Time Out: On The Up's fifth outing will see another four talented local group performing their original materials for your listening pleasure. Come listen and show your support to the local music scene.

Join us as we open the stage to all girl band Free to Fall, four piece pop band Apple Juice, fusion band Seven and songstress Najwa Mahiaddin.

We get up close and personal with Najwa for this coming gig, and get to see the personal side of this sweet charming lass:

So tell us, who is Najwa Mahiaddin?
Najwa Mahiaddin is a first year ICOM student who is on her way to the Berklee College of Music! It has always been my dream to study music at Berklee. I was an engineering student in Melbourne for quite a bit before changing to music. Music has always been my passion, so you can say it has been an uphill task to finally persuade my parents to let me pursue my musical dreams.
 
When did you first start singing?
I started singing since I was a little girl. I sang a lot on my dad’s karaoke machine. At first I took piano lessons but when my mum saw how much I loved singing she sent me for vocal training. My first ever performance was for an awards ceremony in primary school when I was 7. I sang Kaulah Segalanya by Ruth Sahanaya.

You make it look so easy to sing the way you do. How do you do it?
I wish it was! At ICOM we do a lot of vocal training and we’re encouraged to perform a lot too. But I do think practice is important and the constant singing has helped me improve tremendously. I feel I still have a lot to learn so I guess that’s why I don’t want to pursue singing full time yet.

You are very young to be so into soul. How did you get into it?
I have an old school soul; I think I’ve been born in the wrong era! Well, I grew up listening to my dad’s CD collection. He had a lot of jazz albums and I discovered jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. I then grew a natural affinity for black music which eventually led me to soul. Then I got to hear Jill Scott and Erykah Badu and I was just hooked.

What inspires you to write?
Life in general. Love. I think I write better when I’m upset or angry. I do think true emotions can help enhance a song. When I was in Melbourne studying engineering I was homesick a lot — and during this time I wrote a couple of songs for my family. Singing helped me get through those times.

How’s the local music scene treating you?
I have been getting a lot of support from the local music scene even though I don’t have an album. I was lucky enough to perform at a string of gigs at No Black Tie and I got a spot at the Sunburst Music Festival. I’m also featured in Malique’s debut album ‘Ok’ and Altimet’s upcoming debut album ‘First Among Equals’.

If you could collaborate with someone, anyone; who would it be?
Ella Fitzgerald! If you could bring her back to life. Or maybe just take me back to that era. Wouldn’t mind that.

Check out Najwa as she performs for Time Out: On The Up at No Black Tie on September 17 at 8.30 pm.