Girl at the Rock Shows

Nadia Kodes’ new song “Traitor” struck me. Both musically and visually with her music video, I was just stuck. There was something so gorgeous about it but also something so very deep and important. When I first talked to Nadia, she talked about music and how it can heal the world among many more things. That statement sealed the deal. I just had to know more about this super talented and genuine Russian artist so, as I do, I asked her a few questions that had absolutely nothing to do with her music and a few that did.

If you could compare yourself to a bird, what bird would it be and why?
It would be a swan. I simply love them and the fact that they become more beautiful as they get older, that’s how I feel about my life. You know, the ugly duckling story.

Favorite lyrics of all time?
“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make”

-The Beatles, “The End”. Oh my… Abbey Road is such a brilliant album.

The influences in your music are vast. There’s a little bit of everything in it if you ask me but who is the one major influence on your music?
Obviously The Beatles – I grew up listening to them. Their vocal harmonies and melodies have been inspiring me for more than 20 years!

If you were to rob a bank, what would be the song playing in the getaway car as you escape?    
“Too Young To Fall In Love” by Mötley Crüe.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
I think it was HIM’s performance at Tuska Festival in Helsinki in 2017. It was during their farewell tour and I remember being so emotional, singing along all the songs and crying tears of joy.

If your name wasn’t Nadia, what would you want it to be?
Bella. Honestly I have never thought about that. I also like the names Autumn, Juliet, Rose.

If you could have dinner with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
It would be Peter Steele of Type O Negative. I love his songs so much and it would be great to share thoughts on life and music. He also had an amazing personality and a brilliant dark sense of humor.

You mentioned you want to move to New York – why not Minneapolis, Minnesota?
Well… Do you have a nice rock club there? And a falafel place? OK I’m coming!

Have you ever been able to finish a Rubik’s Cube?
No, I have never. That’s like rocket science to me!

What was the first concert you ever went to?
I think it was Philipp Kirkorov (Russian pop star). I remember how loud he was and also his glitter boots… Can you imagine? A 4 year old girl experiencing it all from backstage. That’s rock-n-roll!

What’s the worst concert you’ve ever been to and why?
Hmm, that’s a tough question. It was my own concert I did in the backyard of our family’s summer country house back in 2004. Why? I could barely play the guitar and my songs were trash, with lyrics like «I used to be young and now I am not». Pure gold.

What’s your favorite method of listening to music?
I can play music in my head and it’s quite a special experience. I also love to use my studio monitor headphones and just open Spotify on my computer.

What’s one thing I should know before I listen to “Traitor”?
That it’s about someone who is ready to fight for the truth even when it’s dangerous to be loud.

What scene of the music video was your favorite to film?
The one when I tried to dance while being tied with a rope. I shot it when I was alone in a photo studio, just me and a glass of wine. So cool.

There are a lot of locations throughout the video for “Traitor”. Which one means the most to you and why?
The fake psych ward. You know a room that has padding on the walls and floors to prevent self-harm to a person who is inside. I became so anxious and depressed there that I didn’t want to continue shooting. But I needed that. It was a perfect way to show how I felt – like an alien, feeling crazy when you know you’re not etc.

What does the future hold for Nadia Kodes? Can we expect more epic singles like “Traitor”?
Sure! At the moment I am recording a new single “What Is Freedom Anyway?”. It is a rock song with some cinematic strings and it does sound epic! This time I am working with David Walker who’s a sound producer and musician from Nashville. Super talented guy. Also I have started working on an album. This winter is going to be amazing!

One of my favorite things about music is how, even though you may live worlds away from someone, you can have so much in common with them when you start talking about music. That’s exactly what happened as Nadia answered my questions. From mentioning the HIM show (super jealous) to bringing up needing a nice falafel place– I felt instantly connected with Nadia. I know that if Nadia and I ever get the chance to meet face-to-face, it will be an instant friendship.Until then, I will just have to keep listening to her amazing music on repeat and pretending like I am seeing it live because, honestly, that’s what her music makes me want. Check out Nadia and show her some love. I have all of her socials listed below and a link to her amazing new track, “Traitor”.

Nadia Kodes on Instagram

Nadia Kodes on Facebook

Nadia Kodes on YouTube