JO Magazine

“AT A YOUNG AGE, I began to realize people were starting to notice my voice. ... I would always be the one asked to sing,” says 23-year-old Nadia Al Fadel. From a family of musicians, she said she knew early on that her future would be in music. She started out making trip hop songs in Amman, under the name Overground (along with JO writer Hamza Jilani) and shortly after graduating from the University of Jordan in 2007, Al Fadel relocated to Chicago with her humble portfolio of music.

With a day job in the student affairs department at DePaul University, Nadia continues her constant work, jotting down abstract thoughts for songs throughout her day, and heading off to her friend DJ Limbs' makeshift studio in his apartment whenever she has the chance.

“I chased my dreams to dreamland,” she says. “You can’t get too much done in Amman when it comes to getting your sound heard. But here, you have open mic nights and all kind of lounges catering to all kinds of tastes.

“For now, DJ Limbs and I aspire to complete at least eight tracks for my debut album, which I then plan to market over the Internet and [in] the city.”

WHAT'S NADIA'S WORLD LIKE?

Reading...
“I just picked up Jazz by Toni Morrison.”

Listening to...
Ledisi
“A new RnB artist I just discovered. I’m currently addicted to her single 'Alright.'”

Watching...
Planet Earth
“I love nature and this series is truly inspiring and thought provoking. It humbles you in a way. 'Ice Worlds' is my favorite episode.”

Surfing to...
smithmag.net
“A new fun find of mine. I need to get around to making a website for myself.”

Hanging out at...
House of Blues, Chicago
“I love jazz lounges and places that showcase live acts.”

How do you hope to get attention?
YouTube...
“Music videos are my next project. I plan on posting them on YouTube for a start. A lot of imagination is going to be poured into this.”