastern melodies.[23] She has been praised for her songwriting, describing personal experiences with people, which "hit a powerful and striking chord" with the listener.[24]

Discography

Studio albums
Compilations

Awards

Year Recipient/Nominated work Award Result
2012 "Feels So Good" Best Trance Track at 27th International Dance Music Awards Won
"Pressure (Alesso Remix)" Best Progressive Track at 27th International Dance Music Awards Won

References

  1. 1 2 "UK Charts > iiO". UK Singles Chart. The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 "iiO Biography & Awards". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 "iiO- singles". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "iiO - Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  5. 1 2 "Dance Club Play Chart". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 18 October 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  6. 1 2 "Dance Club Play Chart". Billboard.com. Rovi Corporation. 25 April 2009. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  7. 1 2 Chart Positions for Nadia Ali - "Rapture":
  8. 1 2 3 "27th International Dance Music Awards - Winter Music Conference 2012 - WMC 2012". International Dance Music Awards. Winter Music Conference. Archived from the original on 1 February 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  9. ↑ Imran Siddiqui (interviewer) (21 September 2006). Nadia Ali interview (Television Production). United States: Voice of America. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  10. 1 2 "Behind the Voice: Nadia Ali". Armada Music. 16 July 2010. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  11. ↑ Warner, Jennifer. "Welcome to DJ Fix". DJ Fix. Archived from the original on 9 June 2011. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
  12. 1 2 3 Ali, Nadia (12 November 2009). The Rapturous Voice of iiO - Nadia Ali. Interview with Adz. Hump Day Crew. Joy 94.9. Melbourne, Australia.
  13. ↑ "Interview with Markus Moser, one half of dance duo iio (UK Top 5)". Hit Quarters. 15 May 2003. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
  14. 1 2 3 "Nadia Ali interview". Pro Motion. The Brad LeBeau Co. Inc. 12 August 2009. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  15. ↑ "Shivers - Armin van Buuren". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  16. ↑ "Release Yourself, Vol.5 - Roger Sanchez". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  17. ↑ "Dubai - Sharam". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  18. ↑ "Winter Music Conference 2010 - WMC 2010 - IDMA's - 2009 IDMA Nominees and Winners FOR 2010". International Dance Music Awards. Winter Music Conference. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  19. ↑ Samantha (16 September 2009). "Nadia Ali's New Album Embers". MTV Iggy. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  20. ↑ Stern, Bradley (1 July 2009). "Nadia Ali prepares release of new single, album". muumuse. Archived from the original on 3 June 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
  21. ↑ "Dance Club Play Chart". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 24 October 2009. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  22. 1 2 3 4 Stern, Bradley (17 February 2010). "Interview with Nadia Ali". muumuse. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  23. 1 2 Gran, Chase. "Nadia Ali – ‘Embers’". About.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  24. 1 2 3 4 Navarro, Gail (5 December 2009). "Nadia Ali – ‘Embers’ – CD Review". Racket Magazine. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  25. 1 2 Murphy, Dan (2 October 2009). "Nadia Ali - A Love Story". Same Same. Archived from the original on 1 June 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  26. 1 2 "Beatsmedia interviews Nadia Ali". Beatsmedia. 4 July 2010. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  27. ↑ "Toca 128.0 FM - Tocadisco". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  28. ↑ "Wanderer - Serge Devant". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  29. ↑ Stern, Bradley (19 February 2010). "Schiller ft. Nadia Ali: Try (Video Premiere)". muumuse. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  30. ↑ Albums in the Queen of Clubs Trilogy: The Best of Nadia Ali Remixed:
  31. 1 2 Richards, Lola (8 January 2010). "Nadia Ali: interview Article". Hipster Overkill. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  32. ↑ Bhansali, Akshay (4 February 2011). "Nadia Ali stunned by 'Fantasy' Grammy Nomination". MTV. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  33. 1 2 3 Jadeja, Reema Kumari (28 December 2010). "MOBO Exclusive: Nadia Ali - Empress of the Empire". MOBO. MOBO Organisation. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  34. 1 2 Mason, Kerri (1 April 2011). "Sultan & Ned Shepard featuring Nadia Ali, "Call My Name"". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on 6 September 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  35. 1 2 "Nadia Ali: The Voice". Real Detroit Weekly. 13 June 2012. Archived from the original on 15 August 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  36. ↑ "'Rapture' singer Nadia Ali in the city". Times of India. 1 June 2011. Archived from the original on 3 June 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
  37. ↑ "Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical - Nominees and Winners". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  38. ↑ "Nadia Ali - Rapture music video". Armada Music. 25 January 2011. Archived from the original on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  39. ↑ Stern, Bradley (13 July 2010). "Nadia Ali and Chris Reece – The Notice (video premiere)". muumuse. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  40. ↑ "Armin van Buuren feat. Nadia Ali - Feels So Good". Armada Music. 19 June 2011. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2011.
  41. ↑ "Dance Club Play Chart". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 30 April 2011. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  42. ↑ "Nadia Ali, Starkillers & Alex Kenji - Pressure (Original Mix)". Spinnin' . 15 February 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  43. ↑ Veevers, Brandon (19 October 2011). "Nadia Ali, Starkillers & Alex Kenji Release Some Pressure". Entertainment Focus. Archived from the original on 24 October 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  44. ↑ "Alex Sayz feat. Nadia Ali - Free to Go". Armada Music. 25 May 2011. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  45. ↑ "Sander van Doorn unveils new artist album". inthemix. 16 August 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  46. ↑ "Spencer & Hill & Nadia Ali – "Believe It" (Club Mix) (Exclusive Preview)". Spinnin'. 23 September 2011. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
  47. ↑ "Starkillers & Nadia Ali – Keep It Coming [Teaser]". Spinnin' . 14 December 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  48. ↑ "Nadia Ali – "When it Rains" Official Music Video". Smile in Bed. 19 August 2010. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  49. ↑ "All the World's a Stage". SubMerge Magazine. 23 May 2012. Archived from the original on 15 August 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  50. ↑ "Strictly News - Interview with Nadia Ali". Strictly Rhythm. Archived from the original on 15 August 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  51. ↑ "EDX - On The Edge". Armada Music. 29 January 2012. Archived from the original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  52. ↑ Norman, Ben. "Morgan Page - 'In the Air' CD Review". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
  53. ↑ "Armada Music signs new BT album". Armada Music. 1 May 2012. Archived from the original on 22 May 2012. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
  54. ↑ Rosado, Nicola (11 April 2012). "Nadia Ali In Early Stages Of Phoenix Album". MTV. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on 13 April 2012. Retrieved 12 April 2012.
  55. ↑ Matt Christensen (Director) (21 February 2013). Live at Sutra Nightclub December 2012 - Nadia Ali (YouTube Video). Orange County, California: Hashtag Management. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  56. ↑ Nadia Ali **Live** V-Live Saturday January 21st (YouTube Video). Los Angeles, California: Google Hangouts. 17 December 2013. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  57. ↑ Bennett, Josh (13 January 2014). "Premiere: Nadia Ali - Roxanne". Less Than 3. Archived from the original on 14 January 2014. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  58. ↑ Spada, Andew (September 2015). "DA Premiere: Nadia Ali & PANG! - All In My Head (Original Mix)". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  59. 1 2 Stern, Bradley (12 February 2009). "Nadia Ali - Love Story". muumuse. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.

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