Conversations with Nasi Nassiri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nasi Nassiri

Hi Nasi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Germany, and grew up in a Persian household. My family and I immigrated to California when I was 18 years old. The schools I attended were very heavily focused on science and languages, not so much art or modern music. The only creative outlet I used to have was choir, where we sang classical music. Until I came to California. It felt like a new world opened up for me – I discovered theatre in community college, musical theatre, and the world of writing pop music. All of a sudden it didn‘t feel like it was a world away from me. I ended up receiving my BA in Theatre Arts from UC Irvine, I started writing songs for popular artists, as well as for myself, I also started teaching acting, vocal lessons, as well as performed in plays and films. Today I perform as a vocalist at various venues, concerts and private events. In addition to having my private clients, I teach acting classes at the Actor‘s Studio of Orange County,

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has been challenging in many ways. First of all, being an immigrant comes with its own challenges, but thankfully I have always had a good support system around to remind me of keeping my eyes on the prize. As a woman of color I have always had to go the extra mile to prove myself, I have had to set boundaries and demand respect, especially within a heavily male-dominated industry. On top of that, I have had to learn to juggle being an artist and a mother. My children are the light of my life, and I couldn‘t imagine life without them. The transition of becoming a mother has been beautiful, but also a difficult one, because priorities change. I am finding the balance of being a mother, while also pursuing my passions, in order to show my kids that our needs as individuals matter greatly.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a vocalist. I specialize in singing Persian music, although this was not what I had planned to do. In fact I never sang in Farsi until I was in my 20s. I am a classically trained vocalist, as well as trained in musical theatre. However, I found out that I am able to sing Persian Pop music with ease, and it has been such a blast for me! Most people know me for my ability to sing older Persian Pop songs well, especially those of a famous artist named Googoosh, then turning around and nailing a Celine Dion ballad. The biggest thing I am proud of is being consistent with my performance/craft. Of course we are constantly learning and improving every day, but the fact that I can confidently take on a gig/project and KNOW I will deliver, makes me very proud. I am also proud to be a mother of 2 beautiful boys, whom I can show to follow their dreams and passions. What sets me apart from others is that it‘s very easy to work with me. I pride myself on always being professional, respectful and kind.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was probably the moment my grandfather bought me Michael Jackson‘s history CD. I must have been 8 years old, he took me to this huge department store, where one entire floor was dedicated to CDs and VHS tapes. Along with the MJ album he got me a few other singles of other artists, but this one was the most important one. Once I got home, I started listening to it, and I remember it came with a booklet that contained the lyrics to the songs. I had just started learning english 2 years prior, so some of the words were unfamiliar to me, but most of them I understood. I listened to the songs so much, that I memorized almost everything word for word. It is such a fond memory, because I do feel it was formative of my taste for music.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasinassiri

Image Credits
tiya.studios
sarooshart
olenderphotography