Upcoming100: How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?
Namira Salim: My debut solo single "Follow Me to the Moon" marks my formal entry into the music industry. Music has always inspired me and been part of my life.
Upcoming100: Was there a specific moment in your life when you thought, “Music is what I want to do”?
Namira Salim: Yes, when I was ten years old, I was singing one of my favourite songs and realized it sounded pretty real. I thought there may be a hidden talent there, which was later noticed by family and friends. In the years to come, I started mingling in musical circles and started attending classical musical concerts, which followed classical musical training. Soon after, I was fortunate to have had the encouragement of legendary musicians and singers from my part of the world, who wanted to see me launch into the musical world.
Upcoming100: What inspires you (or your music)?
Namira Salim: My love for the stars and exotic, deep, spiritual poetry from my part of the world, a lot of which are rooted in Persian and Arabic poetry.
Upcoming100: Who’s on your iTunes playlist?
Namira Salim: Normally, it's the classical legends. I love Andre Bocelli and Jose Carreras who were also my neighbours in Monaco! Whitney Houston was incredible and I also like Adel.
Upcoming100: How did the idea for your single “Follow Me to the Moon” come about?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=981vdCtAflY
Namira Salim: "Follow Me to the Moon" is inspired by my work in the Space industry under my non-profit, Space Trust, which was founded on the principle of "Making Space the New Frontier for Peace on Earth." But most importantly, the song raises awareness for the New Space Age which is our current age of space exploration and which makes Space accessible to all those who dream of reaching for the stars. The New Space Age will shape humanity into multi-planetary Ambassadors. The song was also a 50th anniversary tribute to the Apollo II moon landing.
Upcoming100: There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?
Namira Salim: I think my music is very unique and I believe in originality. My music compliments everything else I do and am known for, like my potential spaceflight as a Founder and Future Astronaut of Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic, the first private spaceline of the world. However, in the end, luck plays a big role when it comes to breaking into the music world. There is a vast pool of talent out there but luck and the right timing propels the chosen few into stardom, which may not come in the first attempt.
Upcoming100: What are your thoughts on the evolution of artists and music today?
Namira Salim: I think in any field in life, one should follow one’s convictions and never give up on one's principles and values. Above all, originality and not attempting to become someone else can create one's unique niche.
Upcoming100: Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?
Namira Salim: I am a very passionate person. I think every artist is passionate. Music brings out our deepest passions. Without depth and passion in our expression, we can't reach peoples' hearts. Music is about the heart and soul. My passion is rooted in the majesty and mystery of deep space which inspire me through and through as a musical artist, as a thought leader in the Space industry and as a jewelry designer.
Upcoming100: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?
Namira Salim: There are many online resources these days which make music production very affordable. We don't need big studios to record these days so there is immense potential out there for upcoming artists.
Upcoming100: Where can potential fans find out more about you?
Namira Salim: I'm on IG @namirasalimofficial, Twitter @namirasalim, Facebook namirasalimofficial.
