Naomi Less: Changing the World for Girls Through Music

Naomi Less is a music lover. She has been singing since she was a young girl and believes music is a very important part of life. Naomi wants to empower girls through her songs and hopes to change the world through her lyrics. Her first solo album, The Real Me, focuses on Naomi's personal experiences and offers advice to teen girls. Teen Voices' writer Annie Robinson, had the opportunity to interview Naomi on music, life, and enacting change.

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Teen Voices (TV): What was it like recording your first solo album?

Naomi Less (NL): It was incredible. Some of the songs came super quickly, but with some I felt I had to leave my apartment to get away from them because they were taking so long and were not locking in." Every song is different!" The same goes for recording. Sometimes I'd lock in on the first take, and some days it was hard to get a single note right.

TV: What messages are important to you? How do you share these messages through your album?

NL: The core message is really in the title," The Real Me." How do we let ourselves be our real selves and work to build the strength to do that by surrounding ourselves with true friends, allies, and supporters? How do you recognize a true ally?

TV: What do you want teen girls to know about your music?

NL: The above message—that you can be your real self. You can find people who will support you in that endeavor. If you're in a place right now where you don't feel that you have the support to be your true, real self, then expand your horizons. Do other activities where you can meet new people who will support you and the decisions you know are right for you.

TV: How is your music different from the music of others in the industry?

NL: I think that I'm equally about the message as I am about the music. Both must be true and of high quality. I think there are musicians out there who get influenced by producers to write music that has messages that will "sell" and don't listen to their true selves. It's a tough industry. But I try to stay true to both quality music and quality lyrical messages.

TV: How do you want to empower girls with your music?

NL: I want to demonstrate for them that it's ok to speak your mind—to express yourself, to pick up instruments you want to play—not that others tell you to play. Take risks, rock!

TV: What is the most important message you want to share with teen girls through your music?

NL: I want them to hear that what they're going through is something that others have gone through and that they should hang tough, express themselves, pick up instruments. Don't let others tell them who or how to be!

TV: How does your music reflect your life experiences?

NL: Every song has a personal connection and is reflection of my past or something I'm going through now.

TV: What song on your album inspires you the most?

NL: "The Real Me."

TV: Would you share some words of wisdom with teens wanting to break into the business?

NL: Don't be afraid to share your music." Don't wait for an invitation. You have something to say and it's important that people hear it, so get your ego or insecurities out of the way and put it out there.

TV: Do you have a musical motto?

NL: "Keep it simple, silly." Meaning, don't overthink it.

TV: Do you want to release another album soon?

NL: I do, within the next year.

TV: What can fans hope to see in the future from Naomi Less?

NL: More music and probably more videos.

TV: What are your next steps?

NL: Writing, touring, and developing programs for teens.

To hear Naomi Less's music, visit" www.naomiless.com.

Photo by Jess Levey Photography