Nina Versyp on headlining her first show, starting a music career in france, and developing an authentic artist’s persona

Two friends growing up in Lyon together, Marc Phillips and Nina Versyp spoke about Nina’s art and what it's like to have such a strong relationship with music. 

Marc: Nina, we've known each other for a long time, starting from our jam sessions at your countryside house in the south of France. How have those early experiences shaped your music and your identity as an artist?

Nina: I often forget how I started music, but I began with the guitar in Washington, D.C., taking lessons with my brother. I quickly shifted to singing, especially during those summer days in the countryside. The guitar became a support for my emotions, a safe space where I didn’t have to worry about opinions. This non-academic approach to music was crucial for me. My music today is intuitive; I recently resumed guitar lessons, but everything I’ve composed has come from pure intuition, with little music theory involved.

IMAGE BY ©kangourounoir

Marc: What do you believe has been the most significant change in you as an artist over the years?

Nina: The most significant change for me has been realizing that music is my personal form of expression. As a kid I explored various creative outlets like photography, theater, and writing, feeling a deep need to express myself, but I didn't know what that passion truly was until later in life. Now that I know music is my channel, there’s a sense of relief and freedom that comes with it.

Also, I've always struggled with insecurity regarding my appearance, feeling too skinny, too pale, or just not pretty enough. However, music has shifted my focus dramatically. I no longer care about how I look; my value as a person comes from creating music, and that realization is incredibly liberating. While I still feel insecure at times, particularly when I’m filming videos, those concerns are not at the forefront of my mind anymore. Music has become my primary focus and the essence of who I am, overshadowing any worries about my appearance.

marc: Speaking of appearances, congratulations on your recent sold-out show at La Boule Noire! I had the privilege of witnessing your performance of songs from your new album live for the first time, and you seemed so calm and collected on stage. When you perform in front of a crowd like that, do you feel an alter ego take over, or do you see your performance as an authentic extension of your true self? How does this dynamic shape your connection with the audience and influence how you deliver your music?

nina: Sometimes I wonder if I should create an alter ego, but I quickly dismiss that idea because it wouldn’t stem from the place where I create music. Music is not just a passion for me; it’s a necessity. I need it to survive. It’s interesting to reflect on how I’ve become more passionate about music over time, but initially, it was more about the need to express myself and release emotions.

When I perform, I see it as an extension of my true self. The place from where I compose is very much a reflection of who I am. Being on stage makes me feel completely exposed, almost naked, as I share my music with the audience. It’s a vulnerable experience, and I want to embrace that vulnerability as a liberating force. For me, my music is fundamentally who I am, it’s my universe. 

Image by dorinoum

Marc: Is that why you choose to keep your real name as your stage name? 

nina: I chose to use my real name as my artist name because it reflects my authentic self. My career began unexpectedly, I just used my name while participating in contests and events without knowing I would become a professional artist. With time it felt natural to stick with my real name because, at the time, I didn’t anticipate this career path.

As I started to gain traction, I did contemplate changing my name to something that resonated more with my artistic vision. However, I couldn’t find a name that felt right. Ultimately, I thought, “Why bother?” People recognize me as Nina Versyp, and I want them to know who I truly am. There’s no need for a facade; my real name is a part of my journey.

Marc: The absence of a facade during your performances must create profoundly emotional moments for both you and your fans. Can you elaborate on the emotions you experience when you're on stage?

nina: As someone who has primarily done opening acts, it feels surreal when people come specifically to see me perform. The first emotion I often feel is almost dissociation, where I think, “Is this really happening?” When I look out at the audience, I see a mix of reactions—some people are headbanging while others are teary-eyed. It’s fascinating and sometimes overwhelming.

It feels surreal to witness someone being moved by my performance. I remember opening for a New York based band called Infinity Song, where the audience understood everything I was saying. I could see some people holding their hearts, and I thought, “If I look at this person for more than 15 seconds, I might cry.” I crave that connection, and I hope to perform for audiences that resonate with my work more deeply in the future.

