Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: My older brother was a drummer in a rock band so I was exposed to a lot of rock music growing up such as Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Metallica, etc. I went on to do acting, singing lessons etc. but always returned to my first love of rock music.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Nia John”?
A: I have grown a fanbase since launching the band, Wolf Storm, 5 years ago in S-Wales and S-West and we gig regularly to meet new people. The big turning point for me was the release of Total Eclipse, 2021, which was played to over a million people on Worldwide radio. I was talent-scouted for my own World live stream too. I subsequently released Holding Out For A Hero, another Bonnie Tyler cover, and was contacted by an Italian games producer for it to be the soundtrack for his game trailer. Music I have released since then has been well-received across the World in particular radio stations. I have nearly 10million song streams. Therefore, I feel new people who discover me will see me as a World artist and they are very welcome to follow me.
Q: What inspired you to cover “Faster Than the Speed of Night” by Bonnie Tyler?
A: The success of the first two Bonnie Tyler cover tracks inspired me to release another. Faster Than The Speed of Night, was another one I always wanted to record and one of my favourites by Bonnie and Jim Steinman. There are also not many female rock icons in Wales and listening to her music growing up made me feel proud that she comes from Wales.
Q: How did you approach making this song your own while still respecting the original?
A: I listened to her intonation to not veer too far off the original but it is my voice singing it. I used a backing track similar to the original and sang the high notes at the end to give it my own feel. Therefore, it is just a fresh version of the song.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Rock
Q: What was the most exciting part of recording this song?
A: All of it, although I do enjoy making my own videos which has become my trademark. I enjoy having a loose idea and going with the flow of what I film on location and effects on a video app I can find. I can spend hours video editing and it is good fun.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: For others to believe in themselves in whatever goal they have. Life is short, to enjoy it. My goals are to enjoy this whilst it lasts and to continue being creative in whatever direction that takes me. Music is very different now to years ago and I am mindful of remaining grounded.
Q: How did you collaborate with the production team to bring your vision to life?
A: Al Steele, a member of the Korgis, is my producer, and I have worked with him since 2012. All my music is recorded at Shabbey Road Studios and we have released 8 original songs together so far. I feel he knows my voice best and we are able to work efficiently together as we’ve done it for so long. He is spontaneously creative like myself so we don’t box ourselves in too early with an idea.
Q: Where do you feel your music is headed next? Are there any upcoming projects we can look forward to?
A: I have written a 9th original song and want to do a 10th, so I can then release an album of original songs. This is something I can look back on how my music progressed into my own sound as it is today. I will continue releasing covers and gigging with the band, as well as maintaining an online presence.
Q: Finally, if you could send one message to your fans and listeners, especially those who might be hearing you for the first time through this single, what would it be?
A: If you get Bonnie Tyler and Lzzy Hale (Singer of Halestorm), then you’ll get me! Thanks for your support!
