Nicholas Joubert, a young South African singer, climbed into the top 5 chart on Five FM with his single “Someone New” in 2021. PDBY interviewed Joubert following the recent release of his hip single called “Hollywood Hills”.
How and when did you know that you wanted to pursue music?
I wanted to pursue music professionally when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I got my inspiration from Disney Channel, funny enough. So, then I was starting to get involved with music; started pursuing it, started taking-up vocal lessons, you know more professionally and then it just went from there. Then I think the seed of the dream was planted.
Are there any artists and performers whom you take inspiration from when it comes to producing your own unique style of music?
My music interests are very wide in variety. Sometimes I would listen to a track and think it’s very cool and that I want to use those elements. However, music inspiration for me comes from Harvy, a UK based artist who is also very much into commercial pop, including Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift. I think those are the top three artists that I gravitate to a lot when writing my music. My producer is someone who wrote for Jessy J in America, so when I was looking for a producer and saw his credentials, I knew that I had found someone who would understand the direction that I wanted to take with my music.
You are currently doing your honours in business communication; do you sometimes find it hard to manage your time between being a performer and a student?
It does have its challenges, especially when it comes to research modules which can be very time intensive. I mean if you really have the perseverance, the dedication, you will prioritise to make it work as much as you can. I also have a great team that I work with, so whatever I cannot handle I delegate to the team. They help me help the, I am just writing and producing but not necessarily releasing everything. At the moment I am not actively performing, because honours is… just a little bit tricky. But anything worth having in life is difficult, put in the hard work and the effort and you will get there.
What are your top 3 tips for those who are studying and pursuing music at the same time?
Put in the time, with your studies and your music. Like just my vocal training per day takes about two to three hours, and that is like an everyday commitment that I made for my music. It is the same with your studies, if you do not put in the effort, you are not going to get the marks. Second tip; time management and preparation for the unexpected. When an unexpected opportunity presents itself you either decline the opportunity or you take it on and reshuffle your schedule around that given opportunity. Third tip; don’t take yourself too seriously, the goal is to have fun and enjoy yourself. For music and for studies, if you are not enjoying it, then why are you doing it? You can strangle the life out of what you love to do if you take it too seriously. Remember, you can be serious and still have fun at the same time.
Your latest song, “Hollywood Hills”, has such a resounding feel-good-techno-tune, can you take credit for the sound effects or do you have a team behind each song?
The producer and I would collaborate very well. He really is amazing at what he does, he is someone who wrote for Jessy J in America, so when I was looking for a producer and saw his credentials, I knew that I had found someone who would understand the direction that I wanted to take with my music. We have two songs that are in the production-pipeline, and this alone shows that I really enjoy working with him.
What is the process between coming-up with a song in your head or on paper to having it ready for streaming?
I take a bit longer, but generally the artist would produce new releases within three months. It is actually very interesting how the songs, “Someone New” and “Hollywood Hills” changed throughout the recording and editing process, the songs are completely different from what they were at the start. It’s a lot like building a house, you add, take away and modify until you are satisfied with the product.
What is your ‘game-plan’ for your music career? Are there any specific steps that you are taking to get your music out there?
Right now I am just building a fan-base, they are the ones that support, listen and share my music. I just like engaging with the audience, having special events that are especially for the fans. I am also very focused on marketing; you know, promoting my music internationally. It really is all about marketing. I am looking for longevity, like Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga, they are a bit out there, a bit unconventional. So, I opted for earrings, which are very unconventional for an Afrikaans guy in Pretoria. My mom however wanted me to get a tattoo, but for my dad the earrings are already a bit of an eyebrow raiser, plus I can always take out the earrings, a tattoo is a bit of a bigger commitment. My family always says that they expect the unexpected from me.
Tuks FM provides such a unique platform not only for global artists but especially for young, South African artists, has your music been broadcasted on Tuks Fm yet?
Yes, they really support me a lot. We get this type of report from Radio Monitor, and I have really been blessed with Tuks FM pushing me, they also had an interview with me last year when “Someone New” came out. I just love Tuks Fm and all of the effort they put into songs that they try to promote, like on their Twitter and Instagram.
Are you currently working on anything that you would like our readers to know about?
I am working on … something, it has a lot of Machine Gun Kelly vibes, so you can expect a lot of electric guitars and stuff. I am not sure what the product will be, however, I can almost guarantee it will be something exciting.