Marc: Can you describe your creative process when writing new music? Are there specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your lyrics?

NINA: I often start with simple chord progressions and allow my body and experiences to speak for me. My themes tend to be heavy, often exploring concepts like dissociation and cycles of life. For instance, my song "Harmonium Blue" reflects on life as a cycle, while "Summer Haze" captures the nostalgia of the first sunny days and the memories associated with them. The latter song emerged from a place of deep reflection on a friend I lost during high school, which was a traumatic experience for us. Writing about him helps me process that grief and keep his memory alive.

My creative process often arises from moments when I feel an urgent need to express something significant. While my songs can carry heavy themes, I aim to convey them in an engaging way. I hope that even if the subject matter is deep, listeners can still find joy in the music.

Marc: What other deep challenges have you encountered on your journey to becoming the artist you are today, and how have they shaped you both personally and professionally?

nina: One of my first major challenges has been the language barrier in the French music industry. The reality is that the industry often hesitates to take risks on artists who sing in English, viewing it as too risky due to radio quotas and audience preferences. As I began my journey, I was frequently told I needed to sing in both English and French, but I decided to stick to what felt authentic to me, regardless of the expectations.

Another challenge has been building a supportive team around me. It’s difficult to find people in the industry who genuinely have your best interests at heart. I’ve encountered individuals who tried to take advantage of me, whether professionally or personally, which has been especially challenging as a woman in this industry. This struggle has sharpened my intuition and made me more discerning about whom I trust. People you trust and relationships are a cornerstone for any working project. 

Image ©kangourounoir

Marc: Now that you've headlined your first concert, what are your aspirations for the future? Are there specific goals you hope to achieve in your career?

nina: Looking ahead, I have short-term goals, including announcing another show in Paris soon. My ambition is to set artistic goals rather than just career milestones. I want to focus on demoing my songs more thoroughly. Previously, I would go to the studio with my guitar and present my songs as is. Now, I plan to create demos myself, which will allow me to have more control over my sound and vision.

By taking this approach, I can imprint my identity as an artist more effectively. I want to be more independent in my creative process. I’m also taking guitar lessons, which is a significant step for me. While I want to develop my skills, I don’t want to get lost in the endless possibilities of music production. My goal is to maintain an intuitive approach while gaining more creative control over my work.

Marc: As someone who has worked hard to reach this point, what advice would you give to young musicians who are just starting out on their journey?

nina: My advice to young musicians just starting their journey is to stay as close as possible to your musical intuition. It’s essential to connect with what feels truly right for you, rather than getting caught up in what others are doing. There’s a lot of noise in the industry, and it’s easy to become distracted by comparisons. I believe that comparing yourself to others can lead to confusion and a lack of authenticity in your work.

One of the best pieces of advice I received was from an artist who mentioned that there's nothing worse than an artist who is overly focused on others. Instead, I encourage aspiring artists to carve out their own unique paths. It’s like this: if you take the highway, you’ll encounter thousands of people, but if you forge your own trail, it may take time, but you’ll find clarity, and others will join you along the way.

Marc: Thank you for this great interview Nina, we’re currently in one of the loudest bars in Paris and congrats on the amazing concert, any last words for your fans?

nina: Finally, to my fans and supporters who have been with me on this journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Your energy and kindness have been incredibly uplifting. Each person who comes to my shows or listens to my music matters immensely to me; your support is huge and impactful.

I want my message to reflect that even when life throws challenges our way, we can still stand tall. Embracing hardships can lead to empowerment, and I hope my music inspires others to feel empowered as well. I want people to embrace their struggles and the aspects of themselves they may not love.

The crowd at my recent show was so attentive and filled with sweet souls. It was a beautiful experience, and I want everyone to know that we are all in this together. No one is alone in their journey, and I hope my music helps others feel that sense of connection and empowerment.